Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Organization

• What is the Saginaw Public Schools Foundation (SPSF)?
• What kind of programs will the SPSF support?
• Why does Saginaw need a Foundation?
• How can I be sure that the contribution I make to the SPSF will be used in a fiscally responsible manner?
• Why do we have to raise private dollars for programs in the SPSF? Shouldn’t this be covered by our property and sales taxes?
• Why don’t we get federal funding to contribute to Saginaw Public Schools?

Grants

• Who can apply for grants?
• How will funds be distributed?
• Who will decide how the money will be spent?
• Will Foundation funds be provided for extra-curricular activities and sports?
• Will foundation money be used to pay for teachers' salaries, heating bills, etc.?

Contributing to SPSF

• What specific ways can I contribute to the Foundation?
• Is my donation tax deductible?
• Is it possible to leave money to SPSF in one’s will or to give SPSF stock or donations?

Organization

What is the Saginaw Public Schools Foundation (SPSF)?

The Saginaw Public Schools Foundation is an organization established in spring, 2006, to raise private funds to enhance learning opportunities for students at Saginaw Public Schools. An anonymous donor graciously provided seed money to begin the effort. The organization is supervised by a Board of Directors comprised of volunteers who are parents, community leaders and educators within the Saginaw school district. The SPSF is affiliated with the Saginaw Community Foundation , a well-established organization that serves as the fiscal agent for this foundation.                                                                                                        return to questions

What kind of programs will the SPSF support?

The SPSF will consider requests for grants submitted by Saginaw Public Schools staff members. These requests will seek funding for projects that would enhance the learning experience for our children. The types of requests received by existing education foundations across Michigan and the United States tend to fall into four
categories:

1. Equipment and cutting edge technology for classroom use.
2. Special trips away from the school and visits to the school by special guests.
3. Classroom programs and projects that require purchase of reading materials, handbooks or written guides.
4. Student scholarships                  return to questions

Why does Saginaw need a Foundation?

SPSF addresses the very real challenge of maintaining excellence in our schools in the face of changing financial reality. The money raised is not a substitute or an alternative source of funding for the school budget. SPSF intends to enhance the effectiveness of our public schools by providing grants to individuals implementing new and creative projects to enhance the core curriculum of the Saginaw Public Schools and enhance the opportunities for students. We wish to encourage and support innovative projects and programs that enrich the curriculum, inspire students and staff, and expand the community’s involvement in public education.         return to questions

How can I be sure that the contribution I make to the SPSF will be used in a fiscally responsible manner?

The Foundation funds programs for the Saginaw Public Schools directly; we have control over how and on what programs the Foundation money is spent.
                                                                                                 return to questions

Why do we have to raise private dollars for programs in the SPSF? Shouldn’t this be covered by our property and sales taxes?

Funding for public schools in Saginaw are no longer controlled locally, but at the state level. In essence, the state now dictates the quality of education students will get based upon funds they distribute. It is not legal for local school districts to tax themselves to provide increases in school operating funds. We must find new sources of revenue for our schools, and private giving is one of just a few options. Communities can levy millages for capital expenses (like a new high school, repairs, technology), but not for operating expenses (staff, supplies, instructional support).                                                                                                       return to questions

Why don’t we get federal funding to contribute to Saginaw Public Schools?

Funding for Michigan schools comes almost entirely through the state. There is virtually no money available to individual school districts from the federal government.                                                                                 return to questions

Grants

Who can apply for grants?

Teachers and studnets in the Saginaw Public Schools.             return to questions

How will funds be distributed?

Current plans call for the Foundation to distribute funds for approved projects twice a year, based upon the two-semester education program at Saginaw Public Schools. A SPSF grant would support a program for one year. Students can apply for scholarships once a year as part of the Saginaw Foundations scholarship program.     return to questions

Who will decide how the money will be spent?

A committee comprised of students, educators, parents and community leaders will meet regularly to determine how monies will be distributed.The Saginaw Public Schools Foundation's endowment fund will be managed and administered through the Saginaw Community Foundation.             return to questions

Will Foundation funds be provided for extra-curricular activities and sports?

The SPSF will consider grant requests that support sanctioned, extra-curricular activities connected to a classroom subjects only.          return to questions

Will foundation money be used to pay for teachers' salaries, heating bills, etc.

No. The purpose of the SPSF is to provide grants that enhance student learning. Foundation grants will not be awarded to pay teacher salaries and benefits or to pay for daily school operation costs.          return to questions

Contributing to SPSF

What specific ways can I contribute to the Foundation?

Gifts can also be made through a variety of ways, including in-kind gifts and stocks.

• Make a cash gift or a check payable to the Saginaw Public Schools Foundation.
• Give a gift of stock or other appreciated assets
• Check with your employer for Matching Gifts programs.
• Name the Saginaw Public Schools Foundation in your estate plans. 

If you have more questions or wish to discuss alternate ways to give to the Saginaw Public Schools Education Foundation, please contact Sandra Darland at (989) 399-6634.                                                                              return to questions

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, we are a 501c3 organization, and we will mail the donor a receipt for any contribution made.                                                            return to questions

Is it possible to leave money to SPSF in one’s will or to give SPSF stock or donations?