Santa Monica parents, community members and businesses supported local public schools during a 10-day match fundraising campaign for the Santa Monica Education Foundation. Inspired by a $50,000 match from Bird, 772 donors contributed $186,154 during the match, which ran from January 21 to 31, 2020. The matching campaign coincided with the end of the Ed Foundation’s annual parent giving campaign this school year.
The money contributed will directly fund arts programs, classroom aides, STEM and student health and wellness programs in Santa Monica public schools next year.
“Building livable, sustainable, healthy, connected communities is at the heart of Bird’s mission and we understand that excellent schools are essential to a healthy community,” said Travis VanderZanden, founder and CEO, Bird. “We are thankful for everyone in the community who participated in this year’s Ed Foundation match to help ensure that all students in Santa Monica receive a first-rate education.”
Ed Foundation fundraising for programs in schools next year will continue through the spring with events, as well as corporate and foundation outreach. Annual donations and Ed Foundation endowments are funding $2.7 million in programs in Santa Monica schools this school year.
“Throughout our entire campaign this year, I have been in awe of this community’s dedication to education,” said Linda Greenberg, Executive Director of the Ed Foundation.
“We are so grateful to Bird for their leadership in this matching effort and to each donor who gave to create opportunities for students. Because of them, Santa Monica students will continue to excel in the arts, design and invent in STEM classes, and benefit from crucial health and wellness programs. What an incredible investment in our community’s future.”
During the $50,000 match, two other local businesses offered one-day Flash Matches for donations. Diane Dorin of Compass, a longtime supporter of the Ed Foundation, matched $2,500 in donations on January 30. Wander Internet, a new Ed Foundation Corporate Hero, matched $2,500 in donations on January 31.
For more information or to make a donation to support Santa Monica students, go to smedfoundation.org.
Ann Conkle, Director of Communications and Events
