Colonial Group values the opportunity to strengthen communities by making a positive difference in the lives of the people who live within them. Through the Colonial Foundation, it support our communities via organizations that have an educational, youth development, arts and community support focus. 

The Foundation has supported St. Andrew’s and four other Georgia independent schools without fail for almost 40 years. Colonial Foundation’s support reaches from the St. Andrew’s Annual Fund to providing the ability to fund the Georgia Goal Scholarship. This support is an outward showing of their commitment to not only St. Andrew’s but to the other educational institutions is to be commended.

Throughout St. Andrew’s history, The Colonial Foundation, and those on its board, have provided the underpinning and support to allow the school to be an asset to the families it serves as well as the broader Savannah community.  It is worth noting that the foundation’s support for the school has stemmed from both personal connections to students and supporters, as well as an understanding that communities and cities need schools that can nurture and develop leaders and well-rounded citizens to be vibrant and thriving.  The Colonial Foundation and its board understand the unique opportunities that independent schools have to be leaders in education to best serve their students and communities.

The Colonial Foundation has provided more financial support for the school than any other entity in its history.  Without fail, The Colonial Foundation has served as a leader in every capital campaign in the history of the school since 1984.  This includes 4 major capital campaigns, their investment demonstrated in four of the five major buildings on campus.  In 2001, The Colonial Group’s President, Robert H. Demere, Jr., was largely responsible for facilitating the purchase of property adjacent to the existing campus that allowed the school to effectively double its land and increase student capacity.  Following the purchase of this property, the foundation invested in renovations and the school was able to move the Lower School into its own building and space.  This was a strategic investment supporting the future of the school, as it has allowed the school to grow over 30% in the number of enrolled students, an investment that allows the school to sustain fiscal health, and expand the benefits of its missions and programs to serve more young people and families.

The Chandler Award recognizes a corporation or foundation for outstanding contributions to independent schools. Nominations of community foundations, local businesses and national or international corporations or foundations are acceptable.

The award is named in honor of John R. Chandler, former assistant headmaster at the Hotchkiss School, and one of CASE's first independent school trustees.