At Elliott Elementary, a Title 1 school in the heart of Lincoln, learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom; it comes to life through experiences that connect students to the world around them. The students, families, and staff at Elliott are passionate about education and united by a shared goal: ensuring that 100% of students are on track to graduate. For many of their youngest scholars, that journey begins with building background knowledge and curiosity about the world.
When kindergarten teachers wanted to give their students the chance to visit a local pumpkin patch and learn about agriculture firsthand, they turned to the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools’ Fund a Need platform.
Fund a Need allows LPS teachers and staff to create fundraising projects for hands-on learning experiences, classroom tools, and innovative ideas that enrich education. Community members can browse active needs on the Foundation’s crowdfunding platform and choose projects they’d like to support directly, making a tangible difference for students across Lincoln.
For Elliott’s kindergarten team, the goal was to raise $850 to cover transportation and admission costs for all their young scholars and staff. Thanks to generous donors, the project was fully funded, turning a simple idea into a powerful opportunity for students to see, touch, and explore what they’ve been learning in class.
Elliott’s minority student enrollment is 74%, and families at the school speak 23 different languages. A number of those families have moved to the United States within the last three years. For many of these students, this field trip was more than just a fun day out; it was a way to build background knowledge and language skills that directly strengthen reading, writing, and science learning. And for students new to Nebraska, it was an introduction to the state’s agricultural roots and a chance to experience a beloved local tradition.
"For so many of our little owls, going on a field trip to the pumpkin patch to learn, explore, and play was a day full of first time experiences such as riding on a bus, picking a pumpkin, and having a picnic surrounded by bees that sparked their little curious minds,” said Kindergarten teacher Brooke Morrison. “The support from our Lincoln community made this happen for our scholars and thanks to you they had a day full of pure joy and fun that they will remember for a lifetime."
Because of the kindness of donors, Elliott’s youngest Owls got to spread their wings beyond the classroom and discover that learning can happen anywhere.
The Elliott Elementary project is just one example of how Fund a Need brings ideas to life across Lincoln Public Schools. From classroom books to field trips, musical instruments to robotics competitions, every campaign reflects a teacher’s understanding of what their students need most. By connecting our generous community directly with those classrooms, Fund a Need helps fill resource gaps, inspire learning, and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we’re turning small donations into big moments, one funded project at a time.
Check out active Fund a Need campaigns from a school near you!
