Progress

It's Tuesday, October 22nd and the beginning of Week 4 of the Direct Appeal campaign!

We've raised over $79,000 thus far.

With just ONE WEEK to go, we're counting on you to donate and help us get to the top!

Thank you to all the families that have contributed so far! 

 

What is the Direct Appeal?

The Direct Appeal is a straightforward request from the PTA to families in our community. It serves as our most important fundraiser of the year, and is ambitious because we want to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need for success. 

 

The money raised during Direct Appeal is used to bridge the gap between the funding the school receives from LAUSD and the services necessary to create an inclusive, supportive, successful and enriching learning environment for every student. (Visit the Direct Appeal FAQ for more detail.)

 

Our goal is to raise $200,000 to support the 2025/26 school year.

 

Your donation—in any amount—plays a crucial role in ensuring every child at Mt. Washington Elementary can access the academic and social-emotional resources they need as well as opportunities for creative expression which allow them to thrive.

 

There are two ways to support our pack:

 

  or  

 

Learn more about giving by selecting a header below:

WHAT DOES DIRECT APPEAL PAY FOR?

The funds raised in Fall 2023 were applied this academic year. We spent approximately $500 per student, with funds going towards:

  • Full and part-time staff to support academic success and emotional well-being, including a literacy intervention coordinator, psychiatric social worker, and school psychologist;
  • Vital instructional and supervision aides to support faculty and students throughout the school day;
  • Visual and performing arts programs like UniverSoul, our new in-school hip-hop dance program

Click here to view an infographic of the 2024/25 fund allocation, and learn more about the positions which we fund. 

 

Note that while specific allocations may change for the next academic year (2025/26), every dollar you donate will benefit your student, their friends, and their classroom. 

I'm already a member of the PTA, have a ton of mwe merch *AND* attend all YOUR BIG EVENTS. ISN't THAT THE SAME THING?

Direct Appeal is different. Thank you so much for your support! Your contributions—through membership, merchandise sales, festivals like Moonlight Howl, and events MADE and the Book Fair*—are vital for covering the PTA's operating costs and expenses. 

 

However, the Direct Appeal is our most significant and ambitious fundraising initiative. Every dollar raised directly supports educational programs and resources for our students. We truly appreciate your continued support in making a difference in our school!

*i.e., opportunities where the PTA receives a small percentage of profits from ticket sales or from a business or vendor.

GUIDANCE ON GIVING

While the MWPTA spent approximately $500 per student this 2024/25 school year, we ask that each family contribute what is reasonable and within their means. For context, the average gift amount in Fall of 2023 was $700; nearly 20% of the families gave a $1,000 gift; and the gift amounts started at $20/family. 

 

Every dollar counts, so whatever amount works for your financial situation works for us. We thank you in advance for your support of our beloved MWE community.

 

More ways to think about enumerating your support: 

  • Are you a UTK or Kinder parent? Consider donating a month (or two) of daycare tuition! 
  • Has your kid recently started one of the free afterschool programs like Beyond the Bell or ELOP? Contribute the cost of paid aftercare for a month. 
  • Has your child benefitted from the expertise of our Intervention Coordinator Mrs. Barnes? Private literacy coaches start at $30-$50 hourly.

WAYS TO GIVE

  • Make a one-time contribution by filling out the form below or clicking here.

  • Pledge a set amount, and have the option to fulfill it across five months.

  • Write a check payable to "Mount Washington PTA", memo: Direct Appeal. You can either drop the check off at the front office (open 7:30 am–3:30 pm, Monday–Friday) or mail to: 

     

    MWPTA
    c/o Mt. Washington Elementary
    3981 San Rafael Ave
    Los Angeles, CA 90065

what do i get in return?

By contributing to the direct appeal, families help create a nurturing educational environment at MWE. While there are no minimum gift thresholds*, every contribution counts toward enhancing resources and support for students. Plus, you'll gain the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a meaningful difference and earning some good karma in the process!

  

* We’ll also have exciting incentives for contributors throughout the campaign, so stay tuned for your chance to win fun experiences while supporting our community.

HOW CAN I MAXIMIZE MY DONATION?

Check with your HR department or visit Charity Navigator to see if your employer has a company match. Many companies—including some of SoCal's largest employers like Google, Capital Group, Netflix, Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Walt Disney Group, among others—set aside annual charitable contribution funds to match their employees' donations to 501(c)(3) organizations dollar for dollar (or more!).

IS MY GIFT TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?

Yes! 100% of your contribution is tax deductible. MWPTA is a 501(c)(3) Organization. MWPTA's Federal Tax ID number is 95-6208664. Permit on file.

 

 

  

School Spirit

Every student will receive the new 24/25 MWE window cling so we can all show our support our pack!

 
#MWEtogether

 

Please contact directappeal@mpwta.org with any questions.