MAFEI serves as the fiscal sponsor of several projects that work in tandem with Oakland public schools (OPS) to provide support and development for students, teachers, and families.

MAFEI will provide fiscal sponsorship to projects that support our mission. Each project must raise funds to cover its expenses. For further information contact the Executive Director Kate Dowling

Current projects:

MAFEI is fiscal sponsor to the Prescott Clown Troupe and several small teachers' projects.

The Prescott Clown Troupe is an after-school circus arts and leadership program for children ages 8-11. It began as an after-school juggling club sponsored by Prescott School teacher Aileen Moffitt in 1984. MAFEI provided Moffitt with her first grant through the New Notions/Teacher Mini-Grants Program. In developing years, each season brings an increase in student commitment, program offerings, and outcomes.

Its mission is to provide a culturally conscious educational program promoting leadership, performing arts education, skill training, academic progress, and life experience opportunities for young people. It does this in a context that allows them to fully explore their talents and enriches self-esteem.

The Troupe provides opportunities for children to serve the community by providing professional-level, culturally conscious entertainment by children of color for audiences of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and cultural groups while representing Oakland youth in a proud and positive manner.

The Core program is at Prescott School in West Oakland where a performing company is developed and performs at community events throughout the year. Adjunct programs at Prescott include Visual Arts Class, Junior Clown Training, and Tutoring. Satellite programs include expansion of circus arts training at Lockwood and Piedmont Avenue Schools plus new programs at Garfield and Laurel Schools and middle school sites in West Oakland, as well as other projects run by OPS educators.

To learn more about this program, please contact Aileen Moffitt at (510) 482-1674.