We are all full members of this community regardless of donation amounts. We understand that not all in our community can afford to give, but if you are able, please consider those that can’t when you make your donation. Please encourage your families, friends and neighbors to support Montlake! We are one community and all in this together.

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THE EQUITY FUND:

Again this year, donors will have the opportunity to donate to the Montlake PTA Equity Fund when donating online to the Annual Fund. The money in this fund will then be donated to schools without PTA fundraisers. This Equity Fund is a first step towards addressing the inequity of some Seattle schools receiving funding for staff from their PTAs while others do not. 

The Montlake PTA has been donating money to other schools in the community, like Lowell and the SE Seattle Schools Fundraising Alliance in recent years. In this year’s PTA budget, we have committed to donate 10% of our total expense budget to schools that do not have significant PTA fundraisers.  To be transparent, we are asking donors to also donate to the Equity Fund when donating to the Annual Fund. We also want to create awareness that the Montlake PTA donates money to other schools and that PTA fundraising is inequitable even among the schools raising funds.

Why do some PTAs pay for staff? The short answer is because public schools have been historically underfunded. However, all schools could use additional staff but not all schools have PTAs that can afford to pay for staff positions. It is important to know that change is needed at the district and state level so that schools can meet the needs of their students. Advocacy for these reforms is the real solution, but it takes time.

What PTAs pay for can inform what changes are needed for all schools. This year, we will be sharing information on how to advocate so that all schools can receive what our PTA is funding for Montlake:
 

• Art teachers in every school.

• More resources for students with learning differences: more staff and better ways to identify students with learning needs.

• Better basic funding for the smallest elementary schools in our district. That is, more administrative staff and specialists for small schools. 

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HOW TO DONATE:

Did you know that Montlake PTA accepts donations in many forms? Here is some guidance to help you choose the best way to donate to our great school. We appreciate all donations and want to offer multiple options so that you can choose the best one for your budget:

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1. Recurring donations
   We would like to encourage those who can to consider making recurring payments. Making smaller gifts each month is sometimes easier on the budget and allows for a larger total annual gift. Our online donation page offers the option to make recurring donations with your credit card or from your bank account.
    

2. Recurring donations with matching through your employer
   In recent years, many companies have made it even easier to donate to your favorite causes. Companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Symetra and Alaska Airlines offer employees the option to deduct donations straight from their paycheck. These donations are deducted each pay period, matched by the employer and sent to us through Benevity. There are minimal fees with this option, and obtaining the matching funds is automatic. Check with your employer to see if they offer this option.
    

3. Matching Gifts (money or volunteer hours!)
   When you give to Montlake, you may have an opportunity to get your gift matched by your employer. Many companies use benevity.org to facilitate the matching process, but some companies use other processes to facilitate. Please reach out to your HR department to find out how you can have your gift matched. If you need assistance from the PTA to process your matching gift, please reach out to fundraising@montlakepta.org.
   
   In addition, did you know that some companies offer matching volunteer hour giving? By donating your time, you may be eligible for additional funds to be donated back to the school. Please check with your employer for more details.
    

4. One-time payment online
   Our online donation page has options for a one-time gift payable by a credit card or bank withdrawal.
    

5. Check
   We still accept checks and encourage them. There are no processing fees with checks. If you have a child at the school, please send the check in an envelope marked Montlake PTA Annual Fund. Or you may mail checks to: Montlake PTA Annual Fund 520 Ravenna Blvd NE, Seattle, WA 98105

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Give to the Montlake PTA, and give a HOWL for Montlake!
 
Montlake Community School Association (the Montlake PTA) is an IRS approved Section 501©(3) public charity and a registered charity in Washington State. Our Federal Tax ID is 91-1117733. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.