Heart of Emerson
HEART OF EMERSON 2026
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 Robinson
Office Support from Ms. Michelle that serves all teachers, staff, and student community
Gardening Support so students can develop their “green thumb” with Ms. Jeanette
Field Trips subsidies for all grades, including the cherished overnight trip 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, 5th grade graduation - 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 Heart of Emerson fundraising target for this year is $180,000 to continue our same level of services for the Emerson students in TK through 5th grade. Heart of Emerson fundraising needs to achieve an average contribution of at least $650 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, and payments can be made over time. Getting everyone involved to the extent they are able strengthens our school community.
Sign up as a volunteer for Cal football parking - each hour worked is like donating $150!
Sign up for the Basementeer Program at Sports Basement and specify "Emerson - Berkeley" as your beneficiary. Support Emerson while you shop!
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?
There are many ways to donate - Venmo, Zelle, cash/check, PayPal & Stripe. The former three are preferred as they incur no fees!
Employer 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, either year-round or on Giving Tuesday in November. (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
