What is Annual Giving?
The purpose of Da Vinci Schools’ Annual Giving program is to raise immediate income to help bridge the gap between what the state provides and what it really costs to deliver an outstanding education.

Gifts made to the Annual Giving Campaign benefit every K-12 student in the Da Vinci community and come at a crucial time. Da Vinci Schools are bracing for an additional $271,000 mid-year cut from the 2011-2012 budget, the latest in a series of steep cuts totaling more than $1 million since Da Vinci Schools opened in 2009. While we can't make up the entire shortfall through Annual Giving, we must bridge the gap, in part, with private contributions. The Annual Giving Campaign is our top fundraising priority and the fundraiser we ask EVERY family to support. Your participation encourages others to give, helps persuade foundations and corporations to invest in our schools, and sends a message to the community that Da Vinci Schools make a difference.

What Does Annual Giving Support?
Funds raised during the 2011-2012 Annual Giving Campaign will provide essential support for Da Vinci Schools’ highest priorities, including:

* Hands-on curriculum for every age level
* Innovative academic and enrichment programs
* State-of-the-art technology
* Field trips & college visits
* Professional development for our teachers & staff
* Project-based learning materials for each teaching team
* Day-to-day operating expenses that are not funded by the state of California

Annual gifts allow us the flexibility to respond in a timely manner to opportunities and to meet unexpected challenges. Every gift makes a difference!

Who Contributes to Annual Giving?
The bulk of dollars raised through Annual Giving come from families. We also have strong support from the Da Vinci Schools Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, grandparents, friends and corporate matching gift programs.

How Much Should I Contribute to Annual Giving?
This is, of course, your decision. But we hope that all Da Vinci families will participate and consider a suggested donation amount of $365 per family (only $1 per day) + $100 per additional child/ren. Every gift, regardless of size, is greatly appreciated. Our goal is to have 100% participation from families, faculty, staff, and the Da Vinci Schools Board of Trustees.

How Do I Make My Annual Giving Contribution?
All K-12 Da Vinci families will receive an Annual Giving package in the mail by mid-October. A remittance envelope will be provided for you to return your gift. For more information about how to make a gift to Da Vinci Schools, please visit our Make A Gift page. We offer three options: a one-time gift, a Monthly Giving Program, and a Pledge Now, Give Later option. When you make a gift to Da Vinci Schools, we will send you a letter of appreciation that will serve as your receipt. If you are writing a check, please make sure to write the check out to “Da Vinci Schools.” All payments are due by June 1, 2012. We thank you!!

Can I Pay My Pledge in Installments?
Yes. Download the donation/pledge form and use the space provided on the form to specify your desired payment schedule. You may also set up a payment schedule online. Please visit our Make A Gift page for more information.

Will I Get a Pledge Reminder?
We will send a pledge reminder in the middle of the month when your pledge is due.

How Do I Make a Credit Card Donation Online?
Visit our Make A Gift page for giving options.

How are Donors Acknowledged?
All donors will receive a letter of appreciation that will serve as your receipt. The names of all donors will be listed in various Da Vinci publications unless you notify us that you wish to remain anonymous. We will not publish donation amounts, only donors’ names.

Will My Company Match My Gift?
Very possibly! Thousands of companies and corporate foundations match their employees’ gifts to eligible nonprofit organizations that meet the company’s guidelines. This can double or even triple your gift to Da Vinci Schools! Contact your HR or personnel office for your company’s specific matching gift policy. You may be asked to fill out a form or provide proof that a gift to Da Vinci Schools was made.

For more information, please visit our Matching Companies webpage or view a list of local companies that match here.

Note: spouses of employees, retired employees, and board members are often eligible for the match as well. We would be happy to assist you with any questions related to matching gifts. Please contact Sara Deulofeu at (310) 725-5800 or email us at giving@davincischools.org.

May Grandparents and Friends Make Donations to Annual Giving?
Absolutely! Grandparents can truly make a difference to Annual Giving. Just let us know if you need additional Annual Giving packets and we would be happy to provide them to you. We also accept donations online. Visit our Make A Gift page for giving options.

How is the State Budget Crisis Affecting Da Vinci Schools?
As public charter schools, Da Vinci’s main source of income comes from the State of California. At Da Vinci Schools, we are bracing for an additional $271, 000 mid-year cut from the 2011-2012 budget, the latest in a series of steep cuts to education.

We recognize that we are living in tough economic times, but we hope that you will make Annual Giving one of your top priorities.

Will There be Other Fundraisers this Year?
The Annual Giving Campaign is Da Vinci Schools' top fundraising priority -- and the fundraiser we ask EVERY family to support. We will not ask you or your child to sell cookie dough, gift wrap, magazines or any other products. Gifts made to the Annual Giving Campaign touch every K-12 student and will go directly into classrooms and other vital programs.

May I Choose Where I Want My Gift to Go?
The goal of Da Vinci Schools is to provide an exceptional educational experience for every K-12 student. All gifts $1-365 will support the entire K-12 community. Contribution amounts over $365 may be directed to your school of choice.

Is My Gift Tax-Deductible?
Yes. All gifts to Da Vinci Schools are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

What is Da Vinci Schools' Tax ID Number?
Da Vinci Schools’ tax ID number is 26-3405843.

Questions?
For more information about Da Vinci Schools’ Annual Giving Campaign, please contact Sara Deulofeu at (310) 725-5800 or email at giving@davincischools.org.

Make A Gift Now

Download a Donation/Pledge Card