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This article gives advice to school districts wanting to start a local educational foundation. This kind of foundation is an appropriate alternative source of funding. It will serve as the catalyst that mixes corporate and community support that might otherwise remain beyond the reach of hard-stretched school budgets. In rural school systems, strong ties to the local school can bring a powerful response to call for help. One way to start-up a educational foundation is by heading up a small group of local leaders to explore the possibility of aiding the school system in some way, the same that was done by the assistant superintendent in Central Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Considering the legal process in establishing a foundation, the planning committee of the district expanded its membership to include an attorney and began its self-education in setting up a non-profit organization. The group obtained free legal services to develop the necessary bylaws. And, after five months of planning, the group named its first board of directors. The members of the board were recruited from a variety of backgrounds. Each member recruited has to meet at least three of the four qualifications: the ability to support the mission of the foundation with both financial and human resources; the ability to carry out duties; understanding of local problems; and ties to the community.