FAQs
What is the San Marino Schools Foundation?
The San Marino Schools Foundation (SMSF) is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to help provide financial support to the San Marino Unified School District (SMUSD). Tax ID # 95-3507283
What does the Foundation do?
Throughout the past 43 years, the Foundation has raised over 62 million for the District. SMSF does this by raising funds from all throughout the San Marino and greater San Gabriel Valley communities, building partnerships with corporate and local businesses, and promoting the importance of an excellent education. These funds help support academic excellence, as well as, the overall well-being of SMUSD students. SMSF funds help pay for full time teaching positions at each of the four school sites.
Is SMSF connected to the school district?
SMSF is a completely separate organization from SMUSD.
Who is Team SMSF?
SMSF is governed by our Board of Trustees, comprised of about 20-30 members, most being current parents of SMUSD students. Trustees represent all four school sites and bring a broad range of expertise including fundraising, volunteering, law, finance, nonprofit management, languages, and so much more. Board meetings are open to the public every month, and we encourage your attendance. Please visit our Team SMSF page for dates and time of our monthly Board meetings.
Who benefits from SMSF?
Students, parents, teachers, and staff of SMUSD, as well as, the greater San Marino community all benefit from the strong San Marino Schools.
How Can I Donate to the Foundation?
You can:
- Send a check directly to the Foundation offices located at 1665 West Drive
- Make an online donation here
- Make a stock donation of any amount
- Designate your United Way gift to SMSF
- Ask your employer about matching gift opportunities
Who contributes to SMSF?
Gifts of any size come from individual SMUSD families, San Marino community members, corporate contribution programs, foundations, and local businesses. Gifts can range from $5 to $1 million.
Why should I give to SMSF if I've already given to PTA or Boosters?
San Marino Schools boast a variety of necessary fundraising organizations, making it challenging for parents to know where to allocate their donations. While it's natural for parents to focus on their child's specific activities as they grow up, it's important to remember that the programs supported by the Foundation benefit ALL students in the District. It's crucial for everyone to share the responsibility of supporting the Foundation, as it's the only organization that funds certificated teaching salaries within the District.
