FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES THE FOUNDATION DO?
The Foundation of the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by parents and led by community members in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, New York. Since 1993 our mission is to support and enhance academics, the arts, athletics, and technology in our public schools. We do this by raising money through our annual appeal and fundraising events throughout the year. We then fund special projects and teacher grants that promote innovation in learning throughout all our schools.
DO ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVE A FOUNDATION?
Although Tarrytown was one of the first school districts in Westchester to start a Foundation, many other districts now raise money this way, including Irvington, Croton, Chappaqua, Byram Hills and Scarsdale. In fact, the educational foundations of Westchester and Putnam get together at roundtable meetings twice a year to share ideas.
ARE YOU THE SAME AS THE P.T.A.?
The P.T.A., a national organization, and the Foundation share a common goal: the betterment of our children's education. However, we each have a separate focus and are governed differently with respect to raising and spending money. The Foundation's goal is to raise the funds needed to provide our students with the most competitive and exemplary education possible.
HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU RAISE?
Since the Foundation was started in 1994, we have raised more than $10 million dollars for our students and schools!
WHEN I MAKE A DONATION TO THE FOUNDATION, IS IT TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?
The Foundation is tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity. When you make a donation to our annual appeal, your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
HOW IS THE FOUNDATION GOVERNED?
The Foundation is an independent, self-governing nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of New York. Our board of directors are made up of parents, teachers and a representative from the Board of Education. The Superintendent also attends meetings as a non-voting advisor.
Parents who are not members of the board may volunteer to help on one of our committees, such as the Arts or Benefit Auction Committees.
If you are interested in contributing your time, please contact [email protected]
Parents who are not members of the board may volunteer to help on one of our committees, such as the Arts or Benefit Auction Committees.
If you are interested in contributing your time, please contact [email protected]
HOW DO YOU DECIDE HOW TO SPEND THE MONEY?
The Foundation funds grants in every academic area and to every grade. We request funding proposals primarily from district teachers, which are reviewed carefully by committees and our board of directors to ensure it is consistent with our mission and the goals of the school district. Funds are currently allocated in the program following areas:
- Arts & Culture
- Health & Wellness
- STEM/STEAM
- College Readiness
- Elementary Literacy
- Special Education Enhancements
- Needs-based grants for special projects
I PAY TAXES - WHY SHOULD I DONATE?
We sometimes get this question, and it certainly is a fair one. We all pay high taxes, especially living in Westchester County. The truth is, however, most public school budgets can not afford to fund those extra and enriching programs that may have an indelible impression on a young person. Whether it is theater arts, field trips, or new technology, the Foundation provides those “extras” that even a (high) tax base cannot afford.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION?
An individual, family or business may support the Foundation in many ways: by donating to our Annual Appeal, contributing auction items or sponsorships for the Annual Benefit, attending our events or volunteering to help with our fundraising efforts throughout the year.