EGHM Foundation
The EGHM Foundation was established in the late 1970’s by the late John Hunter, Jr., for the sole purpose of supporting Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7. Mr. Hunter was a long-time Board of Education member and president of the school board. The foundation, a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization, is made up of members who are local business leaders from throughout the District 7 community. They hold the common belief that a strong school district is vital to quality communities. The foundation relies on the school district to identify the District’s needs. The focus of projects funded is providing direct benefit to as many students as possible.
Major Projects
In the late 1970’s, the foundation purchased the 50-acre tract of land that is now the Edwardsville High School Sports Complex. The foundation provided the school district with an option to purchase the land. The school district now has ownership of the property.
In the 1980’s, the foundation provided funding to assist in the development of the property into the athletic complex it is today, serving football, baseball, soccer, softball, and band.
When the new high school was constructed in the mid-90’s, the foundation provided funding for adding four courts, lighting, and office space for the tennis program; adding two lanes and an all-weather surface for the track; and completing portions of the fine arts auditorium, including curtains, lighting, and sound system.
Since then, the foundation has purchased new band uniforms and band-related equipment, middle school athletic uniforms, and has provided funding for middle school intramural programming.
The foundation provides shoes for needy children who are identified through individual schools. In addition, the foundation administers two scholarship programs benefiting Edwardsville High School seniors.
Most recently, the foundation has provided funding for upgrades to facilities at the Sports Complex, behind the high school, and at Lincoln and Liberty Middle Schools.
Source of Funding
Funding for projects comes primarily from the local business community, though the organization does accept bequests.
Foundation Sponsorships
The EGHM Foundation annually sponsors the EHS Sports Hall of Fame and the Futures Tennis Tournament, which is held during each summer on the District #7 campus.
Alumni Association
Started in the Fall of 2023, the Alumni Association is an arm of the EGHM Foundation. All EHS alums are encouraged to join the Alumni Association. The inaugural alumni gathering was held Homecoming Weekend in 2023. Join the Alumni Association.
EGHM Foundation Executive Director
Steve Stuart
E-mail: sstuart@ecusd7.org
Office: 618-655-6010