4 Steps to Build a Church-School Partnership to Support Students in Your Community

It’s no secret that educators face significant funding challenges. In fact, U.S. public schools fall short by nearly $150 billion each year, leaving 30 million students without critical support and basic classroom staples like books and supplies. 

More than likely, some of these students live in your local community. And though the statistics may feel overwhelming, hope is not lost and impactful change is possible.  

Places of worship and churches like yours have long stepped in to bridge these gaps, offering life-changing support not only to students, but also to teachers, staff, and families. 

As students and staff usher in a new school year, now is the perfect time to deepen your support through a church-school partnership. Partnering with a local school extends your ministry beyond Sunday, turning back-to-school outreach into lasting impact. It builds new connections, inspires greater generosity, and lays the foundation for a partnership that can grow far beyond the first day of school—amplifying your church’s outreach and long-term mission. 

So how can your church find a school to partner with, make the connection, and offer meaningful support?  

Read on for four practical steps to build a purposeful, long-term church-school partnership.

1. Identify local schools to partner with 

Most communities have no shortage of schools, and their education models and governing bodies can widely differ. From a small Montessori-based elementary school to a larger public high school filled with hundreds of teenagers, there is no lack of schools for church leaders to partner with and help.  

So how should leaders choose where to dedicate their time, resources, and donations?  

Starting with your own place of worship or church body is a great first step. Ask members where their children attend school and if there are any needs that the school has been asking parents to help with. If there are teachers, coaches, administrators, or other school staff personnel in your congregation, check in with them and see if their campuses need assistance and support.  

While all schools can benefit from help, those designated as Title 1 campuses often have more urgent needs. Title 1 schools are ones that are provided “supplemental financial assistance” in school districts for children from low-income families. The funding is intended to help improve educational opportunities.  

With larger populations of low-income students, Title 1 schools often need community support. There is a huge opportunity for churches to step in and have a meaningful impact on these underserved campuses. To see if there are Title 1 schools in your area, visit the U.S. Department of Education website or your state’s education department website and search for Title 1 schools or federal programs.  

2. Reach out to the school 

Once you have chosen a school to support, establishing contact is the next step. With more stringent safety measures in place and busy school personnel schedules, the simplest way to do this is through email. 

• First, identify the appropriate staff contact. Most schools provide staff names, roles, and emails on their websites. Though a principal or vice principal may be the first choice, reaching out to a school counselor or even a community liaison with the school district works as well. If you received a school suggestion from a congregant, ask if they mind making an introduction. 

• Next, introduce yourself, your role with the church, and why you are reaching out. Be as personable as possible. Familiarize the contact with who you are and your church’s goals for a positive partnership. Share why you were inspired to contact the school and how important it is to you and your congregation to fill the gaps they may have. 

• Be clear on what your church can offer. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with securing school supplies, tutoring services, or volunteers for school events. You can also refer to the school’s website for any posted needs.

Here’s an example template that faith leaders or staff members can use to connect with a local school.  

Dear Principal/Counselor [Last Name], 

I hope this note finds you well! As a local faith community committed to serving and uplifting our neighborhood, we see the work you do every day for the children in our community. And we’d love to explore ways we might support your school. 

Whether it’s helping with a fundraiser, providing volunteers, or meeting an unspoken need — we’re here and willing to help fill in the gaps. We believe that strong schools build strong communities, and we’d be honored to partner with you in any way that’s helpful and respectful of your mission. 

If this is something you’d be open to discussing, we’d love to connect at your convenience. 

Warm regards, 
[Faith Leader’s Name] 
[Title, e.g., Pastor, Imam, Rabbi, etc.] 
[Church/Organization Name] 
[Phone Number] 
[Email Address] 

3. Plan your church-school partnership program 

Though many students and staff have already kicked off the school year, it’s never too late to get involved with a local school. Most schools need support throughout the year, so take some time to create a church-school partnership program that best serves the school you’ve chosen to work with.   

While collecting supplies is a great way to engage with local schools, there are many ways your congregation can give back and create positive relationships with schools in your area.  

Give your time 

Time is a precious resource, and if you have it to give, many schools could use it. Schools need volunteers for on-campus events, chaperones for field trips, and mentors to serve as role models. Acting as a classroom monitor or assistant is a great way to support students and staff as well.  

Share your talents 

Take a moment and consider how your or your congregation’s talents could benefit your local school. Are you a math whiz? Tutoring students is an opportunity to use your skills. If you love to write, you may be able to help students with college applications. As a super organized person, you could help organize school events or volunteer efforts.  

Donate your funds 

Having the ability to support schools, students, and staff with funds will always be appreciated. From school supplies and after-school clubs to teacher lounge snacks and upgraded tech tools, your gift can fund programs and initiatives that greatly enhance the school environment and prove invaluable for schools in your community.  

Before launching the program, speak with your school contact to better understand their needs. This will help you organize your resources and focus on where you and your congregation can fulfill needs. Use these questions to help guide your conversation: 

• What are the greatest needs for your students this year? 

• Are there specific families or grade levels that need more support? 

• Do you have any existing programs we can help support or expand? 

• Are there certain times of the year when you need additional help?  

No matter the type of assistance and support your church is offering, setting a shared goal for your initiative helps your team remain focused and apply the best strategies for a successful outcome. As you work toward your goals and support your local school, it’s also a reaffirming example of outreach and engagement for your church in the eyes of your community.

4. Engage your congregation 

Getting your congregation involved in a budding relationship with a local school is a fun and meaningful way to increase engagement and foster a stronger sense of community.

The great news is that education is a cause that congregations rally to support. The 2024 Giving in Faith report shows that 33% of faith-based givers support education causes through non-profit donations, and 43% supported youth and family services. And there is no time like the present. The same report also reveals that 61% of places of worship do not offer outreach programs for supplemental education support, such as tutoring or offering educational supplies. 

Your church has a unique opportunity to stand out and fuel change. Communication is key, and there’s no better time to make your congregation aware of your goals than during your next service. You can post messages on your website, have ministry leaders share with their members, and post in any congregation publications.

When you share with your members, be sure to offer multiple ways they can help. Whether it’s coordinating supplies, organizing volunteers, or helping with scheduling, there should be a way for everyone to help meet their partnership goals with the school. Inspire them by sharing fundraising ideas they can adapt to help schools in the community.   

For organizing and collecting donations, consider using a giving app like Givelify to help promote the cause as well. The giving envelope option makes it especially convenient. 

Faith in action through church-school partnerships 

Strong partnerships don’t form overnight, but one small act of service can open the door to ongoing impact. Not only will schools have more resources to support staff and students, but churches will see the impact of faith in action. A church-school partnership not only puts faith into motion — it also plants seeds of hope for future generations. By investing in the well-being of the children who call your community home, you’re helping shape a brighter future.  

Start the conversation, extend a hand, and watch how your church and local schools grow stronger — together.