Both holding fundraising events and balancing the books depend in large part on the generosity of interested supporters, including school staff members. Similarly, school foundations might forgo such amenities as stationery and descriptive brochures so as to funnel funds directly into schools. To make the most of their funds, some foundations create an endowment. Where the money comes from Local style and tradition have much to do with how school foundations raise their funds. Visitors to funeral parlors find donation envelopes printed with the foundation's name.
Direct solicitation is the key to Saratoga's success.
Tapping the resources of Silicon Valley businesses takes several forms in Saratoga. They say it's a real eye-opener when they see what the schools do with the funds. About 50 percent who participate sign up to do it again. None of the foundation representatives interviewed for this article strayed far beyond their own locality for funds, but all expressed interest in acquiring the skills and assistance to do so. As they target parents' concerns and strive to form new alliances, foundations such as the ones profiled here are discovering how to focus community pride and national interest on the needs of their own schools.