FAQs - WALNUT CREEK EDUCATION FOUNDATION TK-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WCEF TK-12?

The Walnut Creek Education Foundation (WCEF) is a non-profit organization who works in partnership with, but independently of our partner districts. WCEF’s mission is to preserve and enhance education for all TK-12 students in the Walnut Creek School District (WCSD) and at Las Lomas High School (LLHS).
WCEF’s volunteer board consists of an executive committee, board chairs, appointed board members, trustees and advisory members. WCEF is also supported by two paid positions: the Executive Director and Donor Relations Manager.

Is my donation tax deductible? And what is wcef's tax id?

The Walnut Creek Education Foundation is a California non-profit, public benefit, corporation. It is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The federal tax ID number for the foundation (EIN) is #94-2915151. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

why do we need an education foundation in walnut creek? don't my property taxes cover the cost of education?

Education Foundations became the norm in CA after a series of voter decisions in the 1970s and 80s (Props 13 and 89), plus the recession of 2008, all contributed to push funding to the very worst in the country. California currently sits at 41st worst in the country per pupil funding (some studies rate CA as low as 45th and lower) when cost of living is taken into account. Locally, Walnut Creek students receive even less than the state average due to the LCFF (see below) prioritizing a-risk and high-need students.
Looking for a more in-depth explanation? We found this article extremely helpful in understanding the history of school funding. https://ed100.org/lessons/whopays
Property taxes. Property taxes are not the main source of funding for CA schools, despite what people think. About 25-28% of the funding for public schools comes from property taxes. The biggest source is personal income taxes. Communities in CA also have very limited options for raising local revenue for schools. For example, in Walnut Creek, only an $82 parcel tax stays with our schools each year.
The amount per pupil our districts gets is mostly driven by the rules of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). For all our visual learners out there, this video offers a good look at LCFF. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su3wIGyZSl4&t=2s
Other funding sources: The Lottery. Not so much. The Lottery contributes about 1% of the state's education funds. Finally, the federal government provides less than 10% of funding in most states, including CA.
It's not a pretty picture (even though our students create pretty pictures thanks to WCEF donors), we know. What can you do as a taxpayer? 1. Donate to WCEF to ensure well-funded schools. 2. Lobby your local representatives. 3. Join movements looking to improve funding, including your school's parent group (PTA, PTO), or volunteer for WCEF.

How will WCEF spend this money this school year?

WCEF funds preserve and enhance education from TK-12 for 5,000 students.

At all WCSD elementary schools (including Tice Creek) donations to WCEF help fund enrichment programs in the arts, music, and science lab, as well as a WCSD math coach.
Our intermediate level students (WCI and Tice) benefit from WCEF-funded programs by making more elective classes possible. At WCI, that's 10 additional electives, 2 more electives at Tice. We know electives are many times the reason why students want to go to school, and more options and opportunities is the best way to reach all students. WCEF funding also supports the math coach, and a credentialed WCSD librarian. in fact, only 9% of public schools in CA report having a credentialed librarian.
At Las Lomas High School, WCEF donations help fund 13 additional academic classes, support the Wellness Center, and (new this year) make possible a teacher on special assignment focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

How is funding determined?

Funding needed to preserve or enhance basic curriculum is identified and prioritized as a collaborative process between WCEF, the Walnut Creek School District, Acalanes Union High School District and school administrators. Funding decisions are based on each district’s budgetary needs and made on an annual basis for the following school year.

I want my dollars to go to my kid's school. Do WCEF donations stay at their school?

Yes! Your WCEF donations are provided to the districts we serve, where the programs are funded on a per student basis. The result is an equitable distribution of funds that elevate all eight of our schools. Not only do your donations help fund programs at your current school, but because we fundraise from all 3,300 families WCEF funding is able to secure top-ranked Las Lomas. WCEF is truly an investment in great schools from your child's first day to graduation day.

WHY DOES WCEF PRINT A LIST OF DONORS’ NAMES? CAN I GIVE ANONYMOUSLY?

Every donor makes a difference, and each gift deserves to be acknowledged. Many people new to the District, or to WCEF, give because they are prompted not by us, but by you. Seeing your name on a public acknowledgement tells people who know and respect you that you have lent your support to our efforts. That usually means more than all the emails we can send.
You can give anonymously to WCEF by noting it on your donation form or checking the box on the online form. We will honor your request and your name will not be published in our donor acknowledgements.

I HAVE THREE KIDS. DO I HAVE TO GIVE PER STUDENT?

The short answer is no. We want families to give the amount that is right for them. That can be per student or a flat donation.
In 2021-22, the WCEF board adopted a new model of giving levels based on $1 to $2.50 a day. Instead of a per student ask (in 2020-21 the ask was $600 per student) we want families to give what they can each and every year. We know that an increasing ask each year added un-needed stress on our families. We added multiple levels so all families feel their donations are valued. And they are. Every gift—from $10 to $10,000—adds up to make all these additional programs possible.
If you have any questions about our new suggested giving levels, please reach out at [email protected]. This decision came about after our WCEF survey in 2021 and much thoughtful discussion by our board of volunteers.

What is WCEF's suggested annual donation?

In 2021-22, the WCEF board adopted a new model of giving levels based on $1 to $2.50 a day. Instead of a per student ask (in 2020-21 the ask was $600 per student) we want families to give what they can each and every year. We know that an increasing ask each year added un-needed stress on our families. We added multiple levels so all families feel their donations are valued. And they are. Every gift—from $10 to $10,000—adds up to help create stronger schools and make additional programs our families value possible.
If you have any questions about our new suggested giving levels, please reach out at [email protected]. This decision came about after our WCEF survey in 2021 and much thoughtful discussion by our board of volunteers.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE MONEY RAISED GOES TO THE SCHOOLS AND WHAT PERCENT COVERS ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS?

Administrative expenses for WCEF are low because volunteers do the majority of work. Current administrative costs are around 8-10% of the total budget. The remaining goes directly to the schools we serve. View our Impact Reports here.

Do you prefer cash, credit card, or check? what about stock gifts?

We prefer that your family select the most comfortable way of donating to our organization. WCEF accepts gifts of cash, check, credit, and stock. WCEF now accepts VENMO @wcefk12.
For stock gifts, please email [email protected].

Didn’t I already donate to WCEF when I donated to my school’s PARENT GROUP (PTA/PTO/PTSA)?

No. The foundation is a separate check from school site specific organizations because it is its own foundation and touches eight separate schools. The parent group donation is made separate from your WCEF donation.
WCEF exists to create additional funding for our schools, funding salaries and innovative classroom programs. Your school's parent group typically pays for supplies and hosts community building opportunities. The PTA is an important advocacy group, but not a fundraising organization.
If your family is able to, we ask that you donate to both WCEF and your Parent Group. WCEF and Parent Groups are critical to bridge the state funding gap. We call this collaborative fundraising, and it ensures that both academics and community are fully funded at your student’s school.

Are donations eligible for company matching?

Yes! Many companies match charitable donations 1:1 from their employees, which can double, or even triple the amount that WCEF receives. To find out whether your company offers a corporate matching gift program start here, or check with your company’s Human Resources department.