In recent decades, communities throughout the nation, both large and small, have established education foundations to help their local public schools. Over 177 such organizations now exist in the state of Texas. While they vary in size and approach, all seek to improve the quality of public education at the local level. Education foundations provide a vehicle for charitable contributions from individuals, area businesses and foundations. They offer citizens and the corporate community an opportunity to become more closely involved in their schools in a variety of creative ways.

The Abilene Education Foundation, established in 2001 to benefit the Abilene Independent School District, is recognized as a 501 (c) (3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service. The AEF board of directors represents a cross section of community leaders and educators. Contributions may be sent directly to the AEF or to an endowment fund established at the Community Foundation of Abilene.