In this issue: The power of your support, New website, JTM Tournament a success, We're hiring

August 27, 2026

Each Insider edition brings together stories of impact, meaningful connections, and news worth sharing—keeping you informed, inspired, and InvestED in the work we do together for Washington students.

Last School Year, Because of You

Affordability is on everyone's mind right now—and for the 250,000 to 300,000 middle and high school students across Washington living at or near the poverty line, it’s more than a concern. It’s a daily reality that can profoundly shape their opportunities and futures.

For their families, already stretched thin by rent, groceries, and utilities, there’s often little left for anything beyond the basics.

What often falls off their list? The things that might seem like “extras”—an instrument fee, cleats for the team, a pair of glasses—that can help keep a student engaged, connected, and on track to graduate.

In the 2025-26 school year, you made sure thousands of students had the essentials they needed.

Thanks to donors like you, InvestED partnered with 668 schools across Washington to reach 54,960 students, sending $925,742 directly into classrooms and communities.

Thanks to you, families stretched thin on living essentials didn't also have to choose between buying food and giving their kids a full, positive experience at school.

See your impact

Student Impact Spotlight:

Music Keeps Him on Track

When a Southwest Washington middle schooler joined his school band, it quickly became the highlight of his week—a source of confidence, belonging, and a creative outlet that helped him thrive in and out of the classroom.

Then his family hit a rough patch and could no longer afford the rental fee for his instrument.

It looked like band would be over for him.

But thanks to donors like you, his rental was paid for with InvestED funds.

He kept his instrument—and his seat in band.

He continued to build friendships, discover talents, and perform at concerts and community parades all year.

His teachers noticed the difference in him: more confidence, more engagement, more pride in being part of something bigger than himself.

One instrument fee.

One student with a reason to stay in school and on the path to graduation.

YOUR support makes this possible.

Help Students Start the New School Year Strong

As students head back to school, we're already hearing that families are struggling to afford basic living expenses.

For many families, this means little room in their budget for seemingly "extra" school needs, like notebooks, a class fee, clothes that fit, or a sports physical to join a team.

By helping cover the costs of these "extras," you can help give a student a reason to show up for school. Showing up and staying engaged are critical to keeping students on track for graduation.

Donate today to help students start the school year strong.

Give the gift that can't wait

Our New Website Is Live

Thanks to support from a generous donor, we've built a new home for InvestED online—one that brings the impact of your support to life and makes it easier for more people to discover InvestED, learn about the challenges Washington students face, and take action to help remove the financial barriers that keep students from fully participating in school.

Explore the new website → InvestED.org

See how your gift becomes a bus pass, a class fee, a pair of glasses or clothes that fit. Read the stories of students who stayed in school, stayed connected, and kept moving toward graduation because someone believed in them.

Explore the new InvestED.org

JTM Golf Classic: A Win for Washington Students

What a day. Our deepest thanks to JTM Foundation for choosing InvestED as the beneficiary of their inaugural Golf Classic on August 24, and for putting a day like this to work for students across Washington.

Thank you, too, to everyone who joined us at The Golf Club at Newcastle: the foursomes, the paddle raisers, the volunteers, and the incredible generosity of our sponsors added up to something real.

JTM is still tallying up all that was raised for students at the event, so stay tuned! We'll share it first on social media, so follow us if you haven't yet: Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn.

August is National Make-A-Will Month

A simple decision today can help change the trajectory of young lives for generations to come.

August is National Make-A-Will Month, a good reminder to create or update your estate plan. You can include InvestED in your will or trust, or name InvestED as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy.

By including InvestED in your plans, you help create opportunities for generations of students across Washington.

Explore ways to leave a legacy

We're hiring: Development & Communications Manager

InvestED is looking for a Development & Communications Manager who loves making things happen — from grants and fundraising to events, sponsorships, storytelling, and the systems that keep it all running smoothly.

If you’re a strong communicator, an organized doer, and excited to take real ownership on a small, collaborative team, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply here

In case you missed it: Meet Our New Executive Director

Laura Henderson joined InvestED as Executive Director in June, bringing more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience alongside 25 years of corporate experience.

Laura has a track record of taking mission-driven organizations and sharpening them—building focused, well-run, thriving organizations capable of delivering real, lasting impact. She was drawn to InvestED for the urgency and simplicity of its mission:

"Too many kids are opting out of school because they can't afford basic items. InvestED's mission of keeping kids engaged in their own futures by removing small financial barriers is more vital than ever today. I am so grateful for supporters like you who make this work possible!" - Laura Henderson

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of Washington students!

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