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Explore all the ways to donate to Cornerstone Charter School—cash gifts, DAFs, crypto, stocks, assets, and more. Support our mission to build strong readers and thinkers. Ways to Donate Laying the Cornerstone for our Children's Future READ OUR CASE FOR SUPPORT With your generous support, we’re building a school and a future where every child becomes a strong reader, a curious thinker, and a courageous leader. At Cornerstone Chartered Public School, every donation plays a vital role in empowering children to achieve their full potential through the transformative power of literacy. We are proud to offer a public, tuition-free education firmly anchored in decades of reading research. Donate today to make a lasting difference in the lives of our children! We make it easy! Cornerstone is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our tax ID is 33-4632957. Click on the images below to learn more! ONE-TIME OR RECURRING CASH GIFTS REAL ESTATE DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS (DAF) STOCKS & MUTUAL FUNDS LIFE INCOME PLANS & CHARITABLE TRUSTS CRYPTOCURRENCY RETIREMENT ASSETS TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY WILLS & BEQUESTS Key Areas of Investment Heart Cornerstone is fortunate to partner with Rick Peck, a trusted philanthropic advisor, who provides strategic counsel to strengthen our mission and support our long-term success. Visit thephilanthropyguy.com to learn more about Rick.

Cornerstone Chartered Public School in Lebanon, NH, is a literacy-focused public charter school that offers the Orton-Gillingham Approach for literacy development, along with an integrated, knowledge-building, project-based curriculum to build strong readers, thinkers, and leaders. A New Hampshire Chartered Public School Serving K-8 Students in the Upper Valley A Literacy-First Education That Gives You Peace of Mind READ OUR CASE FOR SUPPORT Every great education begins with reading Our Vision To shape a future where all children rise with the power of literacy. Our Mission To empower children in New Hampshire's Upper Valley to become strong readers, thinkers, and leaders with an equitable, free, literacy-first public education. The Stakes are High Do you know how your child is being taught to read and whether it's backed by research? Do you worry that your child is not getting the kind of education they need to truly thrive? You are right to be concerned because our nation is experiencing a literacy crisis - Not all children are thriving in traditional schools! Only 36% of NH 4th graders were proficient readers in 2024. According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, just 25% of teacher training programs address all five components of scientifically based reading instruction. The report reveals that nearly 40% of reading programs promote practices contrary to research. Without solid reading skills, children cannot access learning or develop strong thinking skills. We can help! We give you a choice because charter schools are free for all NH students.* We give you peace of mind, knowing that Cornerstone is mission-driven to provide Orton-Gillingham instruction specifically designed for how the brain learns to read. You can be assured that your child will receive a well-rounded education resting on a foundation of literacy, so they can build knowledge and critical thinking. You are part of our community - we are small and flexible and able to quickly and efficiently meet the needs of students and families. Finding the Right Fit For Your Child We understand it is hard to know who to trust when making educational decisions for your child, and it's hard to make a change once your child has started school. But you don't have to do it alone. We've got your back. OUR TRUSTEES Our seasoned team of professionals has decades of teaching and leadership experience that you can rely on. STERN CENTER Our teachers are trained by the Stern Center for Language and Learning and certified in scientifically-based reading instruction. APPLICATION PROCESS We guide you through the application and admissions process to make the transition smooth and easy for you and your child. *Out of state students are welcome on a tuition basis as space allows. Praise for our Founder and Director "Lynne's deep understanding of evidence-based literacy instruction, combined with her empathy, insight, and dedication to students, make her a stand out." ~Peggy Price, Director of the Orton-Gillingham Institute at the Stern Center for Language and Learning "What stands out is Lynne’s unwavering passion for literacy and her belief that every child can learn to read with the right support. I’m so inspired by her vision for Cornerstone Charter School and excited for the many students and families who will benefit from her leadership and heart." ~Jessica Austin, Parent Subscribe to our Newsletter First name* Last name* Email* Phone Choose all that apply. * I am a parent interested in enrolling my child(ren). I am interested in supporting Cornerstone. I am an educator interested in a position at the school. I am interested in serving on the board or on a committee. I would like a call. How did you learn about Cornerstone? We’d love to hear from you! Share any other thoughts or questions here — or let us know if you’d like to schedule a quick call. Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. * Submit

Apply to Cornerstone Charter School. Learn about open enrollment, lottery details, and how to secure a spot in our free, public, literacy-first K–8 school. Apply Today EVENTS

Apply to Cornerstone Charter School. Learn about open enrollment, lottery details, and how to secure a spot in our free, public, literacy-first K–8 school. The Application & Enrollment Process APPLY NOW 1 Complete an Application Applications will be accepted during our open application period, December 1 - February 28, prior to each upcoming school year. If applications exceed available spaces, a blind lottery will be conducted no later than March 15. APPLY NOW 2 Meet with the Director or Attend an Information Session Come to one of our information sessions (dates and times to be announced) to find out more about our school and ask questions in person. 3 Sign a Commitment to Attend & Registration Form Once your child is accepted to the school, sign a Commitment to Attend and complete our registration forms. Request records from present school, if applicable. Stay Tuned! Information Sessions Dates Coming Soon! Thank you for your interest in applying to Cornerstone Chartered Public School. EVENTS

Cornerstone Charter School’s bylaws establish the governance framework for the Board of Trustees, defining roles, responsibilities, procedures, and decision-making processes. They ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance while guiding the school’s mission-driven leadership and long-term stability. Bylaws and Policies Building Trust Through Strong Governance. Cornerstone Charter School is committed to transparency and accountability. Below you will find our Bylaws and all approved Board and school policies, organized by category. Policies are reviewed regularly and updated as needed. BYLAWS ADM - Administration CUR - Curriculum & Instruction ETH - Ethics & Compliance FIN - Finance GOV - Governance HEA - Health & Wellness HR - Human Resources & Personnel OPS - Operations RISK - Risk Management & Safety STU - Student Policies VOL - Volunteers Bylaws Bylaws_Cornerstone_2025-04-08.docx .pdf Download PDF • 223KB

Cornerstone Charter School’s Board of Trustees brings together diverse leaders in education, finance, nonprofit governance, and community engagement. United by a commitment to literacy-first learning and public school choice, the board provides strong oversight, strategic direction, and fiduciary stewardship to ensure Cornerstone’s long-term success. Meet Our Board Dedication. Expertise. Passion. Cornerstone's Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees at Cornerstone Chartered Public School serves as the foundation of the school’s mission, providing leadership and oversight to ensure the success of its students, educators, and community. As the governing body, the Board is responsible for upholding the school’s vision, overseeing financial and operational decisions, and supporting Cornerstone’s continued growth and excellence. The Trustees bring diverse expertise in education, finance, business, technology, and community leadership. They are united by a shared commitment to creating strong readers, thinkers, and leaders. While not all Trustees come from educational backgrounds, each contributes unique insights and strengths that support the school’s development and long-term success. The Board is dedicated to providing families in the Upper Valley with a high-quality, tuition-free public school option that prioritizes literacy, critical thinking, and academic excellence. Cornerstone Charter School’s content-rich, knowledge-building curriculum, delivered by Orton-Gillingham-certified educators, ensures that every student receives a strong foundation in literacy and learning. Through its leadership, the Board works to empower students, support educators, and strengthen the community, ensuring that every child has access to an exceptional education that prepares them for future success. Lynne A. Howard Co-Founder & Executive Director “Literacy is more than the ability to read—it is the key to confidence, independence, and a lifetime of learning. As a leader, I am committed to building a school where every child is empowered with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to succeed. Equally important is fostering a culture where educators feel valued, supported, and equipped to make a lasting impact. When we invest in strong readers and strong educators, we create strong thinkers, problem-solvers, and future leaders.” Read Lynne's Bio

Board of Trustees Meetings Dedication. Expertise. Passion. Cornerstone's Board of Trustees meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. EST. All meetings are open to the public and available on Zoom. November 18, 2025 Monthly Board Meeting Notice Agenda Minutes October 21, 2025 Monthly Board Meeting Notice Agenda Minutes October 2, 2025 Emergency Meeting Notice Agenda Minutes September 16, 2025 Monthly Board Meeting Notice Agenda Minutes September 10, 2025 Emergency Meeting Notice Agenda Minutes July 15, 2025 Monthly Board Meeting Notice Agenda Minutes July 8, 2025 Emergency Meeting Notice Agenda Minutes June 17, 2025 Informational Meeting Notice Agenda Minutes June 17, 2025 Emergency Meeting Notice Agenda Minutes May 20, 2025 Monthly Board Meeting Notice Agenda Minutes May 6, 2025 Emergency Meeting Notice Agenda Minutes April 8, 2025 Monthly Board Meeting Notice Agenda Minutes

Learn how gifting retirement assets can make a lasting impact at Cornerstone Charter School. Support our mission with a tax-wise legacy gift. Ways to Donate Laying the Cornerstone for our Children's Future RETIREMENT ASSETS Donate Retirement Assets Click Here to Make a Gift Supporting Cornerstone through retirement account gifts can be one of the most tax-efficient ways to leave a legacy of learning. Whether through a direct gift from your IRA or by naming Cornerstone as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, these options allow you to make a meaningful impact for students while also offering potential tax advantages. Back to Ways to Donate Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs What it is Why it is a good option Benefits What it is: If you are 70½ or older, you can give up to $108,000 per year directly from your IRA to Cornerstone without it counting as taxable income. Why it is a good option: This is especially helpful if you don’t need or want your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and would prefer to use it for charitable purposes. Benefits: Lowers taxable income May reduce estate taxes Provides immediate impact for Cornerstone students Retirement Plans (401k, 403b, 457) What it is Why it is a good option Benefits What it is: You can name Cornerstone as a beneficiary of your workplace retirement plan. Why it is a good option: This lets you maintain control of your assets during your lifetime, while making a meaningful future gift. Benefits: Simple to set up by updating your plan’s beneficiary form May reduce taxes for your heirs Provides lasting support for Cornerstone’s mission Interested in learning more? We’ll work with you and your plan administrator to make the process simple. To get started, please contact Rick Peck at [email protected] , or complete our contact form. CONTACT US Back to Ways to Donate

Make a one-time or recurring gift to Cornerstone Charter School. Support our mission, strengthen literacy, and help build a strong future for NH students. Ways to Donate Laying the Cornerstone for our Children's Future READ OUR CASE FOR SUPPORT ONE-TIME OR RECURRING CASH GIFTS One-Time or Recurring Cash Gifts At Cornerstone Chartered Public School, every donation plays a vital role in empowering children to achieve their full potential through the transformative power of literacy. Make an immediate impact through a secure donation online or by check using the secure form below. Please give generously! Cornerstone is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our tax ID is 33-4632957. Checks may be sent to: Cornerstone Chartered Public School PO Box 129 Lyme, NH 03768 Click Here to Make a Secure Online Donation Back to Ways to Donate Your support powers Cornerstone’s Build the Foundation Campaign Please help us reach our $1M goal by the end of January to renovate our future school home, as part of our $15M plan to purchase the building and sustain long-term operations. Recurring monthly gifts make the biggest impact by providing steady, reliable funding we can count on. Please give generously and help us build a permanent home for Cornerstone’s students! Back to Ways to Donate

Create a lasting legacy with a gift in your will or estate plan. Support Cornerstone Charter School’s mission to empower strong readers and thinkers. Ways to Donate Laying the Cornerstone for our Children's Future WILLS & BEQUESTS Wills & Bequests Click Here to Make a Gift One of the simplest and most meaningful ways to support Cornerstone is by including us in your will or estate plans. Whether you’re passionate about early literacy, public school choice, or creating opportunities for future generations, a bequest ensures your legacy lives on. Back to Ways to Donate Wills & Bequests What it is Why it is a good option Benefits What it is: A bequest is a gift made through your will or living trust that directs a portion of your estate—such as cash, securities, or personal property—to Cornerstone Chartered Public School. This can be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder after other obligations are met. Why it is a good option: Bequests are a powerful yet flexible way to support Cornerstone without impacting your finances during your lifetime. You can change or update your bequest at any time, and your estate may benefit from potential tax advantages. Benefits: Make a lasting impact on Cornerstone’s mission Retain full control of your assets during your lifetime May reduce estate taxes for your heirs Easy to update or revise as life changes Interested in learning more? Please consider including Cornerstone in your will. To get started, please contact Rick Peck at [email protected] or complete the contact form. Back to Ways to Donate CONTACT US

Cornerstone Charter School accepts cryptocurrency donations as a fast, secure, and tax-efficient way to support our mission. Your crypto gift helps us expand access to a free, literacy-first public education for New Hampshire students. Donating digital assets is simple and may offer added tax benefits. Ways to Donate Laying the Cornerstone for our Children's Future CRYPTOCURRENCY Cryptocurrency Click Here to Make a Secure Online Donation As giving methods evolve, more supporters are choosing to donate through digital assets like cryptocurrency. If you hold crypto and want to support Cornerstone’s mission in a tax-smart, forward-thinking way, this option may be right for you. Back to Ways to Donate Donate Cryptocurrency to Cornerstone Chartered Public School Making a crypto donation to Cornerstone supports our mission to empower children in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire to become strong readers, thinkers, and leaders with an equitable, free, literacy-first public education. How can I donate cryptocurrency to Cornerstone? Donating crypto is safe, easy, and fast. Using the donation form on this page, making a charitable gift is a quick three-step process: Select your preferred crypto and enter your gift amount. Enter your email address and basic information. Make your gift! Upon making a donation, you can elect to receive an automatically generated tax receipt that will be sent to the email address you provide after a certain number of confirmations of the transaction on the blockchain. This confirmation of your donation will help you close the loop when calculating your taxes. Crypto charitable donations are processed quickly and safely with The Giving Block and Gemini Trust Exchange. Want to calculate how much crypto to donate to offset your capital gains? Check out this Tax Benefit Calculator for Crypto Donations . Which cryptocurrencies do you accept? We currently accept more than 100 cryptocurrencies, including: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), 0x (ZRX), Aave (AAVE), Alchemix (MIST), Amp (AMP), Ankr (ANKR), ApeCoin (APE), API3 (API3), Avalanche (AVAX), Axie Infinity Shards (AXS), BarnBridge (BOND), Basic Attention Token (BAT), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), ChainLink (LINK), Chiliz (CHZ), Compound (COMP), Curve Dao Token (CRV), Dai (DAI), Decentraland (MANA), Dogecoin (DOGE), Dogelon Mars (ELON), Enjin Coin (ENJ), Ethereum Name Service (ENS), Fantom (FTM), Fetch.ai (FET), Filecoin (FIL), Gala (GALA), Galxe (GAL), Gemini Dollar (GUSD), Injective (INJ), Lido (LDO), Litecoin (LTC), Livepeer (LPT), Loopring (LRC), Maker (MKR), Mask Network (MASK), Orchid (OXT), PAX Gold (PAXG), Polkadot (DOT), Polygon (MATIC), Qredo (QRDO), Quant (QNT), Radicle (RAD), Rally (RLY), Ren (REN), Render Token (RNDR), Samoyedcoin (SAMO), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Skale (SKL), Solana (SOL), Somnium Space (CUBE), STEPN (GMT), Storj (STORJ), SushiSwap (SUSHI), Synthetix (SNX), Tezos (XTZ), The Graph (GRT), The Sandbox (SAND), Tune.FM (JAM), UMA (UMA), Uniswap (UNI), USD Coin (USD), Tether (USDT), XRP (XRP), Yearn.finance (YFI), Zcash (ZEC) We are continually adding support for new cryptocurrencies, so please check back soon for more giving options. I need assistance with my donation. How can I get in touch? Thank you for your interest in supporting Cornerstone! To contact us about making a cryptocurrency donation, please send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Crypto Donation," or complete the contact form, and we will be in touch. Refund Policy All crypto donations made via The Giving Block are non-refundable. Because cryptocurrency gifts are processed as charitable contributions, we’re unable to issue refunds. No goods, services, or airdrops will be provided in return for your donation. CONTACT US We accept donations in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 100 additional leading cryptocurrencies. Building New Hampshire's Home for Literacy and Learning A gift of cryptocurrency can help us purchase and renovate Cornerstone’s permanent school home in Lebanon, New Hampshire, creating vibrant classrooms where every child builds a strong foundation in reading, thinking, and leadership. As the only K-8 public charter school in the Upper Valley focused on structured literacy, experiential learning, and the Science of Reading, Cornerstone provides a content-rich, knowledge-building education designed to close achievement gaps and empower lifelong learners. Every gift moves us closer to opening vibrant classrooms where every child can thrive. What it is Why it is a good option Benefits What is it? Crypto Philanthropy is a new and thrilling fundraising avenue for nonprofit organizations like Cornerstone. With more than 600 million crypto users worldwide and the value of many cryptocurrencies on the rise, the crypto community is poised to make a significant impact through philanthropy. Why it is a good option: Crypto donations are a great fit for individuals who’ve seen their digital assets grow in value and want to give in a tax-smart way. If you’re looking for a fast, secure, and potentially tax-efficient method of giving, donating crypto may be ideal. Benefits: Avoid capital gains taxes by donating appreciated crypto directly Receive a charitable income tax deduction for the full fair market value of the asset (if held for more than one year) Make an impact while diversifying your portfolio Quick and secure transaction process through The Giving Block & Gemini Trust Exchange Back to Ways to Donate

Real estate gifts are a powerful way to support Cornerstone. Donors can give property they no longer need—homes, land, rentals, or commercial space—often receiving significant tax benefits. Cornerstone partners with Realty Gift Fund to make the process simple, secure, and professionally managed. Your property can create a lasting impact for students and our school’s future. Ways to Donate Laying the Cornerstone for our Children's Future REAL ESTATE Gifts of Real Estate Donating real estate can be a powerful way to support Cornerstone while providing significant benefits to you. We make it easy through our partnership with The Realty Gift Fund , the largest nonprofit created exclusively to facilitate gifts of real estate. We can accept real estate donations of any type. . . anywhere! Your gift of property can help build a strong foundation for generations of students to come. Back to Ways to Donate Click Here to Make a Gift of Real Estate Outright Gift What it is Why it is a good option Benefits What it is: An outright gift of real estate is equal to 100% of the ownership, whether the donor is a single entity or comprises multiple parties. You donate a property (home, land, or commercial real estate) directly to Cornerstone. The property is then sold, and the proceeds support our mission. Why it is a good option: By transferring the property directly to Cornerstone through The Realty Gift Fund, you avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of selling it yourself. You also receive an immediate charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the property (subject to IRS limits), while eliminating capital gains tax and transaction costs. Because the property is sold by a nonprofit, more of its value goes toward your charitable goals, often creating a total cash benefit greater than what you would receive through a private sale. It’s a practical, tax-efficient way to turn an illiquid asset into lasting educational impact for students. Benefits of Donating Real Estate: Eliminates capital gains taxes on appreciated property. Eliminates all transaction costs (other than the required appraisal). Offloads the burden of selling a complex or hard-to-liquidate asset to a trusted third party. Simplifies your portfolio by converting a complex asset into meaningful impact. Maximizes your charitable giving , as outright gifts often create a total cash benefit, shared between you and Cornerstone, that can exceed the property’s market value. Partial Interest Gift What it is Why it is a good option Benefits What it is: A Partial Interest Gift lets you donate a portion of your property, rather than the entire property, to Cornerstone. The ownership is shared between you and Cornerstone based on the percentage you choose to give. Why it is a good option: You receive a charitable tax deduction for the appraised value of the portion you donate, and that gift portion is free from capital gains tax. During the time you co-own the property, each party covers its share of expenses and receives its share of any income. When the property is sold, both you and Cornerstone receive your respective shares of the sale proceeds. Because the nonprofit’s share is sold tax-free, more of the property’s value supports charitable work. Benefits: A key advantage of this type of gift is that you may be able to defer capital gains taxes on your remaining share through a 1031 exchange, allowing you to reinvest your proceeds tax-deferred. Bargain Sale What it is Why it is a good option Benefits What it is: A Bargain Sale Gift combines elements of a sale and a donation. You sell your property to Cornerstone for less than its full market value. The difference between the property’s appraised value and the sale price is considered a charitable contribution. Why it is a good option: A Bargain Sale allows you to receive immediate cash from the sale while also supporting Cornerstone’s mission. It’s ideal for donors who want to make a significant gift but also need some liquidity from their property. Benefits: Immediate cash proceeds from the sale Charitable tax deduction for the donated portion of the property’s value Reduced or eliminated capital gains taxes on the gifted portion A straightforward transaction that converts part of your property into a lasting educational impact Flexible option helps meet both personal financial goals and charitable intentions Retained Life Estate What it is Why it is a good option Benefits What it is: A Retained Life Estate Gift lets you donate your home, vacation property, or farm to Cornerstone now, while continuing to live in and use it for the rest of your life. Why it is a good option: A Retained Life Estate Gift allows you to make a meaningful future gift to Cornerstone while continuing to live in and enjoy your home, vacation property, or farm for life. You transfer ownership now, but keep the right to use the property for as long as you wish. It’s a way to create a lasting legacy without changing your lifestyle. Benefits: Immediate tax deduction for the appraised value of Cornerstone’s future interest. Continue living in your home or using your property for life. Maintain control of the property’s upkeep and use while you live there. Remove the property from your estate, potentially reducing estate taxes. Guarantee a future gift to Cornerstone that supports students for generations to come. Interested in learning more? We’ll work with you to make the process easy and meaningful. Please contact Lynne Howard at 603-678-4778, [email protected] , or complete the contact form. Back to Ways to Donate Introduction to Realty Gift Fund: Donate Real Estate to Charity https://realtygiftfund.org/ CONTACT US