Los Gatos Education Foundation

Is there still a budget shortfall ?
Why do we want to raise money for grants beyond the budget shortfall?
How can I donate?
Can I donate items other than cash? - stocks, bonds, real estate, autos?
Can I make my donation in monthly installments?
Do I have to donate the suggested amount $600/$900?
What do other local Foundations suggest as donations?
Why is Los Gatos considered a "Low Funded School District"?
Should I donate to both H&SC and LGEF?
Who is my class representative?
Will there be a phone-a-thon this year?
Can I get a campaign package for neighbors, community members, grandparents?
What grants will be funded for the 2005-06 school year?
Can Sacramento get access to funds contributed to LGEF?
Will we need to raise money every year?
Will the Foundation decide how the money is spent?
How do I get more involved in the campaign?
How can I help the 2006 Annual Campaign?

Is there still a budget shortfall ?

Nothing is expected to change. The fiscal health of California has only worsened since last year. We can expect that school budgets will be under even greater pressure.

Why do we want to raise money for grants beyond the budget shortfall?
Los Gatos needs to raise funds to improve its funding levels to be commensurate with like communities such as Los Altos and Palo Alto. These communities have higher test scores and richer educations due to the added programs afforded by higher budgets. To understand more about school funding and the disadvantaged position Los Gatos holds see the article on this site.

How can I donate?
Donate online, send a check or use your credit card with the remit envelope in US mail or drop in box in office or give to school captain, to classroom representative or to donation table worker. Click here for more details.

Can I donate items other than cash? - stocks, bonds, real estate, autos?
Yes. Contact the LGEF Treasurer to discuss further.

Can I make my donation in monthly installments?
Yes. Credit card payments can be divided into monthly installments.

Do I have to donate the suggested amount $600/$900?
No. Last year, 20% of donations exceeded the suggested amount, 40% were at the suggested amount, and 40% below the suggested amount. The participation rate was a phenomenal 68% within the district. When we have this level of participation - with donors giving at the level that is comfortable - we can reach or goal.

What do other local Foundations suggest as donations?
Los Altos - $700 (1 child); $1400 (2 children); $2100 (3+ children)
Saratoga - $700 (1 child); $1400 (2 children); $2100 (3+ children)
Menlo Park/ Atherton - $500 (1 child); $1000 (2 children); $1500 (3+ children)
Mill Valley - $500 (1 child); $1000 (2 children); $1500 (3+ children)
Hillsborough - $1000 (1 child); $1500 (2 children); $2000 (3+ children)

Why is Los Gatos considered a "Low Funded School District"?
See the article on this site

Should I donate to both Home & School Club and LGEF?
Yes. LGEF was created to fund vital programs for the entire school district. Home and School Clubs fundraise locally to pay for site specific needs that vary school by school. Together these two organizations provide the very best educational improvements that meet both district-wide and school-specific needs.

Who is my class representative?
Please contact LGEF at 335-2229 or email at admin@lgef.org

Will there be a phone-a-thon this year?
Yes. To avoid being called donate by March 3rd!

Can I get a campaign package for neighbors, community members, grandparents?
We have brochures and materials available through your classroom representative, school captain or from our office (335-2229 or email at admin@lgef.org). Additional information is available online.

What grants will be funded for the 2006-07 school year?
Click here to see a complete list.

Can Sacramento get access to funds contributed to LGEF?
NO! Dollars will stay local, in your Foundation's account until grants are awarded. The state does not have access to locally-generated funds.

Will we need to raise money every year?
Yes. Even if the shortfall is funded, Los Gatos is thousands of dollars per student shy of neighboring school districts. We expect a high quality education for our children and it will require annual fundraising at this level to ensure there are quality programs.

Will the Foundation decide how the money is spent?
Yes the Foundation has a grant approval process. Please click here to learn the details. If you have questions please email us at president@lgef.org

How do I get more involved in the campaign?
Contact any board member, school captain, classroom representative, or our office at 335-2229 or email at admin@lgef.org.

How can I help the 2006 Annual Campaign?
(1) Donate. (2) Volunteer at an information booth at your school and spread the word. (3) Offer a gift of your special talents or business services, computer skills, sales, copying, stuffing, etc.