Have you heard? Student success is at the heart of our mission and generosity is the driving force. In the last 10 years, donors have contributed more than $3M to help the Education Foundation extend the district’s budget and create new opportunities for students in all grades, inside and outside the classroom. Learn more in this Q&A and find out how you can be part of student success in our 10th anniversary year.
Why does State College need an Education Foundation?
Year after year, the district faces growing budget demands. Tax-deductible donations to the Education Foundation help preserve and enhance critical resources to fund programs and opportunities that students count on—high-quality academics, extracurricular and cocurricular activities, exceptional learning environments, and special electives, field trips, and projects.
What about taxes and the district budget?
The Education Foundation exists to supplement and extend the district’s tax base by encouraging voluntary donations that stay in our local schools, directly benefiting current students through life-changing initiatives not covered in the operating budget.
How do students benefit?
Donations impact all students in the district by supporting programs inside and outside the classroom, upgrading materials, equipment and learning spaces, covering field trips and extracurricular activities, supporting critical mental health programs, and more. Teachers, administrators, and students can recommend and select areas of need, giving them a voice in shaping the educational experience, and grants are awarded directly to educators through the Mardi Lowry McDonough ’87 Student Opportunity Fund & Grant Program.
I don’t have a student in the district. Why should I give?
High-quality educational opportunities benefit the whole community. Strong public schools attract new businesses and residents, strengthening the community and local economy; and owning a home in a successful school district increases your property value. Plus, your generosity models strong leadership and sets an example of community involvement that helps shape students into good citizens and community members.
Who decides where my donation goes?
You do! Donors can contribute to a variety of funds, available on the website at scasdfoundation.org. You can designation your gift toward something you care about, such as academics, music, extracurricular activities, student mental health and other areas. Students, teachers, and administrators provide priorities for creating funds, and teachers submit proposals to receive grant funding. The volunteer board of directors works to fund as many proposals as possible through spring and fall funding cycles.
Gifts to the SCASD Education Foundation directly impact students in every school within our district. The Education Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization and gifts are tax-deductible.
How can I give?
You can make a one-time donation anytime throughout the year at scasdfoundation.org or through one of our direct mail solicitations. You can also set up a recurring monthly donation on the website.
Can I give stocks or leave a gift in my will?
Yes. For more information on stock transfers or planned giving, contact Paul Olivett at paul@scasdfoundation.org. Planned giving is a priority area for the foundation over the next five to ten years.
I have a question. Who can I talk to?
Reach out directly to Executive Director Paul Olivett at paul@scasdfoundation.org. Paul will connect you to someone else if he can’t answer your questions.
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