What is an EIE Fund? Excellence in Education (EIE) funds are a means to strengthen our school communities with the use of private charitable resources. EIE funds are awarded for the benefit of school district students and staff. They encourage creative and innovative educational programs, recognize and reward outstanding achievement, and encourage local business, civic and community involvement and investment in schools. EIE funds are community-supported funds that operate independently of school board oversight. All EIE funds are components of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin.
- Since its founding, the Darlington Excellence in Education Fund has given back $150,000 to the community.
Get To Know Us
The Darlington Excellence in Education (EIE) Fund was established in 2003 from a bequest of Dr. Lyle Olson. The Fund serves both public and private schools in the Darlington area. It aims to inspire teachers and students at all levels to accomplish their very best by encouraging and promoting creative and innovative educational programs and recognizing and rewarding outstanding achievement.
Learn About Our EIE Grants
Gifts to Excellence in Education funds are an investment in quality education for today’s students and future generations. Private resources allow for educational programming not typically funded by tax dollars.
Your gift can be a lasting and meaningful way of recognizing a special person or event in the life of your family, organization or business, or as a statement that you value education today and into the future. Donations to any EIE Fund are welcome at any time of the year. All gifts are tax deductible.
Once per year the advisory board awards grants to the local school district for projects and/or programs that fall outside of the confines of the district’s operating budget. Grants are awarded at a ceremony in late November.
The Impact of the Darlington Excellence in Education Fund
Darlington Community School District
- Book Vending Machine Books
- We Heart Books –
- New Classroom Rug
- Back to the Future The Musical
- 7th & 8th Grade PBIS Rewards
- Rosie Bags
- American Players Theatre
- March Book Madness 2026
- PBIS ROSIE Cart for Elementary K-4
- Student Needs Fund
- 5th and 6th grade ROSIE Cart
- Family Night
Total 2025 EIE Grants: $11,477.00
Grant Guidelines
Tips and tools for you to use as you prepare your application. Print out this PDF as you prepare your grant for a quick checklist of your progress.
Give the Gift of Education
Donations to the Darlington Excellence in Education Fund are welcome at any time of the year. All gifts are tax deductible. Mail a check to this address, or click the button to donate online.
Darlington Excellence in Education Fund
c/o Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin
Gift Processing Center
P.O. Box 733
Monroe, WI 53566
c/o Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin
Gift Processing Center
P.O. Box 733
Monroe, WI 53566
Advisory Board Members
The Fund is advised by a committee of community volunteers who serve independently of the school district. The advisory board initiates fundraising activities and determines annual grant awards:
Bob BoyleMichele Crowley
Katie Curry
Lori Nodorft
Carmen Rielly
Deb Pickett
Jill Ringen
Aaron Wolfe