The FRE Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation chartered by the State of Florida in 1984 as an affiliate of FREA.  It is authorized to raise and distribute funds for educational and charitable purposes, including the provision of scholarships for future teachers and assistance for retired educators facing financial crises.  In 1987, the Foundation established a Fay Kirtland Scholarship Fund to which contributions may be made in honor of the long-term chairman of the FREA State Legislative Committee, since then, several named scholarships have been established.  FREA members are encouraged to support the Foundation with gifts and bequests which may be designated in memory of in honor of individuals or organizations.  Gifts to the Foundation are deductible as charitable contributions of Federal Income Tax returns.   Checks should be made payable to the Florida Retired Educators Foundation and should be sent to the FREA office in St. Petersburg.