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The Demopolis City Schools Foundation is on the road to turning the big 3-0 in just two short years. It’s newest Executive Director, Ashley Coplin, gained the organization’s reins this past August. She is excited to see the organization continue to grow and support the Demopolis City School system.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation was able to find success. It was able to award $44,937.51 in grants this past fall and raised $10,230 on GivingTuesday.

“I want to thank our businesses and the community for their support,” said Coplin. “The pandemic has proved to be challenging for us all, and having their continued support is awe-inspiring.”

The Foundation is anticipating being able to have another round of grants in the spring.

Coplin has some big shoes to fill but relishes the challenge it offers her. Coplin has several goals in mind for the Foundation, including finding new, innovative ways to connect businesses and community leaders to the city’s students.

“I think it is crucial that the Foundation continues its work in being cheerleaders for our school system,’ said Coplin. “Our school system has faced a challenging school year, to say the least, and providing them with support and encouragement is significant.”

The Foundation will soon be rolling out its Gratitude Grams, or as they’re being called, “Warm Wishes.” For a donation of $10, people in the community can give a favored teacher or employee in the school system a cookie from Couture Cakes by Pam and an encouraging message.

The Foundation will deliver the “Warm Wishes” to the schools the first week of February. Forms for “Warm Wishes” are available on the Foundation website and social media. Donations help support the Foundation’s classroom grant program and continue its mission of encouraging excellence in our school system.

“Donor recognition and communication are very important to our success,” said Coplin. “I am working on developing a system of how we communicate with our donors throughout the year. We want them to understand how their donations are impacting our school.”

The Foundation committees will meet to discuss this year’s annual Donor Celebration that usually takes place in March. Coplin said this year would be different as they will be relying on technology instead of in-person meetings, but the message will remain the same. The Foundation wants its donors to know how much they are appreciated.

Coplin also touched on School Fest 2021 and said that the committee would also meet to discuss the plans and changes for this year.

“We want this event to be mutually beneficial for our on-campus and virtual students,” said Coplin. “Although the pandemic has presented some challenges, I think it has given us an opportunity to think and create new ways to continue our mission.”

For more information about the Foundation, visit www.demopolis.org and follow on social media. The Foundation office is located in the Landmark Gallery in downtown Demopolis.