At Investing in Kids (INK!), we know that real change happens when communities and leaders come together to invest in education. Thanks to the ongoing support of the Florida State Legislature through the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program, we’re able to stretch every dollar further.
The School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program is a powerful example of public-private partnership in action. For every dollar INK! raises locally, the state matches it dollar-for-dollar — effectively doubling the resources available to support students and teachers. In fact, for every $1 from the state, local communities contributes over $1.54, demonstrating real partnership in action!
Local Impact: Programs Funded in 2024-2025
This year, local donors and the State Matching Grant program have enabled INK! to fund several high-impact initiatives that directly address the needs of St. Johns County students and educators:
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Five Learning Years (FLY): Early literacy intervention and support for Pre-K to 1st grade students, helping close the literacy gap and set a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
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PIVOT: Targeted academic support and coaching for at-risk students, boosting learning outcomes, building resilience, and improving graduation rates.
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Tools 4 Schools: Providing essential classroom supplies, ensuring teachers and students have the resources they need to succeed and supporting teacher retention.
These programs are more than just line items in a budget — they represent hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for our children and community. By combining state funding with local generosity, we’re able to address unique challenges and create solutions that work for St. Johns County.
A Model for Success
Since its inception, the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program has helped local education foundations across Florida raise more than $100 million annually for innovative, locally driven initiatives. Here in St. Johns County, the results are visible in classrooms every day: students reading with confidence, at-risk youth finding support, and teachers empowered with the tools they need to inspire learning. For over 30 years, the St. Johns County community has supported INK! and our programs — a testament to how deeply our local community cares about public education.
Thank You for Investing in Kids!
We are deeply grateful to the Florida State Legislature, our local donors, and partners like the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations for making this work possible. Your support ensures that every child in St. Johns County has the chance to succeed.
Together, we are building a stronger future-one student, one classroom, and one partnership at a time.
📸 State Matching Grant graphics courtesy of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.
