Formerly known as the Nashville Alliance for Public Education, the Foundation was established in 2003 by the late Nelson C. Andrews who envisioned an organization that would provide private support for public education. The private-sector money would be used to fund strategic initiatives coordinated with the district’s priorities, but currently outside the scope of the district budget.

Today, the Nashville Public Education Foundation builds upon the early vision by continuing to employ private funds to ensure excellence in public education in a way that will have an even greater transformational impact across all district schools.

Community leaders and elected officials have made education reform their top priority and the Nashville Public Education Foundation is the recognized partner to secure private philanthropy that will support larger, strategic initiatives to transform public education and prepare every student for college and career.

“Nashville is fortunate to have such strong private-sector support for its public schools, especially at a time when Nashville is at the forefront of national education reform efforts. The Foundation will play an important role in providing the financial support needed for students to succeed.” —Nashville Mayor Karl Dean Learn more about our Partnership with the Mayor's Office.