When teachers thrive, classrooms flourish.
The Celia Fund is building a transparent, low-interest emergency loan program for qualifying public educators facing unexpected financial hardship. When educators are supported, classrooms and communities grow stronger.
Named for a lifelong educator and gardener.
The Celia Fund is named for Celia Hudnall Ing, a lifelong public educator and avid gardener. Her compassion, intellect, and relentless curiosity were a huge influence on our Director, Sara Hudnall.
The name Celia means “from Heaven,” making it the perfect name for this mission.
Sara is also a former public educator whose heart remains with colleagues who persist in work that often undervalues them professionally and economically.
Building a better option for educators facing urgent need.
The Celia Fund exists to create a better option for qualifying public educators facing unexpected financial hardship.
During this launch phase, The Celia Fund is raising the funds needed to build a secure, efficient lending platform and fund the first loan rounds. The organization will also continue learning directly from public educators so the program is practical, responsible, and responsive to real needs.
How the program will work
Applications are not open yet. The Celia Fund is currently raising funds and building the systems needed to launch responsibly. Once the lending program opens, the planned process will be:
Apply
Qualifying public educators facing an eligible financial emergency will submit an application with documentation of need.
Review
Applications will be reviewed thoughtfully and responsibly so assistance can be directed where it is needed most.
Receive
Approved applicants will receive low-interest emergency support designed to help stabilize a difficult financial moment.
Repay
As loans are repaid, those dollars will return to the fund and help support the next qualifying public educator in need.
Help launch a practical safety net for public educators.
Your donation supports The Celia Fund’s $75,000 launch campaign, helping build a secure lending platform and fund the first loan rounds for qualifying public educators.
Donations are processed through Ribbon in partnership with The Givinga Foundation, The Celia Fund’s fiscal sponsor.
Have a question, story, or partnership idea?
If you have questions about the fund, would like to contribute your personal story, or want to learn more about donating and being involved, reach out to the team.