ZEF Designated Funds

The Direct Impact Fund is ZEF's operating fund where the donations go directly towards our annual teacher and district grants. These grants are awarded annually in the spring for materials that go above and beyond what is typically offered. The Direct Impact Fund is considered funds for immediate use.  

Any donation that is not designated for contributions to an endowed fund will be directed to the Direct Impact Fund. 

There are many ways to donate to make a direct impact: there is an annual appeal envelope that is included with the annual report,  Sponsorships for “Fowl Play” our annual fund-raising event in October (monetary donations or in-kind raffle items), annual Golden Apple Campaign honoring teachers in the spring, end of year donations, required distributions, and memorial gifts can all be considered as donations to the direct impact fund. 

If you would like to donate to the direct impact fund you may submit a payment to: 

Zeeland Education Foundation 

183 W Roosevelt Ave. 

Zeeland, MI 49464

We also accept Credit Card or VENMO donations: 

Credit Card - visit: paypal.me/DonateZEF

VENMO  direct donations to @DonateZEF

The Zeeland Public Schools Education Foundation's Legacy Fund ensures that ZEF is able to continue to grow and support ZPS in the future. This is an endowed investment fund that is managed by the Community Foundation of Holland / Zeeland (CFHZ), but owned by ZEF.  The money in this fund is considered a long term investment in the Zeeland Education Foundation's initiative to make quality public education a lifetime gift. 

If you would like to contribute to the ZEF Legacy Fund please send donations to: 

Community Foundation Holland/Zeeland

C/O ZEF Legacy Fund

85 East 8th St. 

Ste 110

Holland, MI 49423

When Brooke Lewis, Zeeland East's 2024 Valedictorian, was in elementary school she had physical challenges that impacted her learning. In 4th grade her school physical therapist challenged her to do something that seemed impossible. Her therapist persisted, saying, "If Brooke knows she can do this, then she will know she can do anything."  Brooke took on the challenge (downhill ski lessons) and was successful. Had she not been challenged to do something out of her comfort zone it would have been hard for her to believe in herself that she could do hard things. 
Fast forward to 2024; Brooke had a dream of helping other kids by offering them the opportunity to do something challenging. Her family set up an endowment for the Zeeland Education Foundation to provide grants to elementary students of ZPS to challenge themselves with an opportunity to realize their full potential and to NEVER GIVE UP. 
Teachers or ZPS support staff can nominate a student for the opportunity after discussing it with the family. 

Examples of experiences may include (not limited to): Emotional Challenge -  Theatre/improv Camp at Hope College Creative Challenge - Holland Area Arts CouncilCompassion and Empathy Challenge - Harbor Humane Society CampSocial Challenge - Hope Science Camp Physical, Communication Challenge - MBJA Sailing Camp, Muskegon Luge  

This grant is an opportunity to provide funding for a challenged ZPS student to try something they may feel is impossible, to encourage them try challenging things and grow from the experience. 

If you would like to contribute to the Brooke Lewis- Never Give Up Fund please send donations to: 

Community Foundation Holland/Zeeland

C/O Brooke Lewis Fund

85 East 8th St. 

Ste 110

Holland, MI 49423

Heather Jacob Schaap was an educator and supporter of public schools. After her passing in 2018 her family wanted to leave a legacy in Heather's name. 

The Heather Jacob Schaap Communication Retreat, formerly known as the ZPS Communication Retreat, is now primarily funded with the contributions and distributions from this this fund. 

The goal of the communication retreat is to make a meaningful investment in the students' lives and futures. The skills they will learn in effective communication are critical for their personal and professional success. It's about equipping them with the tools to express themselves clearly, listen actively, and understand others' perspectives.

Both Zeeland West and Zeeland East students are selected to attend the event by nomination from high school teachers and staff. 

If you would like to contribute to the Heather Jacob Schaap Memorial Fund please send donations to: 

Community Foundation Holland/Zeeland

C/O Heather Jacob Schaap Fund

85 East 8th St. 

Ste 110

Holland, MI 49423

In 2016 Jaxon Brower lost his battle with mental illness. To honor Jaxon, a baritone player of Cityside Middle School band, his grandfather endowed $10,000 to the Zeeland Education Foundation. 

The distributions from this fund are used to assist the needs of select band students from Cityside Middle School to afford lessons and continue to pass on the love of music in Jaxon's name. 

If you would like to contribute to the Jaxon Brower Memorial Fund please send donations to: 

Community Foundation Holland/Zeeland

C/O Jaxon Brower Fund

85 East 8th St. 

Ste 110

Holland, MI 49423