Frequently Asked Questions
When and by whom was Shenandoah Forward founded?
In 2020, Shenandoah County community members, concerned about the ethics of our public school names, formed Shenandoah Forward as a fiscally-sponsored program (FSP) of the non-profit United Charitable (unitedcharitable.org).
Who is managing Shenandoah Forward?
As an FSP, the non-profit United Charitable approved the program manager, Michelle Manning, for Shenandoah Forward. In addition, Shenandoah Forward has a three-member advisory board, for another level of accountability and management. Members of the advisory board are Bill Haley, Luther L. Santiful and Cheryl L. Hottle. United Charitable provides operational support, ensures IRS compliance, and securely processes donations for Shenandoah Forward.
How does tax deductibility work?
At the end of each fiscal year, United Charitable sends an official acknowledgement of your tax-deductible donation on behalf of Shenandoah Forward. This will include information you need for your personal reporting. If unofficial acknowledgement is needed prior to that report, please contact Shenandoah Forward (shenandoahforward@gmail.com).
Is this in coordination with Shenandoah County’s school board or board of supervisors?
Shenandoah Forward is an FSP (fiscally-sponsored program) through the 501(c)3 United Charitable. It does not have any affiliation with the entities Shenandoah County School Board or Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors.
How will funds be dispersed for school purchases?
All fund requests related to the renaming process will be directed to and approved by Shenandoah Forward’s advisory board before they are submitted to United Charitable, which will further screen the request to make sure it is in line with the vision of the program. Those funds will then be paid through United Charitable, which is similar to the way a booster club works.
What is Shenandoah Forward’s vision?
Shenandoah Forward is a non-profit formed for the purpose of raising privately donated funds to offset the cost of renaming two of our schools and establishing a new mascot for a third school, thereby reducing the financial impact to SCPS.
How can I keep up to date with Shenandoah Forward?
The Shenandoah Forward website can be found at www.shenandoahforward.org. You can also follow us on Facebook @ShenandoahForward. You may direct questions to shenandoahforward@gmail.com