Quick look: An independent foundation has launched to help expand educational opportunities for students across the county. The Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation will be led by David Blair, who brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience.
A new independent nonprofit has formed to expand educational opportunities for Orange County students and strengthen partnerships across the region.
The Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation will work with donors, businesses and community leaders to support programs that improve student outcomes and promote school success. Although independent, the foundation will collaborate with OCDE and local districts to identify needs and connect resources where they can have the greatest impact.
The idea was advanced under the leadership of County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean, who directed staff to explore a philanthropic partner during conversations around another OCDE effort, the Innovation Funding Initiative.
“Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and this foundation will help ensure that innovation and excellence continue to thrive in our schools,” Dr. Bean said. “By aligning community resources with the needs of educators and students, we can build momentum behind programs that are making a real difference.”
The foundation’s newly formed Board of Directors includes leaders from education, business, philanthropy and the community who share a commitment to public education. Chaired by Bill Sanderson, the board will guide the organization’s priorities, strengthen partnerships and ensure that resources are directed toward efforts with measurable impact.
Executive director named
Following a regional search conducted in partnership with OCDE, the board recently appointed David Blair as the foundation’s inaugural executive director. Blair, who previously held senior leadership roles with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, has spent more than 15 years working with donors, educators and civic partners to expand college access, career readiness and student engagement in Orange County.
“As someone who grew up in Orange County’s public schools, has spent my career working alongside countless young people shaped by those same classrooms, and is now raising a son who represents the next generation, I know firsthand what a strong education can unlock,” Blair said. “I’m humbled to step into this role and lead a foundation built to match our community’s commitment to education with the strength and support of our rich and diverse county.”
By elevating what works, investing in innovation and uniting partners across our region,” he added, “we can ensure every student has the opportunity, access and encouragement they need to thrive in school and in life.”
Elevating what works
Early areas of focus under consideration include workforce development and career technical education, youth leadership programs, educator leadership training, innovation support, school safety efforts and OCDE’S own Alternative Education program, also known as ACCESS.
All of these areas align with the county superintendent’s 5-3-1 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes workforce readiness, emotional intelligence, campus safety and forward-looking educational programs.
“We will elevate what already works and help educators and students do more,” said Sanderson, the foundation board’s chair. “Our goal is to build lasting partnerships that strengthen Orange County schools and support student success.”
The Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation plans to launch its first fundraising campaign in early 2026, inviting individuals, companies and community partners to contribute to programs aligned with its mission.
For more information or to get involved, visit OCSchoolsBFF.org or email info@OCSchoolsBFF.org.