The Bear Fund is Lafayette HSA’s main fundraising campaign – and it needs YOUR help! This year is especially important as we want to give Principal Prall all of the resources she needs to make her first year a success! The Bear Fund will help fill crucial gaps in funding—whether it’s school supplies, teacher support, technology upgrades, or more.
Learn more about how the Bear Fund enhances learning for your student and for the broader community here, and then make your contribution today! We are aiming for 100% participation, and we can’t get there without YOU.
Have questions? Read through the following FAQs and then make your gift today!
WHAT IS THE BEAR FUND?
- The Bear Fund is the Lafayette HSA’s largest annual fundraiser and supports an educational experience above and beyond what is provided by DCPS funding alone. It is an investment in our students, teachers, and all the unique programs and opportunities at Lafayette.
- It provides technology, classroom materials, extra-curriculars, community events, the Peace Program, Arts Program, and so much more.
- This year’s Bear Fund goal is $160,000 – and we can reach that with your support!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
- Every Fall, the HSA invites members of the Lafayette community to join in support of the Bear Fund.
- You can choose to make a one-time gift or spread your gift over 10 months online.
- If you’re interested in mailing a check or providing a matching gift through your employer, you can find more information here.
- All gifts are tax-deductible, and you will receive a tax receipt with your confirmation email.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?
- Donations range from $25 to $5,000 to collectively cover the $400 gap per student.
- We encourage you to give a gift that is meaningful to you and your family.
- Above all, our goal is 100% participation across all grade-levels.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
- When the community comes together to raise money for programs and supplies through the Bear Fund, it allows Lafayette’s administration to focus DCPS-provided resources on ensuring we have a talented pool of teachers, aides, and specialists.
- Throughout the year, the Bear Fund helps make many new learning experiences possible for our children, such as gardening in the Bear Garden, performing in the school musical, and teamwork on Field Day.
- Through the Bear Fund, the HSA also has the potential to help educators realize their visions for more dynamic learning for their students, whether it be new rugs in the classroom, extra copies of books for students, or
- A healthy Bear Fund also allows Lafayette to be nimble and responsive when needs arise. For example, at the beginning of the year, Principal Prall discovered we needed new indoor and outdoor recess equipment to maximize students’ social and physical learning.
- The Bear Fund also includes an important equity pledge – 10% of funds raised through Bear Fund giving are donated to the DC Public Education Fund, providing direct financial support for DCPS students furthest from opportunity.
Make your gift to the Bear Fund today. For more FAQs, visit the Lafayette HSA website. If you have any other questions, please contact fundraising@lafayettehsa.org.
