30 Years of Impact
For 30 years, IPSF has embraced new ideas and responded to the changing needs of Irvine students. Each milestone represents a step forward, made possible by a community willing to invest in innovation and help students discover what they can become.
1996 | A Community United for Students
Irvine Public Schools Foundation is created as three organizations unite around a shared vision to expand opportunities for students.
1997 | Learning Beyond the Classroom
IPSF launches the Afterschool Classroom Enrichment (ACE) program, opening new opportunities for students to explore interests beyond the classroom.
1999 | Building the Foundation
IPSF hires its first Executive Director, establishing the leadership needed to grow its impact in Irvine schools.
2003 | Turning Challenges into Opportunity
When state funding threatens elementary class size, IPSF becomes one of the first education foundations in California to launch a Class Size Reduction Campaign, rallying the community to raise $800,000 in just three months.
2004 | Reimagining Educational Philanthropy
IPSF launches one of the nation’s first nonprofit home raffles, creating an innovative new model for investing in public education.
2004 | Recognizing Community Leadership
IPSF launches the Legacy Partner program, recognizing generous supporters who make a lasting investment in Irvine students.
2006 | Expanding Cultural Enrichment
IPSF launches the Program to Advance Cultural Education (PACE), bringing new cultural learning experiences to students.
2009 | Celebrating Student Achievement
IPSF hosts its first Honors Concert at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, becoming the first school district to bring a concert to the venue.
2010 | Investing in Student Well-Being
Hoag Hospital partners with IPSF to match donations supporting school nurses and health and wellness initiatives.
2010 | Community Investment Fuels Innovation
Irvine voters overwhelmingly approve Measure R and later Measure BB, establishing and extending the City Match Grant to provide up to $1.3 million annually in matching funds. The program inspires greater investment from individuals and businesses, expanding what the community can make possible for Irvine students.
2010 | Celebrating Excellence
IPSF launches the Spirit of Excellence Gala, honoring distinguished IUSD alumni and creating a signature event that brings the community together in support of students.
2010 | Enrichment for Every Student
IPSF’s Summer Enrichment Academy opens enrollment of students from any school district, expanding access to summer enrichment experiences to students across Orange County.
2011 | Bringing Music to Every Child
Through discussions with IUSD, music education is identified as a new funding priority. IPSF commits to funding PK-3 music instruction across the district, expanding equitable access to music education for thousands of students.
2013 | $50 Million Milestone
IPSF surpasses $50 million in donations and programs provided to IUSD.
2013 | Supporting Student Health
IPSF expands its health and wellness funding to include athletic trainers, strengthening support for student-athletes across the district.
2014 | Connecting Business and Education
IPSF introduces its Top 100 Businesses Supporting World Class Education list, recognizing local businesses that invest in Irvine students.
2014 | Investing in the Future
IPSF launches the President’s Circle, recognizing its most generous individual donors and the significant role they play in advancing educational opportunities for students.
2015 | Fueling Innovation
IPSF expands the Innovative Grants Program to include mega grants up to $25,000, empowering teachers to bring bold ideas to life for students.
2015 | Inspiring STEAM Learning
IPSF launches OC STEAM Fest, a community event bringing students and families together to explore hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
2016 | Reaching for the Stars
As founding partner of the Irvine CubeSat STEM Program, IPSF helps students design and launch the nation’s first all high school student-built CubeSats into orbit.
2017 | Giving Students a Voice
IPSF serves as an advisor for the launch of Irvine Talks, a student-led event creating a platform for students to connect and express themselves through poetry, performance, and art.
2018 | Supporting the Whole Child
Recognizing that student success depends on both academic achievement and emotional well-being, IPSF expands its funding priorities to include district-wide mental health resources.
2018 | National Recognition
IPSF is recognized as the top education foundation in California and third in the nation, highlighting the impact of community investment in public education.
2020 | Enrichment Without Interruption
When schools closed during the pandemic, IPSF quickly reimagined enrichment through online classes and STEAM experiences at home, to keep students learning, creating, and connected.
2021 | Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation
To mark its 25th anniversary, IPSF awards 25 schools $10,000 innovation grants to bring new ideas to life across IUSD.
2023 | $100 Million Milestone
IPSF surpasses $100 million invested in Irvine students through grants, programs, and educational opportunities.
2023 | Expanding the Arts
IPSF expands its support to include Community Musicals, giving more students opportunities to participate in musical theatre programs.
2024 | A Record-Breaking Celebration
The Spirit of Excellence Gala honors hometown band Young the Giant and raises a record $1.2 million to support Irvine students.
2026 | Shaping the Future of Learning
IPSF’s Innovative Grants Program surpasses $3 million awarded directly to teachers and staff to bring new ideas to classrooms. With the addition of a districtwide AI grant, IPSF continues to invest in innovation that helps IUSD students prepare for what’s next.