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October 29, 2025
More than $3.6 Million Raised in 1st Week to Support WS/FCS Futures Fund
In support of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS), local foundations, community leaders and businesses are making financial commitments to the WS/FCS Futures Fund established by The Winston-Salem Foundation to reduce the district’s debt. Since the fund was announced on October 20, it has already received $3,645,975 in contributions with more commitments expected in the coming weeks. The Fund was seeded by a $500,000 contribution from the Winston-Salem Foundation, $400,000 from the Twin City Development Foundation, and $250,000 from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.
LaTida Smith, president of The Winston-Salem Foundation, said her organization worked quickly to ensure the current monies raised were applied to erase the district’s $3.4 million debt to the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI).
“This is an important first step in returning our focus back to building a bright and vibrant future for public education in Forsyth County,” said Smith.
The monies raised for the WS/FCS Futures Fund will have additional impact; earlier in October, the Forsyth County Commissioners voted to forgive all monies raised for this fund by December 31 against the $5 million owed to the county by WS/FCS.
“Considering the multiplied impact of contributions to the WS/FCS Futures Fund, we want to emphasize that no gift is too small, and we encourage everyone who is interested to make a donation,” said Smith. “There remains significant debt to be repaid which means we need to continue the inspiring philanthropic momentum built in this first week.”
To make a contribution to the WS/FCS Futures Fund, visit wsfoundation.org/futures-fund.
The WS/FCS Futures Fund is one of four funds under the All In For Our Schools campaign which also includes the Education Foundation Classroom Supplies Fund, WS/FCS Student Success Fund and the Every Shelf, Every Student book drive. Organizers of the All In For Our Schools campaign also reported today that they have raised $1,776,555 or nearly 60% of their $3 million goal for the three funds focused on meeting immediate needs for the current school year. More than 255 donors have made gifts to these funds since they were announced on September 17. Learn more at www.allinforourschools.org.