FAQs

What is the Ainsworth Foundation?

The Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization created as a vehicle for raising private funds for teachers, assistants and specialists for Ainsworth.

Why do we need a Foundation?

When school funding was centralized in Salem in 1990, all districts lost the ability to set their own budgets and began to rely on the State government to allocate per pupil funding. The Foundation provides excess funding to reduce the impact of these budget changes.

What do Foundation donations buy?

In the past the Foundation has had a significant impact on staffing at Ainsworth, funding on average 20% of the teaching positions. The Ainsworth Foundation has helped reduce class size and fund teaching positions and programs like art, music, physical education, and reading support.

Who determines how the Foundation money is allocated?

The Ainsworth principal allocates the funds raised.

How does the Foundation raise money?

Direct donations

Proceeds from our annual events

What is Red Ball?

Our largest event of the year is Red Ball, a gala organized by the Foundation that includes silent and live auctions. This event raises a substantial portion of our annual funds and is vital to the success of the foundation.

How can I donate?

The Foundation welcomes direct donations at any time. Payments can be made by check or credit card and it is possible to pay in monthly or quarterly installments. Please click the donate button on our website. Funds you contribute directly to the Foundation are fully tax-deductible. The Foundation is a section 501(c)(3) corporation under the federal tax laws, and our Tax ID is # 9301148089.