Since 2000, the Virginia Beach Education Foundation (VBEF) has awarded $1.73 million to Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ (VBCPS) teachers for innovative projects. This year, more than $200,000 in grants will be distributed to support learning programs across the division.

“We are so grateful for the generous amount of support the education foundation receives,” said Debbie Griffey, coordinator of the VBEF. “The foundation’s commitment to public education supports hands-on learning experiences for students throughout the division. And now, we are making it even easier to donate.”

Tax-free donations to VBEF can be managed through WISE Employee Self-Service by logging in to your account, accessing the menu on the upper left corner of the page, scrolling down to the “deductions and taxes” tab and then navigating to “optional deductions.” You will then land on the “Optional Deduction Authorization Form” where you can enter the amount you wish to give to VBEF.

VBEF raises funds through the sale of annual commemorative prints, The House Students Built project and annual events like Pearls of Wisdom and the foundation’s golf tournament. The newly established payroll deduction option for employees will further strengthen the foundation’s support of the division’s teachers and students.

To read more about VBEF grants, projects and special events or to donate to the foundation’s Adopt A+ Grants program, visit vbef.org or contact VBEF coordinator Debbie Griffey at 757-263-1069.