About Us

The Jefferson County Public Education Foundation was established in 1983 to support financially and to enhance the priority initiatives of the Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District in Louisville, Kentucky.

In the early 1980s, the computer era was only beginning, and technology was not as widespread as it is today. The community leaders in Louisville determined that the best strategy for enhancing our public schools was to purchase computers for the individual schools. The first major capital campaign conducted by the Jefferson County Public Education Foundation was to raise private donations in support of the New Kid in School Program. This was accomplished through the generosity and support of individuals, alumni, organizations, foundations, and corporations.

At the start of the new millennium, its board of directors began to explore how the Jefferson County Public Education Foundation could grow into a leadership role as a nonprofit organization in our community. Through a private donation to the foundation, a director position was created. In June 2001, Linda Johnson was selected as the first director of development to lead the foundation.

The Jefferson County Public Education Foundation's current priority is Every 1 Reads. Every 1 Reads is a $16 million campaign partnership with JCPS, Louisville Metro Government, and Greater Louisville Inc. Other areas of focus include the JCPS Preschool Initiative, the Starfish Water Safety and Swim Program, the Basics for Kids Campaign, and various scholarships for high school students. The foundation also promotes Leave a Legacy for planning gifts to benefit children of JCPS.

For more information, contact Linda Johnson, CFRE, at (502) 485-6636; (502) 550-3780 (cell); linda.johnson@jefferson.kyschools.us; or at the Jaeger Education Center, 502 Wood Road, Louisville, KY 40222.