Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ainsworth Foundation?

The Ainsworth Foundation bridges the gap in public school funding and provides program staffing that helps to improve our students’ educational outcomes. Through community building and fundraising the foundation is able to provide Ainsworth Elementary School with resources for the administration to utilize to improve the overall educational services for students.

How is the Ainsworth Foundation different than Ainsworth PTA?

Both Ainsworth Foundation and Ainsworth PTA are separate 501(c)3 nonprofits. Ainsworth Foundation is charged with raising money to be used solely to fund staff positions at Ainsworth Elementary School, supplementing the budget provided by the District. 

The signature event for the Foundation is Red Ball, held in the second half each year.

Ainsworth PTA prides itself on being a powerful voice for students, a relevant resource for families and communities and a strong advocate for public education. In addition to holding a variety of fundraisers, the PTA works with administration and staff to get information to the community about upcoming events and important information and make sure Picture Day, yearbook, and the Lost and Found are managed and make sure staff appreciation events are held throughout the year.

what is the ainsworth foundation raising funds for?

Even though we advocate at the district level, we still have staffing needs. Ainsworth, unfortunately, does not receive funding for all of the staffing we need. So, this year, we are raising funds to maintain our two full time Education Assistants.

What do the Education Assistants do?

How much are we fundraising for?

First, their most critical function is to provide support directly to our students. They help with academic content and provide social emotional support in both Dual Language and Neighborhood classrooms. They partner with our teachers, predominantly in Kinder and First Grade, working with many of our most vulnerable students. They help students read, sort letters and sounds, write, and apply mathematical concepts.
In addition, they are an invaluable support during drop-off and pick-up, lunch, and recess for all students at Ainsworth. Lastly, they help our teachers with preparing instructional materials and other classroom activities/management.
It cannot be stated enough how valuable these folks are to our school.

Approximately $200,000. This helps to cover salaries, fringe benefits, etc.

In accordance with PPS policy, one-third of funds raised—after the first $10,000—through local school foundations are given to the Fund for Portland Public Schools (the district’s nonprofit 501(c)3) for the purpose of providing equity in funding for District schools with more substantial needs.

How is it decided where funds raised will be allocated?

The Ainsworth Elementary School’s administration ultimately decides how to allocate funds raised by the Ainsworth Foundation towards staffing needs. While the school staff knows the areas where resources can be maximized and are most needed, they also listen to the ideas and concerns of parents and community members. Because of the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic this year and its impact on budget forecasting, and until the administration has a sense of how much fundraising is has to work with, the specific allocation of resources isn’t decided but should be by the end of the year. 

In accordance with PPS policy, one-third of funds raised—after the first $10,000—through local school foundations are given to the Fund for Portland Public Schools (the district’s nonprofit 501(c)3) for the purpose of providing equity in funding for District schools with more substantial needs.

What is the Fund for Portland Public Schools?

The Fund for Portland Public Schools (PPS) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to building a network of donors, stewarding strategic philanthropic investments and overseeing parent-led school foundation efforts in support of Oregon’s largest school system, Portland Public Schools (PPS). As a nonprofit entity, The Fund for PPS plays a unique role; not only does it broker partnerships between the philanthropic community and 81 individual school communities, it makes private investments possible to help shape PPS into an exemplary, 21st-century public school system that provides all 50,000+ students with an equitable, inspired, intellectually rigorous educational experience, preparing them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes, donations are tax-deductible. The Ainsworth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and your donation is 100% tax-deductible. You will receive a letter from the Ainsworth Foundation acknowledging your donation in 2021 and listing our Tax ID# 93-1148089.

How do I donate?

We gladly accept donations in many forms.

If you prefer to send a check please write the check to The Ainsworth Foundation and send it to:

ATTN: THE AINSWORTH FOUNDATION

2425 SOUTHWEST VISTA AVENUE,

PORTLAND, OR, 97201,

UNITED STATES

I am a parent of a 5th grader, why should I donate?

Each year, 5th grade parents donate and invest funds in Ainsworth, in education and in students to continue the legacy for generations beyond. Just like the 5th grade parents did when your child was entering kindergarten and parents are doing where your child will attend 6th grade, helping the entire learning community is a gift worth giving.