The story of the Consortium began long before it formally became a nonprofit organization, when Florida’s education leaders recognized an important opportunity. State policymakers, community leaders, and early champions of public education saw that while state funding supported schools, communities also wanted a way to invest directly in students, teachers, and classrooms. That vision would spark the creation of a statewide network of education foundations working alongside Florida’s 67 public school districts.
In 1984, Florida Commissioner of Education Betty Castor helped set that vision in motion. With support from the Florida Legislature and the signature of Governor Bob Martinez, legislation was enacted allowing the creation of a direct support organization aligned with each of Florida’s 67 countywide public school districts. These organizations, now known as local education foundations, were designed to engage communities, businesses, and philanthropists in supporting students, teachers, and schools where traditional funding could not reach.
Much like university foundations had done for decades in higher education, these new organizations created a pathway for private investment in public education. Across the state, communities began forming foundations that could raise funds, support innovative programs, and recognize outstanding educators.
As more foundations took shape, their leaders quickly realized they shared common challenges and opportunities. Many of the earliest directors were school district employees who managed the foundations alongside their regular responsibilities. Still, they saw the potential for something greater if they worked together.
In the late 1980s, a small but determined group of leaders began gathering to exchange ideas and support one another. Among them were pioneers such as Don Pemberton of the Pinellas Education Foundation, Jaye Baillie of the Marion County Schools Foundation, Marianne Lorentzen of the Manatee Education Foundation, and Terry Boehm, who helped organize early collaboration across multiple counties.
Their meetings laid the groundwork for a statewide movement. These leaders believed that by working together, local education foundations could amplify their impact, attract new partners, and bring additional resources into Florida’s classrooms.
With encouragement from legislators, business leaders, and community advocates, the network continued to grow. The early architects of the movement helped expand the number of foundations across Florida, building relationships with school districts, school boards, and local leaders who shared their commitment to students.
What began as informal collaboration among passionate education advocates soon evolved into a coordinated statewide effort. Their vision ultimately led to the formal creation of the Consortium in 2001, establishing the organization that continues today to support and strengthen Florida’s network of local education foundations.
