FAQ

What is Kiddo!?
Why do public schools need private fundraising?
What does Kiddo! fund?
What happens if Kiddo! does not meet its fundraising goal?
How much should I give?
When do I give?
How do I give?
Can I make my donation in installments?
What about Employer Matching Funds and United Way?
How else can I help?
What about the PTA?
How does Kiddo! decide what programs to fund?
Who can I contact with more questions?

What is Kiddo!?

Kiddo! is the primary fundraising organization for the Mill Valley School District. Founded in 1982 as the Mill Valley Schools Community Foundation, Kiddo! is an independent, non-profit, public-benefit corporation that has raised more than $30 million dollars for Mill Valley’s six K-8 public schools over the last 32 years. Kiddo!’s mission originally focused on preserving arts programming in Mill Valley schools. Due to state budget cuts, Kiddo!’s scope has expanded over the years. In collaboration with the school district, Kiddo! now also supports other vital programs that benefit the needs of all students, including physical education, technology, library and classroom aides, and innovative teaching programs. Our goal is to raise $3 million in 2014 to fund these programs for the 2014-15 school year.

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. As a result, numerous vital programs would simply not be available to our students without the annual contributions of our district families and community.

What does Kiddo! fund?

Kiddo! provides 100% of the funds required for the following district needs:
• Art teachers and materials (grades K-8)
• Vocal music teachers and supplies (grades K-8)
• Instrumental music teachers, assistants and supplies (grades 4-8)
• Physical Education teachers (grades K-5)
• Classroom and Library Aides (all schools and grades)
• Dance specialists (grades K-8)
• Drama specialists (grades 2 & 4-8)
• Poetry specialists (grades 1 & 3-6)
• Technology Support specialists (district-wide)
• Teacher Grants for innovative teaching programs (all schools)
Kiddo! also provides funding for district teacher professional development and technology equipment.

What happens if Kiddo! does not meet its fundraising goal?

If Kiddo! does not meet its annual fundraising goal, programs may be reduced or eliminated in current or 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.

How much should I give?

Kiddo! makes an annual commitment to the Mill Valley School District to fund these essential programs and services. Kiddo! asks district families to contribute each year to Kiddo!’s Annual Campaign to raise funds to meet these commitments. To fund all existing Kiddo! programs in the current school year, the per student need is $1200. Please give as generously as you can. Our goal is to have 100% family participation and we appreciate donations of all sizes. Last year donations ranged in size from $25 to $50,000.

When do I give?

Kiddo!’s Annual Campaign kicks off at the beginning of May to raise funds for the upcoming school year. To enable the district to plan programs before the school year begins, we encourage families to make their annual donation in May, but donations are appreciated at any time.

How do I give?

Making a donation is easy!
• Donate online; or
• Mail payments to the Kiddo! office by downloading a mail-in form.
• You can create a payment plan online or on the mail-in form (see below).
• Does your employer have a matching program? Ask your HR department.

Can I make my donation in installments?

Yes! Many people spread payments out over time. You can sign up for an automatic credit card payment or checking withdrawal each month to meet our $1,200 request, or you can create a custom monthly payment schedule, provided payments conclude no later than June 30, 2015. Create a payment plan online or on the mail-in form, or call the Kiddo! office at 415-389-7789. Start the payment plan process here.

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 Augment your gift by designating Kiddo! on your United Way contribution, or ask your HR department if your employer matches gifts to non-profit organizations. All matching gifts count toward your total gift.

How else can I help?

In addition to your annual donation, there are a number of other ways to help support Kiddo!:
• Earn money for Kiddo! while you shop. Merchants will automatically donate to Kiddo! while you shop.  Learn what merchants to visit and how to sign up for shopping rebate programs.
• Attend the Spring Gala. Kiddo! encourages everyone to attend the Kiddo! Spring Gala, held every other year. Our next Gala is March 7, 2015.
• Volunteer. Kiddo! relies on many volunteers for our success. Make new friends and have fun while doing something vitally important for our schools!  Learn about opportunities.

What about the PTA?

Your school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and Kiddo! are separate organizations that raise money for different purposes. Kiddo! primarily pays the salaries of teachers and specialists at your school for district-wide programs like art, music, P.E., drama, dance, poetry, technology support and classroom aides. Your school’s PTA primarily funds classroom supplies, library books, parent education, teacher professional development, technology equipment and educational events at your school. Please donate to both organizations, as both provide vital programs and services at your school.

How does Kiddo! decide what programs to fund?

The Mill Valley School Board and Mill Valley School District administration (with input from parents, Kiddo! and other stakeholders) determine the curriculum for the district and establish priorities for program development and district needs. Kiddo! then collaborates with the district to provide funding where needed to execute the plan approved by the School Board. All district programs and services funded by Kiddo! are developed and managed by the district, and all teachers and staff are employees or contractors of the district.

Who can I contact with more questions?

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