FAQ

Who is the MVLA High School Foundation?

The Mountain View – Los Altos (MVLA) High School Foundation was established in 1982 to support the MVLA Union High School District. We solicit donations from parents, community members, and businesses to fund academic programs and services at local high schools. The Foundation’s Board of Directors is elected yearly, and is comprised of parent and community volunteers. Their time and energy enable the Foundation to maintain extremely low operating expenses, so more of every dollar donated goes directly to student programs.

Why is the Foundation Needed?

Educational funding depends on property taxes, parcel taxes, bond measures, the state economy and other factors that can change from year-to-year. Unpredictable funding challenges our high schools to build needed programs and deliver the top-notch education our community expects and values. The Foundation provides resources for district-wide academic programs which cannot be funded by individual schools or groups such as PTSAs. If not for Foundation funding, many valuable programs and services would not be available to our students.

How Can I Help?

The Foundation has committed to raising $2,293,000 for programs in the 2023-24 school year.

To meet this goal, we suggest a donation of $1,250 per student, or whatever amount is meaningful to your family. For parents who are particularly excited about providing Innovation Grants to teachers, we ask an additional donation of $250 per student. We hope parents will consider the value of Foundation-sponsored programs in their student’s high school experience.

We need everyone’s participation to meet our goal, and the contribution of each family makes a difference.

Interested in Volunteering?

Working with the Foundation is a great way to stay involved in your child’s education as they move through the high school years. The easiest way to “plug in” is to volunteer at our annual two-day Phonathon in September.  It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year and it’s easy to sign-up online.

We may have opportunities for parents and community members to serve on our Foundation Board or on a committee. Contact us at info@mvlafoundation.org and tell us about your talents and interests.

 

Other ways to contribute:

  • If you are a realtor, join the Honor Roll of Realtors.
  • If you are a local company or corporation, contact us at info@mvlafoundation.org to discuss sponsorship opportunities.
How Do I Donate?

The MVLA High School Foundation is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit 501(c)3 corporation (tax ID number 94 2848 246), and all donations are tax-deductible. We gladly accept contributions of cash, or by check or credit card.

You can…

  • securely donate online. Visit our Donation page.
  • mail in a donation check to MVLA High School Foundation, P.O. Box 1146, Los Altos, CA 94023-1146.
  • set up recurring payments from your bank account using your bank’s online bill pay system, or from a credit card.
  • bring cash to the school finance office in a Foundation remit envelope if you have one.

If you have questions, please call 650.940.4650 x7017 to talk to an MVLA High School Foundation member directly.

When Do You Need My Donation?

We ask for your donations now! Contributions will be put to work immediately benefiting this year’s students.

What if I Can't Donate the Suggested Amount?

Each family’s situation is unique, and often it is not possible to donate the amount per student that we suggest. We gratefully accept donations in any amount, and encourage you to donate whatever amount you feel is meaningful to your family. No donation is too small, and each one is vitally important in helping us reach our fundraising and participation goals.

Donations Benefit the Community

Strong schools help keep property values high, and make communities desirable places to live and work.