FAQ

• Who is Kiddo!?
• Why do public schools need private fundraising?
• What programs will Kiddo! support for the 2011-12 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 $2.45 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. Kiddo! has raised more than $22 million dollars for Mill Valley’s six K-8 public schools over the last 30 years and is the primary fundraising organization for the school district. We are currently governed by a Board of Directors, including 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 49th 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, but we are not immune to the downturn in the economy. We have been hit with a “perfect storm” of rising enrollment, declining property taxes and steeper cuts in state funding. Because of this combination of factors, the MVSD will need to cut a minimum of $1.5 million from its budget next year, if not more. In order to maintain our excellent schools, we must continue to fundraise for the crucial programs Kiddo! provides.

What programs does Kiddo! support in the current school year?  With your contribution Kiddo! is funding the following:

• Art (grades K-8th)
• Vocal music (grades K-8th)
• Instrumental music (grades 4th-8th)
• Drama (grades 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th)
• Poetry (grades 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th)
• Dance (grades K, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th)
• Technology (grades K-8th)
• Classroom aides (grades 1st-5th)
• Library aides (grades K-8th)
• Teacher Grants for innovative teaching programs (grades K-8th)

How much should I give?  Please give as generously as you can 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.  Although each family is asked to give $950 or more per student, out 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.

Why is Kiddo! asking for more this year?  The Mill Valley School District is facing budget cuts for the 2011-2012 school year on a scale never seen before. There is also unprecedented uncertainty about the timing and scope of these cuts. As the district’s primary fundraising organization, we are committed to preserving our base-line arts curriculum and assist in funding other critical district needs as they arise. With our community’s ongoing and steady support, we can ensure our children continue to receive a quality education.

How do 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% parent participation.  In addition to making a financial contribution, yourfamily can register for the eScrip Program, 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 $95 per month to meet our $950 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 2011 fundraising goal of $2.45 million?   If Kiddo! does not meet its annual fundraising goal, programs may be reduced or eliminated in future years 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 for each of our students.

Why does Kiddo! ask for contributions at the end of the school year and what is Donation Day?  In order to make the necessary commitments to the school district, 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. Each year, we designate a day in early May to generate Kiddo! spirit and donations.

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.

Are there other revenue sources? Can the district go out for an assessment or another parcel tax?  The district is limited in its taxing authority: parcel taxes for specified program and personnel purposes; and bond measures for the purpose of building construction and modernization. Two years in a row, Mill Valley voters were asked to step up – with the parcel tax (Measure A) in 2008; and the Facilities Bond (Measure C) in 2009. We are fortunate to live in a community where many people, not just parents, support our schools.

Why is the district building new schools if we face a budget crisis?  The construction projects that the district is undertaking are being funded by Measure C, which was a bond measure passed in 2009. That money can only be used for buildings. It cannot be diverted to fill the budget gap the District is trying to resolve. Bonds are for buildings, parcel taxes for people.

What about the PTA?  It is important to support both Kiddo! and your local PTA. Funds are raised for different purposes and do not overlap. Kiddo! primarily funds people and PTA’s primarily fund classroom supplies, library books, scholarships, parent education, etc.

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