FAQ

• Who is Kiddo!?
• Why do public schools need private fundraising?
• What programs will Kiddo! support for the 2008-09 school year?
• How much should I give?
• How can I give?
• Can I make my donation installments?
• What happens if Kiddo! does not meet its fundraising goal of $1.9 million this year?
• Why does Kiddo! ask for donations at the end of the school year?
• What about Employer Matching Funds and United Way?
• What is the Kiddo! Endowment Fund?
• How else can I help?
• Who can I contact with more questions?

Who is Kiddo!?

Founded in 1982 as the Mill Valley Schools Community Foundation, Kiddo! is an independent, non-profit, public-benefit corporation, with a mission to support the arts and other needs of the Mill Valley School District. As the primary fundraising organization for the school district, Kiddo! has raised over $16 million dollars for Mill Valley’s six K-8 public schools over the last 26 years. We are currently governed by a Board of Directors, which includes teachers, business professionals, community members and parents from each of our six schools. Originally focused on the arts, Kiddo!’s mission has expanded over the years to include support for technology, library and classroom aides, innovative teaching programs, and other school district needs.

Why do public schools need private fundraising?

Kiddo! was founded in response to the passage of Proposition 13, which drastically reduced property taxes and, correspondingly, public school funding. The school funding situation is no better today – California now ranks 25th in the nation in terms of annual per pupil expenditures. Students in Mill Valley are very fortunate to live in a community that financially supports its public schools.

What programs does Kiddo! support in the current school year?

With your contribution Kiddo! is funding the following programs and services:

How much should I give?

Please give generously to Kiddo!. Kiddo! makes an annual commitment to the Mill Valley School District to fund many essential programs and services that are valued by students, educators, parents and the community. Each family is asked to give $750 or more per student, to cover the per-student cost of delivering the programs described above. Our goal is to have 100% family participation, and we appreciate donations of all sizes. Last year, donations ranged in size from $25 to $25,000.

How can I give?

There are many ways to give: online at our secure website, www.kiddo.org; send a check to the Kiddo! office; give a gift of stock; or spread payments out over the school year by signing up for an automatic monthly credit card or checking account withdrawal. Whatever their means, parents are encouraged to give what they can. Every gift is important and we seek 100% family participation. In addition to making a financial contribution, your family can register for the eScrip Program each fall, which provides money for our schools and costs you nothing!

Can I make my donation in installments?

Many people spread payments out over time. For example, you can sign up for an automatic credit card payment or checking account withdrawal of $50 per month to meet our $750 request. We can schedule monthly payments for whatever term you designate, concluding no later than June 30th of the school year to be funded.

What happens if Kiddo! does not meet its fundraising goal of $1.9 million?

If Kiddo! does not meet its annual fundraising goal, programs may be reduced or eliminated as there is no other source for funding these programs. It is only thanks to your support that these essential programs and services continue to be provided to each of our students.

Why does Kiddo! ask for contributions at the end of the school year?

In order to make the necessary commitments to the teaching staff, Kiddo! raises money each spring for the upcoming school year. A successful spring campaign is crucial for us to have our programs in place and staffed with the highest quality personnel when school starts.

What about Employer Matching Funds and United Way?

These are great ways to augment your gift! You can designate Kiddo! on your United Way contribution, or ask your employer if they match gifts to non-profit organizations. Just send us the signed matching gift form from your employer, and we will follow up. All matching gifts count toward your total gift.

What is the Kiddo! Endowment Fund?

The Kiddo! Endowment Fund is currently valued at $4 million. The Endowment Fund has grown thanks to proceeds from our Biennial Gala and Auction and other special events, as well as contributions from community members and private foundations ranging from $25 to $225,000. Each year a percentage of the Endowment’s principal value is spent to support current programs.If you are interested in making an additional gift to the Endowment, or wish to learn more about planned giving, please call the Kiddo! office at 389-7789.

How else can I help?

Kiddo! relies on many volunteers to successfully complete its mission. No matter what your talent, there is a way to get involved. And no matter how much time you have to spare, there is a job you can do. As a part of the Kiddo! volunteer community you will make new friends and have fun while doing something vitally important for our schools.

More questions?

Call Kiddo! (415) 389-7789, or email info@kiddo.org