The Children's Scholarship Fund aims to maximize educational opportunity at all income levels by offering tuition assistance for needy families and promoting a diverse and competitive educational environment.

- The Children's Scholarship Fund Mission Statement

The Children's Scholarship Fund-Portland is part of a national, privately funded program that offers four year partial scholarships to low-income students. In 1999, Cascade raised $1 million which was matched by national funds, in order to bring this opportunity to the Portland area. Cascade now facilitates the program locally, where approximately 280 students are now enrolled in private schools that their parents chose.

CSF Board

Maura K. Cioeta
Chairwoman of the Board of the Children's Scholarship-Portland (CSF-P), Police Activities League

Molly H. Bordonaro
Principal, The Gallatin Group

Paul R. Farago
Founding Chairman, CSF-P

Derrick Foxworth
Chief of Police, Portland Police Bureau

Jim Francesconi
Former City Commissioner, City of Portland

Tony Hopson
President, Self Enhancement, Inc.

James L. Huffman
Dean, Northwestern School of Law - Lewis & Clark College

Lolenzo T. Poe, Jr.
Director, Multnomah County Office of School and Community Partnership

Julie Riggs
Founding Executive Director, CSF-P

Back to the top

CSF FAQ

How did CSF begin?

In the fall of 1997, entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Forstmann and Wal-Mart heir John Walton teamed up to offer partial scholarships to 1,000 low-income families in Washington, D.C. They were flooded by nearly 8,000 applicants. Moved by this outpouring of demand for education choice from low-income families, the two founded the nationwide Children's Scholarship Fund in 1999.

In one of the largest private investments ever made on behalf of American school children, Forstmann and Walton offered $100 million in matching funds for the eventual $200 million dollar program. Across the country, 40,000 low-income children in over 40 cities can now take advantage of the four-year scholarships.

Why did Cascade bring CSF to Portland?

Like the founders of the Children's Scholarship Fund, we at Cascade Policy Institute believe that parents of all income levels should have the opportunity to choose the best schools for their children. Further, through the introduction of choice and competition into the education system, all schools will improve. That's why Cascade chose to bring this opportunity to Portland's low-income parents.

Oregon individuals and foundations generously pledged $1 million to make this program a reality in the Portland area. Forstmann and Walton matched the money dollar for dollar, to create the total $2 million Children's Scholarship Fund-Portland.

Who received the scholarships locally, and how were they selected?

In the fall of 1998, Cascade announced the availability of 500 four-year scholarships for low-income K-8th grade students. Eligibility was based on income level - generally all those eligible for the federal school lunch program qualified - and on residence within Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties.

By the spring 1999 deadline, we had received 6,639 applications. Five hundred fifty-two students were selected by lottery for the first year.

How do participating families contribute to this venture?

The Children's Scholarship Fund-Portland offers partial scholarships, covering up to $1,850 in tuition costs, depending on income level. The average tuition at an area private school is approximately $3,000; several local schools have offered supplementary scholarships to participating students, helping to make up the difference in cost. All families, however, are required to contribute at least $500 per year for tuition.

Beyond the financial commitment, participating families have met the challenges of researching education options, finding open seats, applying and gaining acceptance to schools and adjusting to the new demands of private schools.

Are applications being accepted for new scholarships?

Cascade continues to receive phone calls each week from parents who want to participate in the Children's Scholarship Fund-Portland. Unfortunately, at this time we do not have plans to award scholarships to additional families. Should more funds become available, our first priority is to bring younger siblings of participating students into the program.

We are maintaining a list of interested familie to notify as future educational opportunities arise. To be added to the list, call (503) 242-0900 or email us with your name, address and telephone number.

Are there other programs like the Children's Scholarship Fund?

The Children's Scholarship Fund is the only national private scholarship program of its kind. The overwhelming demand expressed for this program indicates there is a profound need for more education options for America's youth. Across the country, the parents of 1.25 million children applied for the 40,000 available scholarships. Several states are seeking to address this demand by offering voucher programs, charter schools and tuition tax credits. For more information, visit Cascade's education reform webpage.

Back to the top

CSF support

Invest in the future

No gift you give to a child could be more valuable than a great education that results in a love of learning and a lifetime of success. As a privately funded scholarship program, the Children's Scholarship Fund-Portland is a means to make a gift that has lasting impact.

One hundred percent of all donations made to CSF-P go directly to scholarships; all operating costs are covered separately by Cascade Policy Institute. As a 501 (c)(3) organization, all contributions are tax deductible.

We are continually seeking partners to help accomplish the goals of this program. If you would like to contribute to this endeavor, please contact Nicole Williams, Children's Scholarship Fund-Portland's director at 503-242-0900.