WHY DO WE NEED AN EDUCATION FOUNDATION IN WALNUT CREEK?
I THOUGHT PUBLIC SCHOOLS WERE FREE.
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.
For an overview of what we fund this year see our annual giving brochure.
California's per-student public school funding has climbed to 13th in the nation - real progress. But that statewide number doesn't tell Walnut Creek's story.
California funds districts through the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), which allocates additional dollars based on the concentration of low-income students, English learners, and foster or homeless youth. Because Walnut Creek doesn't have high concentrations of these student populations, our schools receive base-level funding only - without the supplemental dollars that boost per-student spending in many other districts.
In other words: as California's average rises, Walnut Creek's schools don't rise with it. That gap is exactly what WCEF exists to close - funding the teachers and programs that make sure every student here, from the first day through graduation, gets the education they deserve.
Many people assume that high property values mean well-funded schools—but that's not the case here. Because of how LCFF allocates funding, Walnut Creek School District and Las Lomas High School rank among the lowest-funded districts in California. Even with generous local support through WCEF, per-pupil funding remains significantly below that of most comparable California districts.
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 us at WCEF or
your school's parent group (PTA, PTO)
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 TK-12) is a non-profit organization and a fundraising arm of the school districts it serves. WCEF is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that raises money to close the public education funding gap and help deliver comprehensive programs and wellness initiatives to ensure every student reaches their full potential.
- 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.
- WCEF will celebrate its 40th anniversary in the 2023-24 school year! That means hundreds and hundreds of volunteers have worked to invest in our students and community. For a brief timeline, see our brochure here.
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 programs and salaries from TK-12.
- In all WCSD elementary schools (including Tice Creek) WCEF funds are restricted and go toward salaries for Specialists in Art and Science Lab, credentialed music teachers, as well as a credentialed WCSD librarian and Tk-8 Math Coach. That's 20+ additional caring teachers in our schools.
- Our intermediate level students (WCI and Tice) benefit from 9 additional elective classes focused on STEAM focus (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), the Math Coach, and a credentialed librarian.
- At Las Lomas High School, WCEF donations help fund 14 additional core academic classes, and support the College & Career Center and the Wellness Center. Those additional classes include Advanced Placement (APs) and Honors 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, and College & Career, 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.
- Equity is a driving factor and achieved by ensuring each grade level (TK-5, 6-8, 9-12) is funded based on number of students and cost of programs.
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 for 5,000 students. In fact, TK-5 Art, Music, and Science Lab programs are not fully funded by WCEF donations. WCSD shares a portion of the cost to ensure quality programs.
WHY DOES WCEF PRINT A LIST OF DONOR 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.
Are funds invested equitably across the districts?
- Equity, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do at WCEF. WCEF’s core belief is that all students are entitled to a quality education. Donations to WCEF are invested equitably in each student at all levels to ensure a well-funded education from grades TK to 12.
- The funds we raise are tied to our mission, which is to preserve and enhance education for all despite drastic state budgeting shortfalls.
- Donations ensure programs like science, the arts, math support, elective classes that reflect student interest, wellness programs, and more are available to each and every student.
- In 2025-26 Las Lomas will receive $490,000 in additional funding, while WCSD will receive $815,000 for programs, salaries, and classes during this school year.
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED ANNUAL DONATION?
- First, every gift is valued. Participation is our goal. In order for our districts to plan and hire we set an annual fundraising goal each year. WCEF's goal for 2025-26 is $1.6 million due to inflation and because we do not fully fund programs at the elementary level.
- The suggested per student donation is $825, but every amount makes a difference.
- Donate monthly! Many of our families, over 300 in fact, give monthly online.
- Do you accept gifts of stock? We do! And donations through Venmo and PayPal! And old cars! And... the answer is likely yes, or we will try and make that happen. Honestly, we just want to make it easy for you! (Email contact@wcefk12.org ).
I want TO HELP? What amount should my family donate?
- We ask all families to donate an amount that works with your family’s budget. If you are able, the suggested ask is $825 per student.
- WCEF's goal is 100% participation from its families; all gifts make a huge difference every day for 5,000 students.
- WCEF board members are also parents like you! Please consider joining us. Email us at contact@wcefk12.org.
DO YOU PREFER CASH CREDIT CARD OR CHECK?
- No preference here! Select the most comfortable way of donating to our organization. WCEF accepts gifts of cash, check, credit, and stock. WCEF also accepts VENMO @WCEFk12, PayPal, 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.
- Donations to WCEF funds salaries, innovative classroom programs, and additional classes. Your school's parent group is invaluable for many reasons, and is focused on community and advocacy. Visit your school website for more info.
- If your family is able to,
we ask that you support both WCEF and your Parent Group with time and resources.
In the U.S. volunteerism is down, and we need committed parents and guardians to help fundraise, plan events, and be positive partners with teachers and staff for both WCEF and parent groups. Your efforts really make a difference
- WCEF and the Parent Groups of each school work together to ensure quality education for your students. 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 operating COSTS?
Administrative expenses for WCEF are low because volunteers do the majority of work. On average, WCEF keeps total operating and fundraising expenses to approximately 10% of its overall budget - ensuring that the vast majority of funds directly support our schools.
DO I GET A PER FAMILY DISCOUNT?
- Not really. Because we calculate participation per student, we suggest a per student donation. However, whatever amount is right for you is right for WCEF.
