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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Community Foundations, Philanthropy, Private Independent Foundations, Private Operating Foundations
Mission: Pee Dee Education Foundation (PDEF) is an independent, non-profit organization established in 1987 to strengthen elementary and secondary school programs, increase public involvement in education and to ensure clear communication of educational needs. PDEF is a local education fund that encourages and supports the continuing improvement of public education. Resources available to support education in most of our predominantly rural school districts are severely limited. Local schools must work against heavy odds to provide the quality of education necessary for their students to be prepared for tomorrow's skilled and professional hi-tech workforce. Realizing a dilemma, concerned business and education leaders collaborated and created the PDEF, which receives no federal or state funding and no United Way support. Through funding from individuals, civic organizations, corporations, and foundations, PDEF is able to offer innovative solutions and resources that are not available through traditional funding methods. PDEF serves 8 counties, 19 school districts, 128 schools and over 6,000 teachers and 110,000 students. PDEF is a bold and realistic move designed to bring new levels of promise and performance to public education.