2027–2028 Community Initiative
350 Backpacks.
350 Fresh Starts.
The Susan Ann Foundation is preparing 350 local students in grades K–8 for the new school year with new backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies — delivered through trusted local school partnerships.
A backpack built around what students actually need.
A first grader and an eighth grader do not need the same supplies. Our program uses three core grade bands — K–2, 3–5, and 6–8 — and adjusts the final contents using the current supply requirements of each participating school.
Schools know which students need the help most.
Instead of requiring families to submit financial information directly to the Foundation, participating schools identify students who would benefit from assistance. Schools tell us how many backpacks are needed by grade band and provide their current supply requirements.
| School | Grades | Students | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our first school partners will be announced here as participation is confirmed. | |||
One student. One sponsor. One strong start.
Our $100-per-student sponsorship target helps support the backpack, grade-appropriate supplies, school-specific additions, packing and labeling, distribution, and other direct costs of delivering the program.
Businesses Can Make a Bigger Impact
Local businesses and community organizations can support the initiative through cash sponsorships, products, services, logistics, or volunteer teams.
- Backpacks
- Notebooks, paper, folders and binders
- Pencils, pens, markers and art supplies
- Headphones and organization items
- Printing, transportation or packing support
Student Privacy Comes First
Sponsors support the program as a whole. Schools select recipients privately. Donors and sponsors do not choose individual students and do not receive student identities.
350 backpacks become a community effort.
The Foundation board is managing the first year of the initiative while we build a volunteer team. Community volunteers will help turn bulk supplies into organized, school-ready backpacks.
- Sorting and inventorying donated supplies
- Assembling backpacks by grade band
- Labeling and quality-checking completed kits
- Packing-day setup and cleanup
- Loading and preparing school deliveries
Backpack Packing Day
After school needs are confirmed and supplies are received, the Foundation will host a community packing event. Backpacks will be grouped by school and grade band, checked for completeness, and prepared for delivery before the school year begins.
A clear goal and a measurable result.
The working fundraising goal is $35,000. Final expenses will depend on school requirements, bulk purchasing, donated goods, transportation, and program logistics.
| 350 durable backpacks | $4,200 |
| Grade-appropriate core supplies | $17,500 |
| School-specific supplemental supplies | $1,750 |
| Packing, labeling & materials | $700 |
| Transportation & distribution | $1,000 |
| Volunteer packing event | $1,000 |
| Printing, signage & outreach | $500 |
| Contingency / price variation | $2,350 |
| Estimated operating budget | $29,000 |
| Fundraising goal | $35,000 |
How We Will Measure Impact
- Number of students served
- Number of participating schools
- Program dollars raised and spent
- Value of donated supplies and services
- Number of participating volunteers
- Total volunteer hours
- Business and community sponsors
Building toward the 2027–2028 school year.
Our timeline gives schools, donors, sponsors, and volunteers time to participate before distribution begins.
How the program works.
Who is the program intended to serve?
Local K–8 students identified by participating elementary and middle schools as students who would benefit from school-supply assistance.
Do families apply directly to the Foundation?
No. Under the first-year model, participating schools identify recipients and privately manage individual student selection.
Will every backpack contain the same supplies?
No. We use K–2, 3–5, and 6–8 core kits, then adjust contents using each participating school's current supply requirements.
Can a business donate supplies instead of money?
Yes. Approved in-kind support may include backpacks, school supplies, printing, transportation, packing materials, or volunteer assistance.
Can a sponsor choose a specific student?
No. Sponsorship supports the initiative as a whole. Schools select recipients, and individual student identities remain private.
What happens if donated products reduce the program's actual cost?
Program-designated funds remain committed to the 350 Backpacks Initiative and will be used in accordance with the Foundation's approved program and donor-restriction policies.
Help a student start prepared.
A backpack is a simple thing. But arriving at school with the supplies you need can make the first day feel very different. Together, we can give 350 local students a stronger start.