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About Us
Friends of LACOE: A Foundation for Learning (FOL)
is dedicated to furthering the educational purposes of the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE)

FOL supports LACOE, an educational agency that educates the country's most vulnerable students and provides classroom instruction for thousands of young people, including children with severe disabilities, juvenile offenders, and others at high risk of dropping out of school. LACOE is a premier provider of integrated, educational programs and services, from birth to adulthood, in a richly diverse and multicultural global environment. Friends of LACOE helps provide resources for comprehensive educational services, including supportive learning environments and specialized instruction. FOL is also a partner with LACOE in its work with 80 public school districts and numerous other agencies in ensuring educational excellence for the region's two million preschool and school-age children.

Friends of LACOE is focused on working with LACOE staff and partners to identify and leverage resources for programs to improve outcomes for youth across the county.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What is Friends of LACOE?

Friends of LACOE: A Foundation for Learning (FOL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in July 2015.  Friends of LACOE is a tax-exempt organization.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What is the mission of Friends of LACOE?

Friends of LACOE is dedicated to providing resources to the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) as it serves students, supports communities, and leads educators.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What is the difference between LACOE and Friends of LACOE?

LACOE is a public agency established by the California Constitution. Friends of LACOE is a nonprofit organization granted 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by the IRS; it is a public benefit corporation.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What does “Supporting Organization” mean?

Friends of LACOE is classified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3), 509(a)(3), Type I “Supporting Organization” to LACOE.  Friends of LACOE is not a private foundation; it is not a public agency. Friends of LACOE is a public benefit corporation.  

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Why make donations to FOL instead of LACOE?

Some organizations and grant funders cannot support a public agency but can support a 501(c)(3) organization.

Community members wishing to support a LACOE program through Friends of LACOE can consult with a LACOE program manager (who will also work with Friends of LACOE to facilitate the donation or grant proposal development process).

LACOE staff interested in pursuing donation or a grant should consult with the Grants Development Office.  

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Are my donations tax deductible?

Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please consult with a financial advisor if you have more questions.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How do I contact Friends of LACOE?

Friends of LACOE can be reached at (562) 803-8298, at friends@lacoe.edu, or at 9300 Imperial Highway, EC 106, Downey, CA  90242.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  What types of programs does LACOE support?

Friends of LACOE supports programs and initiatives undertaken by LACOE. Scholarship programs for high school students; academic events for students; programs for teachers, administrators, parents and community; professional development workshops.
See the IMPACT section on https://www.lacoe.edu/fol

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Can my school or organization apply to Friends of LACOE for a grant?

Friends of LACOE is not a grant-making organization.  FOL, with LACOE employees and partners, seeks donations, grants and other funding for LACOE programs and activities.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Will all of my contribution support program costs?

Most donations to Friends of LACOE are subject to a 5% administrative fee. One exception is student scholarships.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How is Friends of LACOE governed? Who is responsible for decision-making?

The day-to-day operations of Friends of LACOE is managed by an Executive Director, who works in LACOE’s Grants Development Office (GDO). GDO is the liaison between LACOE and Friends of LACOE.

Friends of LACOE is governed by a Board of Directors; the Directors are both ex-officio and elected. Three serve as ex-officio Directors due to their LACOE affiliation; the additional Friends of LACOE Board members are elected by the Board from the community.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Can the public attend Friends of LACOE Board meetings?

The Board of Directors of Friends of LACOE conducts its business in public meetings in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act. FOL posts meeting agendas at https://www.lacoe.edu/fol

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How can I or my family and friends support Friends of LACOE?

Details on how to contribute to Friends of LACOE can be found at https://www.lacoe.edu/Home/FriendsofLACOE/Howtogive.aspx.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Can I make my donation in installments?

Yes, if you are a LACOE employee. Employees can sign up for the payroll deduction program that automatically takes an amount specified by you out of your paycheck tenthly and contributes to the program(s) of your choice. Sign up through LACOE’s Grants Development Office.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Do you participate in employer Matching Gift programs?

Yes, if a donor works for an employer with a Matching Gift program, please ask them to contact Friends of LACOE. The employer might be able to match the gift.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Can I specify how I want my gift/donation to be used?

Yes, just specify on the donation documentation (check) which program you would like to benefit. Programs include student scholarships, academic events, professional development for teachers and other education leaders, technical assistance to districts, and LACOE schools.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  Who determines the scholarship recipients?

Each scholarship and student recognition program has its own application, criteria, and selection process.

Click here to expand contentClick here to collapse content  How does Friends of LACOE acquire funding?

Friends of LACOE applies for grants in partnership with a LACOE program when a funder requires that an applicant organization be a 501(c)(3). The program is directed by LACOE with Friends of LACOE administering the funds in cooperation with LACOE and the funder. In addition to grants, FOL receives funding through:


• Payroll contributions
• Individual donations
• Corporate donations
• Honoraria