The Encinitas Educational Foundation enriches education for the children of Encinitas and Carlsbad.  Through the Foundation, parents join with business and community leaders to contribute money and other resources to the public schools. This partnership nourishes local schools in many ways.   Since it was established in 1983, the Foundation has provided funding for programs in music and art, for equipment such as computers and microscopes, and for classroom and library aides.  The Foundation continues to provide the schools with  money, grants, scholarships, endowments and services suited to various school site needs and requests. Concerned parents, local businesses and community leaders who want to ensure that the quality of public education remains high at all times support the Foundation.  The Foundation works hand-in-hand with the Encinitas Union School District. The contributions are given to the schools for a host of outstanding programs and materials that would otherwise go unfunded.  In the past, the money has funded hands-on science programs, music workshops, and physical education programs.  It has purchased computers and electronic equipment specifically requested by school sites.  The Foundation is also a source for mini-grants to be used by teachers for enhancing programs, encouraging and supporting students' talents, and improving classroom instruction.

Taxes pay for a minimum level of education.   We want more than that for our children.  Consider these facts:

- Proposition 13 and the restructuring of the California economy have affected our ability to keep pace in a competitive world.  

- The state lottery , which helps support schools, provides funds that equal less than 3% of total school budgets. 

-  The national average of per student spending is $5,730 annually.  California spends only $4,640, ranking 40th in the nation in per student spending. 

- The Encinitas Union School Districts receives just $3,017 from the state per student annually, less than the San Diego County average of $3,370.  Some neighboring school districts receive more than $5,000 per student!

For these reasons, educational foundations throughout California are working hard to support the public schools. 

-Contribute to the Foundation's general fund or designate donations to a specific school, for a program, or for needed materials. 

-Donate services or volunteer to work for the Foundation.

All nine schools in the Encinitas Union School District benefit when contributions are made to the general fund.  Only about 5% of the money donated is used for the Foundation's administrative expenses.  The Foundation is a non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible. 

Yes!  The Foundation offers flexibility in giving.   You may give to the general Foundation fund for the equal benefit of all schools in the district.  Or you may designate a school or program as the recipient of your contribution.

Yes!  Donations of supplies and time are welcome.   The Foundation seeks to form creative partnerships with local businesses.  The schools are part of the community.  Investing in education helps create good citizens and clients.  Everyone wins when a community supports public education!