The Advocacy Fund is a field of interest fund. Field of interest funds were created to fund priority areas for CEC and a percent of the balance each year will be spent in targeted areas as designated. This endowment will provide support for initiatives to support ongoing policy and advocacy efforts of CEC. CEC advocates on behalf of children with exceptionalities 365 days a year. In doing so, CEC examines policy issues, develops appropriate responses to those issues, and influences local, state, provincial, and federal legislation. CEC also monitors and makes recommendations for program regulations and funding. Read more about our policy agenda HERE. Your contribution to this fund ensures CEC can continue to advocate for exceptional children and youth! This fund supports CEC advocacy initiatives such as sending advocates to the Special Education Legislative Summit in Washington, DC to advocate for the field with lawmakers.

The Diversity Fund is a field of interest fund. Field of interest funds were created to fund priority areas for CEC and a percent of the balance each year will be spent in targeted areas as designated. The Diversity Fund supports initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of special education. In alignment with its core values – especially inclusiveness – CEC is committed to embracing the diversity of beliefs and characteristics of its members, as well as individuals with whom its members’ work. Read more about CEC's Commitment to Diversity HERE. An example of the use of this fund by CEC: supports 12 scholars in CEC’s Diversity Leadership Academy with membership in in CEC and the Division for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners (DDEL) as well as support to attend the annual CEC Convention and Expo.

The Fund for the Future is the operating endowment for CEC. No one can anticipate the future needs of CEC or future strategic initiatives that are needed to move the field forward. However, we can all contribute to that future through this fund to ensure CEC has the resources to support future needs. This fund helps CEC remain flexible and able to meet challenges that might arise. With CEC's current Strategic Plan, we have four goals identified that this fund will be tapped to help support, including our efforts to help Attract, Prepare and Retain educators.

The Rising Stars Fund is a field of interest fund. Field of interest funds were created to fund priority areas for CEC and a percent of the balance each year will be spent in targeted areas as designated. This endowment will provide support for initiatives that attract, prepare and retain students and early career professionals. States, districts, schools, and educator preparation programs are continuing to operate tirelessly to ensure all students are provided a high-quality education while simultaneously balancing staffing shortages. The reasons for teacher shortages are complex and require systemic, evidence-based strategies and strong partnerships at all stages of the career continuum. Your contribution to this fund will provide support for CEC initiatives that attract, prepare, and retain students and early career professionals. If you know of a Rising Star who CEC should recognize, please consider nominating them for CEC’s Rising Star Award. Your donations helps fund this award and other strategies to support the new generation of educators. This fund helps support such initiatives as student teacher support and new teacher recruitment videos.

This endowment was created as a designated fund to support the Yes I Can program, which includes recognizing the achievement of students with disabilities each year. Presented each year at the CEC Convention & Expo for over 40 years, the Yes I Can Awards recognize 12 outstanding students with exceptionalities in six categories: Academics, Arts, School & Community Activities, Self-Advocacy, Technology, and Transition. Your contribution to this fund ensures CEC can continue to honor exceptional children and youth! Read more about the Yes I Can Awards HERE.

Additional funds may be created upon approval of the Board of Directors, to include Field of Interest, Designated, or Donor-Advised Funds. Donor-Advised Funds require a minimum of $10,000 or the intent to reach $10,000 within three years and will be spent at the direction of the donor as described in the Deed of Gift. Designated Funds Designated funds are directed by the donors or benefactors for a specific purpose, such as a specific project or initiative. An example would be the Yes I Can program. In the event the specific project or initiative no longer exists, the Board will re-allocate the Fund to similar initiatives. Donor Advised Funds Donor advised funds are a popular mechanism for giving large gifts. Distributions from these funds after consultation with the donor (or designee) and staff. The consultation is advisory only; the board retains legal authority over all distributions. A Deed of Gift will be drafted upon the creation of the fund indicating the general purpose and intent, as well as spending limits and targets. Donor Advised Funds are a wonderful vehicle for tax deductions as well as being extremely efficient for a donor's philanthropy. As soon as $10,000 is reached in the Fund, the money can be allocated by the Board per the Deed of Gift toward specific projects or initiatives. Field of Interest Funds Field of interest funds are those from which distributions are made for a specified purpose or area of concern. For example, CEC has a fund which provides for general activities to support our advocacy efforts, the Advocacy Fund.

Support CEC’s Future Through Endowments

CEC Endowments provide lasting support for key initiatives in special education, ensuring continued advocacy, diversity, leadership, and student success. Your contribution helps sustain and grow CEC’s impact for generations to come.

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Choose Your Impact

Advocacy Fund

Champion Exceptional Learners

This fund powers CEC’s policy and advocacy efforts, influencing education policies and securing resources for children and youth with exceptionalities. It supports initiatives like the Special Education Legislative Summit, where educators and advocates work directly with lawmakers.

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Diversity Fund

Advance Equity in Special Education

CEC is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This fund sustains programs like the Diversity Leadership Academy, which provides scholars with CEC memberships, leadership training, and support to attend the annual convention.

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Fund for the Future

Ensure Long-Term Impact

As CEC’s operating endowment, this fund enables flexibility to address emerging challenges and strategic initiatives. It plays a vital role in sustaining efforts like attracting, preparing, and retaining special education professionals.

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Rising Stars Fund

Strengthen the Educator Pipeline

Addressing the growing teacher shortage, this fund supports initiatives that recruit, train, and retain new special education professionals. Donations help fund recruitment videos, student teacher support, and early career professional development.

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Yes I Can Fund

Celebrate Exceptional Students

For over 40 years, CEC’s Yes I Can Awards have honored students with disabilities excelling in academics, arts, self-advocacy, technology, and more. This fund ensures continued recognition of their achievements at the annual CEC Convention & Expo.

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Other Ways to Give

CEC accept gifts of $10,000 or more to designate funds or endowment funds for specific purposes consistent with CEC’s mission.

To discuss establishing a fund, contact Development Director Claire Jagla at (703) 264-9434 or [email protected].

Last Updated: 7 March, 2025

Support CEC’s Future Through Endowments

Share

Choose Your Impact

Advocacy Fund

Champion Exceptional Learners

Diversity Fund

Advance Equity in Special Education

Fund for the Future

Ensure Long-Term Impact

Rising Stars Fund

Strengthen the Educator Pipeline

Yes I Can Fund

Celebrate Exceptional Students

Other Ways to Give