FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Answers to common questions about KIKIFER's Entrepreneurial Academy, Build the Future, and how you can make an impact.
ABOUT KEA
Our mission, model, and what makes us different.
What is KIKIFER’S Entrepreneurial Academy?
KIKIFER’S Entrepreneurial Academy (KEA) is a private K–12 school in Rockford, Illinois, built around academics, entrepreneurship, authorship, leadership, and real-world preparation. Students don't simply study entrepreneurship—they publish books, develop businesses, and gain practical experience applying what they learn.
What makes KEA different from a traditional school?
KEA combines traditional academic instruction with real-world education. Students are expected to grow academically while also learning entrepreneurship, authorship, financial responsibility, communication, leadership, and ownership.
Do students actually publish books and operate businesses?
Yes. KEA students publish books and develop real businesses as part of their educational experience. More than 200 student books have been published, and KEA students have collectively generated more than $50,000 through entrepreneurship and book sales.
Where is KEA located?
KEA is located in downtown Rockford, Illinois, at 103 W. State Street.
ABOUT BUILD THE FUTURE
The vision, the need, and the power of community.
What is Build the Future?
Build the Future is KEA's initiative to bring individuals, businesses, organizations, and community partners together to invest in the next generation of students. Support helps strengthen school operations, student opportunities, entrepreneurship, publishing, technology, transportation, campus improvements, and KEA's continued growth.
What is the Founding 500™?
The Founding 500 is a community of 500 individuals committed to supporting KEA through recurring monthly giving. Supporters can choose a monthly contribution level that works for them while collectively providing the dependable support necessary to build and sustain the school's future.
Do I have to make a large donation to make a difference?
Absolutely not. One of the purposes of the Founding 500 is to demonstrate what happens when many people consistently contribute what they can. Monthly gifts of $25, $50, $100 or $250 combine to create meaningful long-term impact.
What is the Transform Our Campus campaign?
Transform Our Campus focuses specifically on creating a learning environment that reflects the quality, creativity, and ambition of KEA students. Funding can support classrooms, technology, student spaces, entrepreneurship and publishing resources, transportation, exterior improvements, and other campus needs.
DONATIONS & IMPACT
Where your support goes and how it makes a difference.
Where does my donation go?
Donations support the educational environment and resources required to serve KEA students. Depending on the campaign or purpose of the gift, funds may support school operations, classroom resources, student businesses, publishing, technology, transportation, educational experiences, campus improvements, and other student needs.
Can I choose what my donation supports?
Certain campaigns allow donors to support a particular area of KEA's work. Larger donors and organizational partners may also contact KEA to discuss specific projects, sponsorships, student opportunities, or strategic investments.
Can a business or organization partner with KEA?
Yes. Businesses, foundations, organizations, and community partners can support KEA through financial contributions, sponsorships, in-kind resources, student opportunities, professional expertise, and other forms of partnership. Visit the Corporate Partnerships page to learn more.
Can I sponsor a student or student business?
KEA welcomes individuals and organizations interested in helping provide resources and opportunities for students. Depending on the opportunity, support may help students access educational resources, publishing opportunities, entrepreneurship resources, business seed funding, field experiences, and other developmental opportunities.
Are donations processed securely?
Yes. Online donations are processed through Zeffy, the fundraising platform used by KEA. Donors complete their contribution through Zeffy's secure payment system.
GETTING INVOLVED
Other ways to support, connect, and make an
impact.
Do I have to donate money to support KEA?
No. Financial support is important, but people can also help by introducing KEA to potential donors and partners, sharing the Build the Future campaign, providing professional expertise, donating appropriate goods or services, creating opportunities for students, and helping expand KEA's network.
Can I visit KEA or learn more before making a major contribution?
Yes. Individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in significant partnerships can contact KEA to discuss opportunities to learn more about the school, its students, programs, needs, and future vision.
How can I learn more about the results KEA is producing?
Visit the Student Outcomes and Student Stories pages to see academic results, student businesses, published authors, interviews, alumni stories, and examples of KEA students applying what they're learning.
How can I contact KEA?
Questions about giving, partnerships, sponsorships, or the Build the Future initiative can be submitted through the Contact page or directed to KEA using the contact information provided on the website.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS
Building the future requires relationships, not just donations. We'd love to hear from you.
READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT TODAY?
