Frequently Asked Questions

WSF funds a wide range of programs that would otherwise be cut from the school budget. These include:

• Art
• Music — Instrumental and Vocal
• Physical Education
• Early Literacy and Reading Discovery
• Spanish language instruction
• Mandarin language instruction
• Science
• Performing Arts
• Outdoor Education
• Technology
• Staff Development
• Curriculum Development
• Librarian services
• Middle School Development
• Global Citizen Curriculum

Without WSF, these programs would be cut entirely and class sizes would increase significantly.

Woodside Elementary School costs approximately $14 million per year to operate — roughly $37,000 per student.

Public funding through property taxes covers approximately $12 million of that total. WSF fills the remaining gap of approximately $2.25 million each year, ensuring that all the programs our students and families value can continue.

WSF's suggested contribution is $5,500 per enrolled student. This represents the difference between what the state provides and what it actually costs to deliver a Woodside education.

That said, every gift at any amount matters. Even if you can't give the full per-student ask, your contribution still counts toward our 100% participation goal — a milestone celebrated by all students with an ice cream truck party!

WSF raises funds through four main channels:

1. Annual Fund — Our primary fundraising campaign, held each fall. Families are asked to make a direct gift to support the school's programs.
2. Grand Auction — An annual spring gala and auction that has been a beloved Woodside tradition since 1984. It features live and silent auction items, a dinner, and community celebration.
3. Community Partners — Local businesses sponsor WSF programs and events throughout the year, connecting our school with the broader Woodside community.
4. Capital Campaigns — When a major facility or program investment is needed, WSF launches targeted capital campaigns. Past examples include the Design Lab, the Sellman Auditorium, and the Preschool building.

Yes. Woodside School Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

EIN: 94-2928552

A tax acknowledgment letter will be sent to you following your gift. Please retain it for your records.

Many employers do! Corporate matching programs can double or even triple the value of your gift at no additional cost to you.

Past companies that have matched donations to WSF include:

• Adobe
• Applied Materials
• Capital Group
• Cisco
• Electronic Arts
• Google
• Hewlett Packard
• Intel
• Intuit
• Prudential Securities
• Wells Fargo

Check with your HR department to find out whether your employer has a matching gift program and how to apply.

You can transfer stock or other appreciated securities directly to WSF through Charles Schwab. Donating appreciated assets directly may allow you to avoid capital gains tax while still claiming a deduction for the full fair market value.

Transfer information:

• Brokerage: Charles Schwab
• DTC #: 0164
• Account #: 8105-3374

Please contact us at wsf@woodsideschool.us when initiating a transfer so we can properly acknowledge your gift and ensure it is credited correctly.

The Annual Fund campaign for the 2025–26 school year runs October 16 – November 7, 2025.

The pledge fulfillment deadline is March 2, 2026. Gifts and pledges made before this date count toward this year's campaign total.

When the school reaches 100% participation — meaning every family has made a gift of any size — all students celebrate with an ice cream truck party!

We are always happy to hear from you. You can reach us in several ways:

• Email: wsf@woodsideschool.us
• Phone: (650) 851-1571
• In person: Room 39C at Woodside Elementary School

Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm.