WHY DO WE NEED AN EDUCATION FOUNDATION IN WALNUT CREEK?
Due to a lack of state funding and a series of voter decisions decades ago, Education Foundations like WCEF are the norm in CA (and across the country). Foundations like ours allow families to further invest in public education, secure property values, and make a tax-deductible gift.
In 1965, California public schools nationally ranked within the top 5 for per pupil funding. We had some of the most well-funded schools in the country! After a series of voter decisions in the 1970s and 80s (Props 13 and 89), coupled with the recession of 2008, our school funding dropped like a rock.
We now sit at 41st worst in per-pupil funding, and some studies rank CA as low as 45th (or lower).
Looking for a more in-depth explanation? We found this article extremely helpful in understanding the history of school funding.
HERE
I THOUGHT MY PROPERTY TAXES COVER THE COST OF EDUCATION?
Oh, we wish this were true!
Property taxes are not the main source of funding for CA schools, despite what people may think. About 25% of the funding for public schools in CA comes from property taxes, which also support other local government functions. The biggest source of funding for our schools is personal income taxes and communities in CA have very limited options for raising local revenue for schools. Other states don't have these same restrictions.
OKAY, But DOESN'T the Lottery pay for our schools?
Not so much.
The Lottery raises about 1% of the state's education funds. When CA voters created the lottery in 1984, it was promoted as a pain-free answer to the state’s education funding woes. Unfortunately, that isn't what happened.
what about THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT?
Another Negative.
Sadly, the federal government provides less than 10% of funding in most states, including CA.
Well, that's not a pretty picture. What can I do?
As a taxpayer, you can help on many levels.
1. Donate
to WCEF to ensure our schools are funded beyond the basic minimum the state of CA provides
2. Volunteer
with your school's parent group (PTA, PTO) or with us at WCEF (check out our openings)
3. Lobby
your local representatives
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
no problem. We have answers.
Click the expandable FAQs below to read more.
What is WCEF TK-12?
- The Walnut Creek Education Foundation (WCEF) is a non-profit organization and a fundraising arm of the school districts it serves. 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.
HOW WILL WCEF SPEND THIS MONEY THIS SCHOOL YEAR?
WCEF funds preserve and enhance education from TK-12.
- In all WCSD elementary schools (including Tice Creek) WCEF funds go towards salaries for TK-8 Math Coach and specialists in Art, Music, Science Lab, and a credentialed Physical Education teacher. That's 20+ additional teachers in our schools. WCEF is also committed to ensuring all students have the necessary technology to succeed during distance learning.
- Our intermediate level students (WCI and Tice) benefit from WCEF-funded programs with a STEAM focus (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), the Math Coach, a credentialed librarian, electives like World Languages and the Arts, and technology.
- At Las Lomas High School, WCEF donations help fund 12 additional core academic classes, and support programs at the Wellness Center. Those 12 sections include Advanced Placement (APs) for college readiness, electives like auto engineering and the arts, even leveled math classes. This helps maintain lower class sizes (math classes are 27), helps with teacher retention, and overall a more diverse offering of courses. The Wellness Center, opened in 2017, supports all students.
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.
DOES MY WCEF DONATION GO TO MY STUDENT’S SCHOOL?
- Yes! WCEF funds 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.
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 districts, 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.
DO I GET A PER FAMILY DISCOUNT?
- No. This year, WCEF’s annual ask is $600 per student. If this is not manageable for your family’s budget, please consider making installment payments by donating online. Alternatively, please donate an amount that is right for your family’s budget.
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED ANNUAL DONATION?
- The annual ask for the 2020-21 school year is $600 per student. However, with COVID-19, our districts are experiencing unprecedented additional costs like online platforms and technology. If able, we ask you to add $200 per student, or $800 total.
- The $600 per student ask is a WCEF board-approved amount. The WCEF board is comprised of parent and community volunteers representing all schools.
- If this is not manageable for your family’s budget, please consider making installment payments by donating online. Alternatively, please donate in an amount that is comfortable for your family’s budget.
I CAN’T AFFORD $600 PER STUDENT THIS YEAR. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
- If you want to help but can’t donate $600 per student, you are encouraged to donate an amount that works with your family’s budget. WCEF's goal is 100% participation from its families; any amount is helpful to reaching our fundraising goal.
- If you can’t contribute financially, please consider volunteering. Email us regarding volunteer opportunities at contact@wcefk12.org.
DO YOU PREFER CASH CREDIT CARD OR CHECK?
- 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 also accepts VENMO @WCEFk12, and even your old car! Email contact@wcefk12.org for more info.
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 funds salaries and innovative classroom programs and technologies. Your school's parent group typically pays for supplies and hosts community building opportunities.
- If your family is able to, we ask that you donate to both WCEF and your Parent Group. WCEF and the Parent Groups of each school work together to ensure quality education for your students. WCEF and the 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.
HOW CAN I MAKE MY DONATION GO FURTHER THROUGH CORPORATE MATCHING?
- Many companies match charitable donations from their employees, which can double, or even triple the amount that WCEF receives as a result of your donation. To find out whether your company offers a corporate matching gift program, search this database or check with your company’s Human Resources department. If you have questions about how to make a matching donation to WCEF, contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
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 around 9-10% of the total budgeted foundation funds. The remaining goes directly to the schools we serve.
