08/06/2026
One of the Cheyenne Educational Foundation Board members was recently asked why the constant need for donations. While the Cheyenne community’s generosity has been extremely consistent over the years, continued donations are crucial in the support of the current and future CEF programs. In 2025, CEF received a total of $59,830 in donations, memorials, interest and honorariums, which may seem like a lot. However, expenses in totality for 2025 were $68,405. To complicate the situation, some donations are earmarked for specific purposes by the donors. For example, Mewbourne’s $5000 donation for a “STEM related teacher’s grant” was used to fund the purchase of a $5000 UV printer for the junior high and high school. Another $9,507 in teacher grants were also approved in 2025. Cheyenne graduates received $50,036 in grade-based and “named” scholarships in 2025. Some “named” scholarships are funded by supporters through annual donations, while other special scholarships will only be funded as long as their memorial endowment exists. Thanks to the school purchasing school supplies in bulk, the CEF was able to provide $6,700 worth of supplies to Cheyenne students for only $3,700. A number of the special projects, like the Excellence in Education Cards, Honors Night, and Life 101 are low cost but have a big impact. All expenses are considered carefully by the board and only those deemed worthy are funded.
Unlike some education foundations, the CEF has no paid employees and depends solely on volunteers. The CEF board is committed to “Elevating Education in Cheyenne” not only now but also for years to come. The amounts awarded have increased over the last 30 years, but from the beginning, a percentage of funds donated is maintained in reserve to cover any year where income is less than expenses.
The answer as to why the CEF is always asking for donations is simplistic: the only way the CEF continues is through the generosity of donors, the efforts of volunteers, and a fiscally responsible board.”
