Wayzata Education Fund (WEF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding district needs and providing greater enrichment for all. For over twenty years, it has been working to support teachers and students by funding new equipment and tools for classrooms. Utilizing an annual grant program, the organization allocates money into three categories not normally found within the district budget: innovation, excellence and evolving needs.
Background
Founded in 2003, the program has expanded greatly through donations, volunteers, and the spread of its message across the district. Board chair Sara Griffin stated, “Our mission is to raise funds that enrich and support the educational experience for students and staff within the Wayzata Public School District.”
In the past five years, WEF has provided $275,000 worth of grants to a variety of different classes throughout the district, with $74,300 donated in 2025. WHS grants include equipment for a new guitar course, graphing calculators, machines for technical education classes, fitness center renovations and manikins for health science classes, to name a few. These tools have both helped enrich learning and allowed students to build experience for future career paths.
Griffin further detailed the types of needs grants target. “WEF is interested in supporting experiences that help students develop their sense of belonging,” she stated. “Innovation implies that it is something new, excellence implies an enhancement, and an evolving need implies something that a school community may not have expected.”
In addition to students, teachers across the district have experienced the value of the grants as well. In 2025, orchestra teacher Mr. Clifford received an endowment for a guitar course, which provides students with introductory lessons and teaches them how to develop playing skills. Clifford remarked, “Funding allowed us to purchase a class set of instruments and other equipment that was necessary.”
Wild for Wayzata Gala
Each year, WEF hosts a fundraiser, the Wild for Wayzata Gala. It features auctions, fundraising games and a seated dinner, and is the program’s main source of support for grants. WEF is optimistic about the upcoming event, which is scheduled for February 7, 2026. “The Wild for Wayzata Gala will be focused on fundraising for WEF broadly,” Griffin stated. “Our goal is to be able to support the elementary-wide initiative, continue supporting the sixth grade outdoor day trip, and fund grants through our annual teacher and staff grant program.”
Fulfillment and Future Goals
As board chair, Griffin plays a large role in the success and growth of the program. “I’m able to get to know so many community members that center our students – teachers, administrators, family members, and supporters,” she noted. “Through these connections, I have the privilege of ideating on how we can better support our students and relentlessly improve so that all students feel a sense of belonging and are prepared for life beyond graduation.”
With over $600,000 donated since its founding, WEF has provided continued support to Wayzata schools and grows in funding and impact each year. Their 2026 goal is to raise at least $150,000 to give back to the district, all made possible by the hard work of the program, the strength of the Wayzata community and the generosity and support of donors.
