Heart of Emerson
THE HEART OF EMERSON
Heart of Emerson is our yearly PTA fundraising campaign to support student learning and community engagement. Below is a list of programs funded by the PTA that are only possible through your generous donations to the Heart of Emerson:
Weekly Physical Education for every grade with Coach Alessandra Robinson
Office Support from Ms. Michelle that serves all teachers, staff, and student community
Field Trips subsidy for all grades, including the cherished overnight trip tradition for 5th grade
School-wide events to foster community and connectivity such as the Fall Festival, Spring Festival, Family Art Night, Family Literacy Night, grade-level play dates, coffee at All School Meetings, school assemblies - and more!
Equity Programs for staff, and students & families, events organized by affinity groups
Teacher professional development, classroom software and subscriptions, puberty education, and mini-grants for classroom supplies
Literacy and library programs including books, supplies, furniture, and special programs
WHY DO WE HAVE TO FUNDRAISE FOR THESE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES?
Over the years, public schools have faced devastating cuts in the state budgets that have reduced basic educational programs for students. Each year, Emerson PTA raises money to fill in these gaps and advance the Emerson education beyond the level of district funding and support that our students would other experience, so ALL students can have continued equal access to Emerson’s programs and services.
How much should I give?
The fundraising need in the PTA Budget is $175,000 to continue our same level of services for the ~280 Emerson students in TK through 5th grade. Heart of Emerson fundraising needs to achieve an average contribution of $625+ per student to meet this goal.
Give, knowing that some cannot. Give early so we can plan for the rest of the year. Some families consider a donation similar to one month of their prior childcare/preschool tuition (which they are no longer incurring!). Every dollar matters and donations are fully tax-deductible.
I'm on a tight budget. Can I still participate?
Absolutely! Every dollar helps, payments can be made over time. Getting everyone involved to the extent they are able strengthens our community.
Multiply your impact by taking advantage of your employer’s corporate gift matching program. If you are not sure if your employer has one, we can help: fundraising@emersonelementary.org
WHAT ARE THE WAYS TO INVOLVE OTHERS IN THIS CAMPAIGN?
Help spreading the word is also a terrific way to participate! Use social media, share our donation QR code and other payment methods with your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to help invest in public education for our children.
How do I make a donation?
Donate online (PayPal/Credit Card/Debit card/Venmo), noting it is for “Heart of Emerson” and your child(ren)’s name(s)
Send payment to our Venmo account: @emersonPTA (9291 is the 4-digit phone verification)
Send payment to our PayPal account: treasurer@emersonelementary.org
Please consider donating a little more or “rounding up” to help cover the fees incurred by the PTA for these payment methods
Drop by in person to the main office or mail your check (payable to “Emerson PTA”) to:
Emerson Elementary PTA California
2800 Forest Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94705-1309Employer Matching Gifts:
You may be able to double your contribution to the Emerson Berkeley PTA by taking advantage of your employer's matching benefit!
Many companies will match donations made by their employees. (Please contact your employer’s HR Department to learn about any matching gift program they may have available). To contribute to Emerson Elementary, Berkeley PTA, use the Tax ID # 23-7009171 and in the memo note that it is for Emerson Elementary, Berkeley PTA. The Emerson Elementary, Berkeley PTA address is: 2800 Forest Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705.Donor-advised Fund Donation:
The Emerson Elementary, Berkeley PTA is a 501c3 non-profit, so it can accept contributions from donor-advised funds. To contribute to Emerson Elementary, Berkeley PTA use the Tax ID # 23-7009171 and in the memo note that it is for the Emerson Elementary, Berkeley PTA. The Emerson Elementary, Berkeley PTA address is: 2800 Forest Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705.Qualified Charitable Distributions as RMD:
A Qualified Charitable Distribution, a direct transfer of funds from your IRA custodian, can be counted towards satisfying your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year, as long as certain rules are met. If you are a donor who is at least 70 1/2 years old and you have an IRA or other tax-deferred retirement account, you can donate to Emerson Elementary, Berkeley PTA (Tax ID # 23-7009171), which is tax-deductible and satisfy your RMD in whole or in part for the year!
Note: your donation is fully tax-deductible. If you do not receive an automated receipt by email or need a separate donation receipt for tax purposes from the Emerson PTA, Berkeley, please email fundraising@emersonelementary.org
Questions?
Contact fundraising@emersonelementary.org
