CHARLOTTE LOCAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION, INC.
PORT CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA

Charlotte Local Education Foundation, Inc. (CLEF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989, dedicated to advancing student learning and teacher leadership within the Charlotte County community. As a 501(c)(3) entity, CLEF focuses on enhancing public awareness and generating support from both the community and business sectors for programs centered around learning, literacy, and leadership. The foundation serves as a significant catalyst and convener in promoting innovation in educational practices. With partnerships established with local businesses and community members, CLEF effectively channels critical resources that typically fall outside the scope of traditional tax-funded avenues. This support includes scholarships, mentoring initiatives, dropout prevention strategies, free school supplies for low-income students, recognition programs for teachers, classroom grants, literacy enhancements, technical and career education projects, as well as targeted interventions for underperforming students and schools. CLEF's mission aligns with the essential economic need to cultivate a skilled labor force, confronting business leaders' challenges in finding employees equipped with necessary skills, training, and education. Situated at 18150 Murdock Circle in Port Charlotte, FL, CLEF is officially registered under the Division of Consumer Services (CHARLOTTE LOCAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION, INC., REGISTRATION NUMBER: CH2190). The organization can be reached via phone at (941) 255-7500 and toll-free at (800) 435-7352. Guided by executive Daniel Washington, along with trustees Sara Perri and Kreg Maheu, CLEF aims to empower students to achieve their full potential, fostering leadership amongst young individuals, thereby contributing to the overall strength of the community. With its most recent event marked by a reinstatement on November 4, 2024, and an annual report for that year filed concurrently, CLEF remains steadfast in realizing educational success stories through generous financial contributions, mentorships, and active community engagement.