About LASF: Funding

Even in a good year, California state funding alone cannot provide our public schools with the full range of educational programs essential for a complete, well-rounded education. That's where LASF comes in.

LASF relies on contributions from our community to provide the funding that allows us to continue to deliver quality programs in our schools. Contributions to LASF are even more critical now because of budget cuts that have hit the
two school districts we serve.  We are working closely with the Lafayette School District and Acalanes High School (through the AUHSD) to help mitigate the impact of budget reductions while maintaining the integrity of our programs

Good schools are good for the entire community, so LASF asks everyone, not just parents, to contribute to our cause. Last year LASF raised more than $1 million.  We're shooting for more this upcoming year. Please help us reach it with a generous contribution.

How You Can Help

For families with children in the Lafayette public schools, the suggested contribution is $500 or more per child.  No children in our public schools? Consider adopting one of ours for a $400 contribution. Gifts to LASF are deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes.

1. Contribute money*. Donate a lump sum or spread out your gift.  You can choose 10 months, 12 months, or any amount that is convenient for you.  You can even giving an ongoing monthly amount.  Checks, credit cards or electronic fund transfers are all accepted. Print out a donation form or pay on-line and make your tax-deductible donation today!
2. Have your business or employer contribute money. LASF suggests business gifts of $100 or more. Visit our Community Partners page for a list of participating businesses.
3. Shop 'til you drop. Simply by registering your credit cards and grocery affinity cards with eScrip, a portion of your purchases at qualifying stores automatically goes to LASF. And with so many retailers participating, your contribution adds up quickly. For a list of participants and to sign up, visit www.escrip.com (LASF's eScrip account number is 0137956566). Your Albertsons Preferred Savings Card also allows you to support LASF as you shop. And mention LASF Reads! when shopping at the Lafayette Book Store or shop online through our link, and a percentage of your purchase will go to LASF.
4. Take advantage of your employer's matching gift program to increase your gift. Click here to view or print a list of current participants.
5. Give through United Way. Earmark some or all of your donation for LASF on your donor option card.
6. Give a gift of stock. When you donate appreciated stocks or securities, you can deduct their full current value, not just what you originally paid, bypassing capital gains taxes.
7. Include LASF in your estate planning. Through a charitable remainder trust or a traditional bequest, you make the ultimate commitment to LASF.
8. Make a memorial gift to LASF. Honor a friend or loved one by a contribution.
9. Honor a friend or relative for a special occasion or with a get-well wish with a contribution to LASF. Give a gift in any amount and we'll send a card to the honoree acknowledging your gift.
10. Support special events and fundraisers through attendance, participation or in-kind donations.

Email or call the LASF fundraising office at (925) 299-0644 to make a donation or for more information about any of these giving options. Or, use our printable donation form to make your donation today!

*All gifts to LASF will be noted in next year's annual report unless you specify otherwise.

Funding Sources

For 5 consecutive years, LASF has organized an old-fashioned Barn Bash
at the Sammann’s barn as its special fund-raising event. Last held in October 2004, the event drew a large, generous crowd and brought in more than $65,000. We also rely on innovative associations with generous members of our community. Examples include the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, which has contributed of a percentage of the proceeds from its annual Art & Wine Festival; Fastframe of Lafayette, which frames student artwork for annual art fairs; and the Lafayette Book Store, which has pledged a percentage of online and in-store book sales to LASF.

Last year, a new partnership was established with the following group of real estate professionals who’ve pledged a generous contribution to LASF from their local real estate transactions:

• Patricia Battersby, Village Associates
• Simone Clare, Better Homes Realty
• Joan Cleveland, Village Associates
• Mark Darfler, REMAX C.C. Connection, Inc.
• Lee Deily, Empire Realty Associates
• Cal Fox, Prudential California Realty
• Dana Green and Rich Jones, Intero Real Estate Services
• Dick Holt and Frank Woodward, Coldwell Banker
• John A. Kurnik, RE/MAX Accord
• Art Lehman, Village Associates
• Rich Martin, Intero Real Estate Services
• Audrey Neale, Coldwell Banker
• Lisa Quiros, Coldwell Banker
• Dennis Reed, Better Homes Realty
• E-LOAN

LASF also raises funds through its Corporate Matching Gifts program, United Way, ongoing sales through eScrip and Albertsons and the Lafayette Book Store, and grant applications to philanthropic organizations.

More than 90% of the money you contribute to LASF ends up in the classroom, directly benefiting the students of Lafayette public schools.