What is The Ellington Fund?
The Ellington Fund was formed in 1978 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to promote the educational mission and goals of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Our goal then – and now – is to enhance the school’s financial resource base and to provide academic and artistic opportunities for its students. The Fund has raised millions of dollars to augment the school’s budget, providing critical opportunities and services for students and faculty.

Why Is the Fund Necessary?
Even though Ellington offers much more than a standard high school education, the funding provided by District of Columbia Public Schools covers only about two-thirds of the cost of an Ellington education.

The funding formula was not designed to cover the costs of Ellington’s rigorous artistic and academic programs that require each student earn 31.5 credits. The Ellington Fund helps to raise the funds necessary to assure that all Ellington students experience an "Ellington’ education."

How Can You Help?
Gifts to The Ellington Fund provide direct benefit to our students and programs and come in many shapes and sizes. Please visit our giving page to learn how you can assist in providing opportunities for tomorrow’s artists.

ELLINGTON FUND

202.333.2555

Executive Director
Ellen Coppley, ext. 103
ecoppley@ellingtonarts.org      

Director, Marketing/ Communication
Jennifer Brickman, ext. 107
jbrickman@ellingtonarts.org

Financial Officer
Patricia McInnis, ext. 106
pmcinnis@ellingtonarts.org

Comptroller
Brian Nielsen, ext. 104
bn8cpa@cs.com

Development Coordinator
Sefanit Israel Tekle, ext. 101
stekle@ellingtonarts.org

Director, Institutional Giving
Niki Wanner, ext. 102
nwanner@ellingtonarts.org