Redwood High School Foundation | Questioons & Answers


	Why should I give to Redwood? It seems to have everything I would want for my children without my donation. Redwood is funded by federal and state funds – the same as the other four high schools in the Tam Union H.S. District. District funding is done primarily on a per student basis. Yet, Redwood is the largest of the 5 high schools in our District and has some unique needs. Your child has been benefiting from Foundation funding of those areas not in the district budget. The nice part of a Foundation donation is that all funds to the RHSF stay at Redwood, and are mostly invested within the year they are donated. They are used to provide experiences and opportunities that would otherwise not be available to our students. Who determines how RHSF allocates parent donations? There are multiple allocation panels that decide how to allocate the foundation funds each year. All are made up of parents, teachers, administrators and students. The Academic Allocation Committee represents the largest amount of money from the Foundation – approximately $250,000/year. This panel meets twice per year to review grant applications for all departments at Redwood as well as campus improvements. Grant applicants present to this panel, which then discusses and votes to approve grants to those applicants whom the panel believes are most deserving in a given calendar year. Similarly, the Athletic Allocation Committee (Benchwarmers) reviews athletic grant requests and the Scholarship Committee reviews candidates for post secondary school grants. What is the Academic Allocation Committee? The Academic Allocation Committee branch of the Foundation functions to grant money to Academics, Arts, Student Programs and Campus Beautification efforts. We are an all volunteer panel of Parents, Teachers, Students and Administrators who meet twice a year to review grant applications and vote on which ones to fund. Here’s how the process works: Each fall and each spring, applications are sent out to all staff members at Redwood. Parents and students are also eligible to fill out grant applications. The applications are reviewed by Principal Neu for merit and whether other sources of funding may be available. Then, the applicants present their requests to the Academic Allocation Committee which consists of 2 Administrators, 2 Teachers, 4 students (one from each grade level) and 4 Parents. The committee then has a chance to ask questions of the applicant and gather further information about how the grant money will be spent. After reviewing and discussing each grant application on its own individual merit, the Academic Allocation Committee votes on whether to partially or completely fund each grant. The Academic Allocation Committee volunteers serve for two years. If you are a parent or a student who is interested in serving in this capacity, please contact one of the Allocation Panel Co-Chairs at the beginning of the school year. How much should I give? Our primary goal is to increase participation, so we are asking each donor find a giving level that is meaningful and right for his/her family’s budget. Our recommended giving level is $1,000 per student, but we invite you to give at one of the higher recognition levels shown in the brochure. All gifts are tax deductible as RHSF is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. How did the Foundation determine $1,000 per child as the recommended giving level? There is a gap between what the state provides for high school education and what we want our student’s experience to include. The Foundation was founded to supplement state funds by making money available through grants to teachers, administrators, students, and coaches. Redwood parents come from K-8 school districts that average between $975 - $2,800/child in donations. Given the range of departmental requests and the large number of students playing sports at Redwood, Foundation dollars have been counted on to keep programs going. I already gave to something else at Redwood – why should I give to the RHSF? Thank you for your generosity in supporting Redwood. While your generous donation will certainly support this specific activity for your child, only a donation to the RHSF will support the many activities and departments that contribute to every student ’s ability to obtain a superior, well-rounded education at Redwood. If I give $500 to something else at Redwood and $500 to the RHSF, will I receive acknowledgement for a $1,000 donation at RHSF? No, there is no way for us to track other programs to which people may contribute. How much is spent on scholarships for graduating seniors? This year we awarded almost $28,000, or approximately 4%, of the Foundation proceeds to graduating seniors who applied for financial assistance to pursue higher education. Each student who applies must provide a completed application, financial documenation, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. These are reviewed by the members of the Scholarship Fund Allocation Committee and funds are distributed based on merit and need. Why is full participation necessary and important to the Annual Giving Campaign? Full family participation in the Annual Giving Campaign demonstrates solidarity within the Redwood community. It also indicates to corporations, foundations, major donors and friends that those who are most connected to Redwood are commited to its future well-being. Each year we strive to increase participation levels amoung our families.