Fundraising Overview

ASK Campaign

Thank you for considering a donation to Island Park PTA. This year, we will spend $350 per student with a fundraising goal of $137,000. This breaks down to $175 per student minimum ask of you. In addition, the PTA plans to match each $175 per student from our reserves for a total of $350 per student. To see the breakdown of all that is funded by your donation, see the "Where Your Money Goes" graphic below.

With your help, we are X% of the way to our goal for donation goal and X% participation as of January 11, 2023.

In addition to your ASK donation, your Eagle Birthday Book and PTA Membership are 100% tax deductible charitable contributions and eligible for corporate matching! Keep an eye out for your email receipt or request an additional copy from us here.

Help us reach 100% of our goal and complete your donation today!

Donate

FAQs

Q: Why the increase in donation ask from last year?

A: Year over year we have seen an increase in inflation and cost of goods and services which directly impact our PTA. Also, we are approaching pre-COVID levels of planning and activity. In order to bring back programming we are asking families to contribute a little more this year to keep pace.

Q: Do I need to join the PTA to donate?

A: It is not necessary to be a PTA member to donate. But we hope you will join so that you can enjoy the benefits of membership and community. You are welcome to learn more about membership and join here.

Q: Is it too late to donate?

A: There is still time to donate. Your donation will benefit your child right away. You are invited to donate here.

Q: I just donated to the PTA and I’m being contacted by MISF and MIYFS. Are these funding the same things?

A: Each school has its own PTA and its own mission and budget. When you donate to your child’s/children’s PTA(s), your funds benefit your child/children at that school, and that school’s teachers and community.

It Takes a Village

While it may seem like there are areas of overlap, Mercer Island Schools Foundation (MISF) and Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) are separate non-profit entities who partner with our Island community and school district. Together, we enhance the quality of life in our schools and on our island - it takes a village!

Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) provides mental health support and support for families in need including funding our school counselor, Joy Cain, and providing community mental health services, operating a food pantry, and other social services. You can learn more about MIYFS here and attend the Foundation's upcoming Annual Breakfast Fundraiser here.

MISF funds a wide range of educational support including the new iReady curriculum, teachers’ grants, arts programs and other critical supports. You can learn more about MISF here and attend the Annual Breakfast Fundraiser Spring 2024.

In addition to supporting our PTA, we sincerely hope that you get to know what each of these partners means to your family and our community and pledge your support as well.

Q: Doesn’t the state/school district pay for these programs?

A: Our school district is granted a budget each year by the state of Washington. This budget reflects the current school funding model which includes a regionalization factor, a levy lid, and is then distributed amongst our schools. It is not enough to cover the depth and breadth of the educational support, paraprofessional and mental health staffing, and community building activities that organizations like our PTA and community partners like MIYFS and MISF provide. A large part of what makes our Island schools special and preferred by families is the strong community involvement at all levels. Families, PTAs, and community partners have committed to rolling up our sleeves and advocating for funding at the local and state levels, and organizing to fund gaps in programs and positions not covered by the current funding model. 100% of funds raised from our ASK Campaign directly benefit Island Park Elementary and do NOT affect the level of funding we receive from the state.

Additional Fundraising ActivitieS

Community Fundraising – Earn Money for IP at No Cost to You!

Our PTA partners with merchants to provide programs where you shop as usual and Island Park earns money. Join us at these community fundraising opportunities to help address any shortfalls throughout the year:

Books & Bites (Fall) – Grab a coffee (morning) or a glass of wine (evening) and sip while you shop Island Books. You can buy books, gifts and gift cards for your friends, family, teacher, and favorite staff member. Ten percent of the proceeds go to our PTA! (This event took place November 14, 2023)

For any questions or assistance with donations or fundraising, please contact Kat Lagbas, VP of Fundraising at fundraising@islandparkpta.org.