Get answers to frequently asked questions about Carlmont Academic Foundation and what we fund for Carlmont High School.
What is CAF?
The Carlmont Academic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit staffed by a group of parents and community members who volunteer their time to raise money for Carlmont High School. CAF is the only fundraising organization focused on financially supporting academics at our high school.
Learn more about our mission
Why do we need CAF?
Carlmont students need our community’s help to bridge the gap between what is provided by the state and local funding and what they need to be ready in the classroom and ready for life. With your generous donations, CAF is able to provide a better educational experience for all students by funding teacher and staff salaries as well as programs with a broad-based, lasting impact.
What CAF funds
What is the recommended donation?
Donations of $1,500 or more per student are suggested. We recognize that not everyone can afford this amount and ask that you make a donation that is within your family’s budget. And if you can, make a bigger impact and join our Leadership Circle with a gift of $3,700 and above. CAF relies on all of our donors to support our students. Donations of any amount help us reach our goal.
How do I make a donation?
We make it easy to donate online or by check. Donate online by credit or debit card or EFT or mail a check to: Carlmont Academic Foundation, PO Box 104, Belmont, CA 94002. If you work for a company that makes matching donations to non-profits, check out our Corporate Matching page. Want to donate stock? Learn more on the CAF Donation page.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, donations to CAF are 100% tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The Carlmont Academic Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID 26-0325796).
Why does Carlmont need funds from me? Isn’t the school one of the best on the Peninsula?
Yes – and we want to keep it that way. Community funding addresses funding gaps in our K-8 school districts to keep class sizes smaller and support a well-rounded, robust learning environment. Carlmont students need these same resources in place to be ready in the classroom and ready for life.
When I donate to the Carlmont Academic Foundation, how will I know that my money is put to good use?
CAF donations are very much like SCEF or SchoolForce donations. By donating, you are supporting the mission of CAF and the academic priorities it represents. The Carlmont administration uses CAF funds to fund core academic programs as well as programs that make Carlmont unique. They recognize that all donations are annual and that continued donations depend on their using funds appropriately.
What CAF funds
How does my donation help with adding class sections?
Each year Carlmont’s Instructional VP creates a master schedule that lists the classes offered and the number of periods, or sections, that are offered. The district pays for six class periods (sections) for each student, while many students take seven periods. Because Carlmont offers this additional choice not funded by the district, your donations pay for the extra sections.
This year, your donations to CAF will be paying for 21 class sections at $23,500 per section. The additional class sections allow reduced class sizes for core classes such as English and Social Studies. Additional class sections also mean more class choices for your students in core academics as well as enrichment courses in the arts, sciences, and journalism.
When I donate, may I direct the money to fund specific classes?
CAF raises funds to support all students at Carlmont. The administrators at the school ultimately decide the areas of greatest need. For next school year, additional class sections are by far our largest funding allocation. More donations translate directly to more choice and reduced class size for your students for your students.
I donated in the spring, so why is CAF asking for another donation this year? (hint: fiscal vs. calendar year donations)
Due to school budgeting cycles, the money that CAF raises every year supports the following school year. Like the school district, CAF’s fiscal year starts on July 1 and ends June 30 rather than coinciding with the calendar year. For example, donations that you make in November 2022 and April 2023 will benefit our students during the 2023-2024 school year. That’s why you may receive a request from us to donate in our new fiscal year even though you already donated during that calendar year.
If you have any questions about how much you have donated in either the fiscal or calendar year, feel free to email us at donorservices@carlmontacademicfoundation.org.