CEF is a nonprofit organization that has secured financial support and services to enrich student learning experiences and teacher effectiveness in Chatham County, North Carolina schools for 20 years.  Our Board of Directors is composed of current and retired teachers, school administrators, parents, and community members dedicated to supporting excellence in public education.  

Each year, we award Creative Teaching Grants and Professional Development Grants to teachers and professional staff in Chatham County public schools [see Grants Information page].  In 2012 we also introduced PTA Matching Grants (see News page).  CEF also partners with all pre-K-12 public schools and the Chatham County School system.  2012 Partnerships with Chatham County Schools include AVID in each high school, middle grades science education enhancement (Progress Energy & Biogen-Idec Microgrants Fund of the Triangle Community Foundation), and NBPTS NBCT candidate support activities (Z.Smith Reynolds Foundation). 

These programs are made possible by generous donations from local residents, businesses, Chatham County Schools employees and residents who designate donations during annual United Way of Chatham County workplace and neighborhood campaigns, and sponsors and participants in CEF special events.