Community Launches Classroom Essentials Fund

Through a new communitywide initiative, the Classroom Essentials Fund will provide teachers and school leaders in Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) with money for supplies and instructional resources for the 2026–27 school year. 

The fund was set up by Commerce Lexington, Central Bank, Keeneland, and Daren and Kirsten Turner. It launched Aug. 5 with an initial commitment of more than $500,000 (and growing), made possible through generous contributions from business partners listed below. A full 100 percent will go directly to classroom and instructional needs, and the philanthropic Commerce Lexington Foundation will ensure that contributions are distributed with accountability, transparency, and measurable impact. 

“This generous commitment directly supports our classrooms, ensuring our educators have the resources needed to continue to foster vibrant learning for FCPS students,” said Miranda Scully, executive director of Public Engagement and district spokeswoman. “We are deeply grateful for the investment in our schools and our community's future. Today is proof that when our community comes together, our students win!”

Public education has long been a priority in Lexington because it directly impacts the local workforce, said Carla Blanton, chair of the Commerce Lexington Foundation. “When members of our business community approached us about helping address this need, we were honored to convene partners around a solution that directly supports our teachers, our students, and ultimately our region's future economic vitality.”

Having basic school supplies like pens, paper, and notebooks can make all the difference in a successful school year. National education data shows that students who are properly equipped are far more likely to actively participate in classroom activities and learning. Unfortunately, teachers often quietly carry the burden of filling these gaps. AdoptAClassroom.org found that educators spend an average of $800 annually out of their own pockets to provide supplies for their students. 

“Our teachers invest so much of themselves in our students every day," said Shannon Arvin, president and CEO of Keeneland. "Supporting this initiative is one meaningful way we can invest back in them and demonstrate our appreciation for the important work they do to prepare the next generation.” 

Purchasing Platform

The first purchasing window for teachers and school leaders runs through Aug. 20, with a second opportunity planned for January using any remaining balances and additional contributions received throughout the fall.

The initial phase will provide $125 per teacher for essential needs. Elementary teachers will receive individual purchasing allocations, while middle and high school funds will be managed at the school level, allowing principals and faculty to prioritize shared departmental needs. 

To maximize the impact of every donation, the Commerce Lexington Foundation has partnered with Equity Solutions Group, which will administer a secure online purchasing platform. Teachers and principals will buy approved classroom supplies through participating educational vendors – benefiting from discounted pricing while providing complete transparency, receipt documentation, and expenditure tracking. 

Additional Investors

• BIA Education Foundation 
• Black Faith Leaders of Lexington and Vicinity 
• Blue & Co. 
• Bluegrass Sotheby’s International Realty  
• Congleton-Hacker Co. 
• Dentons  
• Fifth Third Bank 
• Ken and Crinda Franke 
• Gray Inc. 
• Kelly & Claudia Healy  
• Kroger  
• Lexington Christian Academy 
• Lexington Clinic  
• Mayor Linda Gorton 
• MKP Management  
• NiSource Charitable Foundation/Columbia Gas 
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky 
• Winterwood 

Businesses and organizations interested in supporting the Classroom Essentials Fund may make tax-deductible contributions through the Commerce Lexington Foundation. Financial institutions may also be eligible for Community Reinvestment Act consideration for qualifying gifts. Visit this Commerce Lexington site for details or to donate. For questions, please reach out to Lisa Mahan, vice president of Strategic Partnerships, at (859) 226-1605.