As the school year ends, we reflect with gratitude on the powerful impact our donors have made in advancing the Special Education Foundation's mission throughout 2025-26.
As with many nonprofits, funding for our programs comes from three distinct sources: individual philanthropy, events such as the Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament and the Starfish Awards, and foundation grants.
The past year has been remarkable for the generosity of donors supporting our programs. We extend a special thank you to the many foundations, organizations, and community partners who have invested in our mission, collectively impacting hundreds of students served by the Special School District of St. Louis County.
Their collaborative support exemplifies the powerful role that diverse donors play in advancing the Special Education Foundation's work.
Among our key supporters, the Saigh Foundation has stood out for its long-standing support of the Fred Saigh Leadership Academy since its inception in 2004.
For over twenty-five years, the Saigh Foundation has proudly carried on the legacy of philanthropist, community benefactor, hard worker, and caring friend, Fred Saigh. The Saigh Foundation was established to continue Fred’s charitable work beyond his lifetime, with a mission to enhance the quality of life in the St. Louis metropolitan community by supporting charitable projects that primarily benefit children and youth through education and healthcare initiatives.
The Foundation has awarded more than $70 million in grants over the past 25 years.
More than 300 St. Louis County students have joined the Fred Saigh Leadership Academy over the past 20 years, building leadership and self-advocacy skills.
SEF also welcomes the PwC Foundation, supporting our new Junior Leaders Academy for middle schoolers, launching in 2026-27.
The Dana Brown Charitable Trust has also been a longtime supporter of SEF, previously funding our Teacher Mini-Grant program (now Classroom Innovation Grants) and, this past year, making a major grant to our Autism Independence Project.
This past year, the Trust awarded a major grant to SEF’s Autism Independence Project, our new program that helps students on the autism spectrum strengthen social skills, confidence, relationships, and aspirations. Sixteen students participated with our partners at iSocial, engaging in interactive sessions featuring role-play, guided discussions, and practical activities that build meaningful social connections and critical life skills.
Multiple donors, such as the I Have a Dream Foundation - St. Louis, the Mariner Foundation, Sign of the Arrow (Members of the St. Louis Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi), and the Charles W. Frees & Jean H. Frees Foundation, supported SEF’s Classroom Innovation Grants. These grants impacted nearly 5,500 students during the 2025 - 26 school year.
These amazing acts of altruism are great examples of why the St. Louis region is considered one of the most generous regions in the country in philanthropic giving. In short, St. Louis' generosity is a mix of Midwestern civic pride, strong traditions, and a legacy of corporate responsibility. St. Louisans operate under a deeply ingrained belief that if you want a strong community, you have to fund it yourself.
As we prepare for the year ahead, we hope our supporters will continue to be part of our journey. Your ongoing involvement is vital to the Special Education Foundation’s work and the lives we are able to change together. We invite you to stay connected, share our mission with others, and join us in upcoming opportunities to make a lasting difference for students and their families.
Together, we can continue to build on the spirit of generosity that defines our community.
