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What is the Apple Tree Foundation's purpose? Also see Purpose
To support financially the students and teachers of the Woodland Joint Unified School District beyond the financial resources publicly provided for them. Only students and teachers of the Woodland Joint Unified School District are eligible to receive funds from the Apple Tree Foundation.
When was the Apple Tree Foundation formed?
The Apple Tree Foundation for Woodland Youth was formed in December 1998. Excess Measure T (school bond) campaign funds were donated to the Foundation to assist in its formation and to establish a small beginning account.
How may Foundation funds benefit students? Also see Benefits
Probably through grants in response to an application process. For instance, if a music program needed a particular instrument, the music teacher may apply for a grant to cover all or part of the cost. Or if an elementary school wants to visit the Heidrick Ag History Center to supplement their science or social science curriculum, the teacher may apply for funds to cover the cost of admission and of transportation. Many other examples exist. Most other education foundations support students in this manner. For example, see Daily Democrat story about
Apple Tree grant funding musical instruments at Freeman
How will the Apple Tree Foundation gets its funds? Also see Fundraising and To Donate
There are really only two ways: through donations by individuals or organizations (including grants from other foundations) and through fundraising events, such as a student art auction, a play or a concert. An IRS Code 501(c)3 education foundation provides a way for donations to be clearly tax deductible by donors.
What is the relationship between the Foundation and the School District?
Friendly and cooperative, but there is no other relationship. No member of the Foundation Board is an employee or Board Member of the Woodland Joint Unified School District. Decisions regarding use of funds will be made independently by the Apple Tree Foundation Board and/or its allocation committee.
How will PTAs be affected by an Educational Foundation?
Not at all, unless a local PTA wishes to use the Apple Tree Foundation as a "pass through" recipient of a major donation, such as when a donor is only willing to give to an IRS 501(c)3 organization to provide documentation of tax deductibility. Such a donation would then be used only for the purpose the donor specified. PTA fundraising efforts would continue as usual. Funds from the Apple Tree Foundation would be in addition to those efforts.
Why is an Education Foundation needed in a California school district?
Even before the California budget crisis of 2002-03, funding for California public schools required many difficult budgeting decisions at the school and school district level. Funds were often not available to provide education in the arts, to obtain curriculum materials beyond a basic textbook, and to provide for activities such as field trips that make the curriculum come alive for children. Schools/Districts with successful education foundations or parent fundraising efforts, often in affluent communities, have bridged that gap. Woodland needs that assistance as well. This will be even more true with the State's shrinking resources and proposed budget cuts impacting local education.
Who are the Apple Tree Foundation's Board members?
The By-Laws allow for up to 15 members of the Board of the Apple Tree Foundation for Woodland Youth. Board members are community members and parents who are interested in supporting local public education.
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