Education Foundation

Founded in 2022, the Made in Santa Rosa Education Foundation (MiSREF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization partnering with Santa Rosa City Schools to ensure equitable access to enrichment and literacy opportunities for every Pre-K–8 student.

Serving more than 6,000 students, MiSREF exists to close opportunity gaps that arise when schools lack the fundraising capacity to support enrichment programs. As district budgets continue to tighten and resources are increasingly directed toward core instruction, programs that spark engagement—such as literacy support, arts, culture, and hands-on learning—often depend on external funding. MiSREF bridges this gap by directing philanthropic investment to the schools and students who need it most.

Using an equity-based funding model, the Foundation invests in high-impact initiatives including early literacy through ELITE (Early Literacy Enrichment), access to books through the Book Vending Machine Program, and general enrichment grants that support art, music, sports, STEAM, gardens, classroom innovation, and student engagement.

With 71% of students qualifying for the Federal Meal Program and 33% identified as English language learners, MiSREF is committed to ensuring opportunity is not determined by a student’s zip code—but by their potential. Through strategic partnerships and community support, we are helping students build strong foundations, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.