Santa Monica Ed Foundation Raises $186,154 In 10 Days

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica parents, community members and businesses raised $186,154 during a 10-day match fundraising campaign for the Santa Monica Education Foundation.

Inspired by a $50,000 match from Bird, 772 donors contributed during the match, which ran from January 21 to 31, the Santa Monica Ed Foundation news release said. The matching campaign coincided with the end of the Ed Foundation’s annual parent giving campaign this school year. The money contributed will directly go toward arts programs, classroom aides, STEM and student health and wellness programs in Santa Monica public schools next year, the news release said.

"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," Travis VanderZanden, founder and CEO of Bird, said. "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 the 2020-2021 school 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, the news release said.

"Throughout our entire campaign this year, I have been in awe of this community’s dedication to education," Linda Greenberg, Executive Director of the Ed Foundation, said. 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 the Santa Monica Ed Foundation website.