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About
Mission, Purpose, and History
The Murray Education Foundation (MEF) is a dedicated partner focused on fostering life-changing student learning and development for the Murray City School District. Since its establishment in 1981, MEF has actively forged strategic partnerships and secured resources, empowering our educators and the next generation of Murray learners. We serve as a vital link for the community to invest in innovative classroom projects and initiatives that enrich student experiences and recognize the exceptional work of our staff.
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Murray Education Foundation seeks partnerships and resources that support life-changing student learning and development. Working with our educators and community, we are committed to empowering the next generation of Murray learners and leaders.
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Over the years, board members from all sectors of the community and Murray City School District staff have influenced the strategic direction of the Foundation. This includes additional education initiatives, opportunities for teachers and students, and innovative ways for the community to contribute and partner.
The Foundation has supported hundreds of classroom projects and honored more than 125 educators, volunteers, and staff members for their work. Through its efforts, students’ experiences have expanded and educator responsibilities have been optimized.
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Murray Education Foundation (MEF) was established in 1981 (originally Murray School District Foundation), inspired by the belief that we can always do more to support our students and educators. Changing our name to Murray Education Foundation (MEF) in 1994, the organization is also valued as one more direct way in which businesses and individuals could take an active role in improving our schools.
Some of our Activities and Engagment
Beyond our core mission, the Murray Education Foundation (MEF) drives impact through a diverse array of programs designed to support every corner of the Murray City School District. This section highlights our key initiatives, ranging from essential communications like the Murray Matters Newsletter and transparency efforts like our Annual Reports, to powerful investments in people and programs. Explore how MEF provides Educator and Classroom Grants to fuel professional growth and innovation, maintains the unique Nature Center for hands-on learning, and offers vital Student Scholarships to support the next steps of our graduates.
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- Managed by Murray Education Foundation (MEF), a 501c3 non-profit organization - 100% of the proceeds support MEF/Murray City School District programs.
- Emailed weekly to nearly 6,000 Murray parents/guardians of MCSD students; Sent on weekends, to prioritize school/academic communications during the week.
- Includes content from MCSD and MEF, mixed with flyers from the community (government partners, civic organizations, and businesses) - see example in rate section below.
- Serves as a win-win for Murray students, educators, and the community.
- Supports MEF's mission to "Empower the next generation of Murray learners and leaders."
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Annual Reports and Documents
2024-25 Annual Report | 2023-24 Annual Report | 2022-23 Annual Report
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Investing in professional development for educators is a cornerstone of the Murray Education Foundation’s commitment to helping Murray City School District excel. High-quality instruction empowers teachers with the latest tools, strategies, and knowledge to inspire and engage students effectively.
By supporting ongoing learning, the foundation ensures educators are prepared to address diverse student needs, integrate innovative teaching practices, and adapt to evolving educational standards. This investment not only enhances classroom instruction but also fosters a culture of growth and collaboration among staff, ultimately benefiting every student.
Presently, the foundation offers two funding sources for Murray educators to advance their skills in the Laura Baker Professional Development Grant and the MEF Endorsements Grant. Click the links above to learn more about each.
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Classroom Grants
Murray Education Foundation’s Classroom Grants program, leverages the organization’s fundraising and grant-writing efforts to provide teachers with grant funding they can use to innovate and inspire students to new heights.
Submissions: Available funds are currently set at $500 per Murray licensed educator, per year (August 31 each year). Occasionally, the committee has approved expanded funding of $1500-2000 for multiple teachers combining on a more expansive request. While this is a competitive process with limited funding, and strict criteria, MEF has granted approximately 88% of all requests in recent years. Award notifications go out in the first or second week in September.
Scoring: Grants will be scored on three basic categories of criteria and one bonus consideration. Primarily, these include submission completeness and accuracy, but also speak to impact, longevity of the purchase, and innovation/creativity. Go here to review grant program guidelines and selection process to learn more.
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The Kennecott Nature Center provides opportunities for thousands of children from Murray City School District classes to enjoy observing and learning about nature through hands-on experiences and observations.
Construction of the Kennecott Nature Center was made possible through a generous initial donation from Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation, the efforts of the Murray Education Foundation, and the assistance of many community donors. The 1600 square-foot classroom of the Kennecott Nature Center is nestled on the second-largest wetland site of the Jordan River at 5044 S. Lucky Clover Lane (approximately 5100 South and 800 West) in Murray, Utah.
Program Coordinator
Catherine Singer | 801-264-7495 | csinger@murrayschools.orgOffice Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
5044 S. Lucky Clover Lane (825 West) | Murray, UT
Phone 801-264-7495 -