Updated: October 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ainsworth Foundation?
The Ainsworth Foundation aims to bridge the gap in public school funding and provide much-needed support that helps improve our students’ educational outcomes. Through community building and fundraising activities, The Foundation provides Ainsworth Elementary School with resources and other support that the administration uses to improve the overall educational experience for our students.
How is the Ainsworth Foundation different than Ainsworth PTA?
The Ainsworth Foundation and Ainsworth PTA are separate 501(c)3 nonprofits.
Historically, Ainsworth Foundation has raised money solely to fund staff positions at Ainsworth Elementary School, providing much-needed supplemental funding to that provided by the District. In 2024, the PPS School Board made changes to its fundraising policy. Working within this evolving framework, The Foundation continues to provide complementary support for our students to foster a robust Ainsworth community, in close partnership with the PTA.
The signature event for the Foundation is Red Ball, held in the second half of 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. PTA provides funding and support to our school community through activities such as funding for teachers to purchase school supplies; hosting teacher appreciation events; establishing and running a clothing closet; hosting community events such as the annual Buckaroo and Hispanic & Latin American Heritage Celebration; supporting Oregon Battle of the Books, and more.
What is the Ainsworth Foundation raising funds for?
Ainsworth Foundation advocates for fully funding public education at the district and state level, while fundraising in the meantime to meet many unmet school funding needs. Ainsworth does not receive sufficient funding for the staffing required to support our children. This year, The Foundation will raise funds to support a myriad of needs across the Ainsworth community - in close alignment with the PTA, school administration and PPS guidelines.
How much money does The Foundation raise?
The Foundation has historically raised approximately $200,000 annually. Over the years, this has helped support math and technology specialists, provided full-time music and PE teachers, increased counselors capacity, and sustained critical educational assistants for kindergarten and first grade.
How does The Foundation promote equity?
To promote equity across the district, and in accordance with prior PPS policy, one-third of funds raised by school foundations (after the first $10,000) was provided to the Fund for Portland Public Schools and supported all schools across the district. The remaining two-thirds supported Ainsworth.
In 2024 the PPS School Board voted to change this policy. The Ainsworth Foundation continues to operate in support of our school community and in alignment with emerging guidelines from the School Board, with a commitment to advocating for equity and a fully funded education for all students across our city and state.
What is the Fund for Portland Public Schools?
The Fund for Portland Public Schools is a nonprofit organization that unites business, philanthropy and community to build lasting partnerships that expand opportunity for students. They are building a movement in support of the PPS Mission: “to provide rigorous, high quality academic learning experiences that are inclusive and joyful. They disrupt racial inequities to create vibrant environments for every student to demonstrate excellence.”
How is it decided where funds raised will be allocated?
The Ainsworth administration ultimately decides how to allocate funds raised by the Ainsworth Foundation in order to best support our school and community needs. While our administrators know best where resources are most needed and can be maximized, they also listen to the ideas and concerns of parents and community members.
Will there be a Red Ball this year, in light of the new PPS guidelines?
Yes, we value the community-building aspect of the Red Ball and still intend to hold a Red Ball to raise funds for our school as well as bring our supporters together for this once-yearly tradition. Details on date and venue TBD.
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 for any contribution from the Ainsworth Foundation acknowledging your donation and including 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.