FAQs

WHY DO PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEED PRIVATE FUNDING?

Simply stated, funding for education in California is inadequate to cover the basic educational needs of our students. California ranks 28th in the nation in per-pupil spending. In addition, school districts receive state funding based on the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) which allocates more funding to districts with higher concentrations of students that are English Language Learners, foster youth, and/or low income. This leaves Moraga public schools as some of the lowest-funded in the state and country.

Without private funding support from the community, Moraga students would receive only a fraction of the investment students receive in other states, which translates to larger class sizes, a lack of teacher/classroom support, elimination of critical programs, limited class electives, and underfunded student support. Click here to learn more about school funding in California.

The passage of parcel taxes gives communities some local control over funds going to their schools and reduces some of the volatility school districts face in their state funding. Even with the extra parcel tax revenue, districts are still not adequately funded, and that is why MEF continues to fundraise. Without the financial support of parcel taxes and MEF donations, many current programs would cease to exist.

DON’T PROPERTY TAXES PAY FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS? WHAT DO PARCEL TAXES PAY FOR?

Property taxes used to play a large role in school funding in California, but with the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, property tax revenue fell drastically and schools required funding from other sources, like income taxes. Today, less than a quarter of school funding comes from property taxes. Click here to learn more about school funding in California.

The passage of parcel taxes gives communities some local control over funds going to their schools and reduces some of the volatility school districts face in their state funding. Even with the extra parcel tax revenue, districts are still not adequately funded, and that is why MEF continues to fundraise. Without the financial support of parcel taxes and MEF donations, many current programs would cease to exist.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I DONATE?

We do not ask for a specific amount from families. Our goal is to fill the gap between the funds Moraga schools received from state and federal funding and local parcel tax revenue and the funds received by the average school district in CA. Our ask is that you do what you can to help us fill that gap for every student. Schools in the Moraga School District (Los Perales, Camino Pablo, Rheem, and JM), receive only $15,775 per student, while the average elementary school district receives $21,047. That's a gap of $5,272 per student. Campolindo High School (a part of the Acalanes Union High School District) receives only $18,042 per student, while the average high school district receives $21,966. That's a gap of $3,924 per student. Since 100% of students benefit from MEF grants, our hope is to have 100% of families contribute to MEF. But we know that every family is different, and of course, financial decisions are personal to each family. All donations make a difference, so please consider making a gift that is meaningful to your family. Your support is appreciated at any level.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN HONOR ROLL DONOR?

Honor Roll donors have made a commitment to support every student in Moraga’s public schools by donating $6,000 or more to the Annual Giving Campaign. The community leadership that this group of donors demonstrates with their contribution accounts for approximately 35-40% of all donations received and makes a significant impact on the quality of public education offered in Moraga. MEF Honor Roll donors receive a few small perks as a thank you such as two tickets to the Auction Gala (if they give at the Honor Roll level by 12/31/26), special recognition in the MEF Annual Report, a thank you gift, and an invitation to the Honor Roll Fireside Chat in the fall.

WHAT DONATION OPTIONS DOES MEF OFFER?

You can make a one-time contribution with a check or credit card, become a sustaining donor by making monthly gifts, or make a pledge to be fulfilled later. You can also arrange for a matching gift from your employer, donate stock, contribute through a Donor Advised Fund, donate a car, make a donation in honor of someone, or become a Business Partner or Realtor Partner. And we are always grateful to receive items donated for our Auction Gala! Click here for more information.

IS MY DONATION TO MEF TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?

Yes, your donation to MEF is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. The Moraga Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization and its Tax ID # is 94-2791659.

I GAVE TO MEF IN THE SPRING, WHY ARE YOU ASKING ME TO GIVE AGAIN IN THE FALL?

MEF fundraises every year to support our public schools. Our Annual Giving Campaign runs July 1st through May 31st. It does not follow the calendar year. If you gave last spring, but we are reaching out to you in the fall, we are in our new fundraising cycle for the next school year. If you plan to donate again in the spring, consider making a pledge today and the MEF office will reach out to you later in the year as a reminder of your commitment.

I’VE MADE MY DONATION THIS YEAR, WHY DO I STILL RECEIVE EMAILS?

Our emails give campaign updates and ask for donations, but they also are a way for us to show our donors the impact of their generosity on local public schools. Please make sure to sign up for our mailing list and follow us on social media to see the wonderful programs and staff that your donations make possible!

I SUPPORT MY CHILD’S SCHOOL PTA; WHY DONATE TO MEF?

MEF is the primary fundraising organization for all Moraga public schools with grants focusing on academics, curriculum, enrichment, and student wellness. PTAs/Parents Clubs focus on community building, advocacy, and parent education. Both MEF and PTA/Parents Club play an important role in your child’s school and they work together throughout the year.

There are important differences in what MEF and PTAs can fund. For example, only MEF grants can be used to fund accredited teacher salaries. MEF grants go directly to the districts, and this creates equality and consistency of critical staff, programs, and resources among our school sites. The main purpose of PTAs/Parents Clubs is to build community on their campuses, but they do also raise some funds through membership and events to fund school activities such as the science fair, parent education, assemblies, and campus beautification. We encourage you to support both organizations.

I AM NOT A RESIDENT OF MORAGA AND DONATE TO ANOTHER LOCAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION (LPIE, ORINDA ONE/EFO, WCEF); DOES THIS SUPPORT MY STUDENT AT CAMPOLINDO HIGH SCHOOL?

No. MEF is the only education foundation that supports Campolindo High School. Each high school in the Acalanes Union High School District is supported by its own education foundation. Please support your Campo student by donating to MEF. Click here to see the impact of your MEF donations on Campolindo High Schools.

CAN I DESIGNATE MY DONATION TO A SPECIFIC SCHOOL OR PROGRAM?

MEF is a fundraising organization to benefit every student in our community and provide equal access to outstanding educational opportunities. While we used to allow donors to designate their donations to elementary schools, JM, or Campo, we no longer do. Administering these designations took significant time, and because most of the donations were undesinated, MEF grants always exceeded the amount that was actually designated by our donors for each level. Additionally, other education foundations typically do not provide the option to designate donations. This change will improve efficiency in our office, allowing even more funds to go to our schools.
The one exception is for Campolindo. Since so many of our Campo families do not live in Moraga, we have arranged it so that any donation made through the Campo Webstore is automatically designated to Campo. Donations made through our website will be undesignated.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE MONEY RAISED ACTUALLY GOES TO THE SCHOOLS?

While MEF does employ three part-time staff members, it is primarily a volunteer-run organization with over 100 volunteers including the MEF Board of Directors. With this dedicated and experienced volunteer base and a conservative operating budget, MEF is generally able to keep its expenses under 12%, a gold standard for non-profit organizations. This means that over 88% of the money raised by MEF goes directly to the schools.

I DON’T HAVE STUDENTS IN THE SCHOOLS, CAN I STILL SUPPORT MEF?

Yes! There are many community members whose children attended Moraga’s public schools in the past, who are grandparents of students in the schools, or who have no direct affiliation but believe in the importance of good schools for a vibrant community. And we all know that strong schools support our property values. Any and all donations are encouraged and appreciated!

CAN I DONATE TO MEF THROUGH MY BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATION?

Yes! MEF’s Sponsor program reaches out to local businesses throughout the Lamorinda area and beyond to invest in Moraga public schools and help strengthen our community. Our Sponsors recognize the impact good schools make in creating a vibrant community and are critical to our fundraising efforts each year. You can combine your family/individual donation with your Business donation to increase your level of recognition in both lists.

CAN I MAKE A DONATION IN HONOR OF SOMEONE?

Yes! Simply indicate that you would like to make a tribute gift when you are making your contribution.