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Why did the PTA create the P.S. 11 Annual Fund?

Our school's programming relies on families– THE PTA– to supplement the school budget from shortfalls in city funding. EVERY. SINGLE. STUDENT. IS SUPPORTED BY THE ANNUAL FUND BECAUSE PUBLIC FUNDING IS NOT ENOUGH. We need YOUR HELP to maintain critical programming & resources made possible only through private funding (AKA PTA SUPPORT). Every meaningful donation counts!

What does the Annual Fund Pay For?

Smaller Class Sizes, Theatre Department, Technology Department, Art Department, Music Department, Gym Teacher, Dance Department, Air Purifiers, Air Conditioning, Pool, Rosie’s Theatre, FallFest, Theatre Supplies, Annual Musical, Bender Bars School Supplies, After School Scholarships, Moving On Ceremony, Circle in the Square, Young Artists Program...AND SO MUCH MORE (all listed on our Annual Fund donation site)!

Wait, the Annual Fund pays for some of the Enrichment Teaching Staff??

YES! The Annual Fund directly pays for teachers in Technology, Dance, Theatre, Music, and an additional Gym Teacher. It can also pay for maternity leave coverage and substitute teachers.

How does the administration at P.S. 11 keep class sizes small?

With your support and the P.S. 11 Annual Fund! Even as one of the largest elementary schools in District 2, the P.S. 11 administration can hire additional teachers and keep class sizes smaller. Each year, a large portion of our Annual Fund is allocated to the P.S. 11 administration. The school uses those discretionary dollars for many things, among them to pay for the special programming we all love.

Our Annual Fund allows the administration to direct their use of Public Funding to PS11 teachers, adding classrooms each year as needed. For the last few years, the administration made the choice to keep all classrooms open despite lower than normal enrollment. Thus, P.S. 11 students - from the youngest & most impressionable to those preparing for their years beyond 11 - are studying and growing in intimate classroom environments. All because of your continued support of the Annual Fund.

I just bought something in an Auction or on CharityBuzz, should I also give to the Annual Fund?

YES! Contributions, or gifts, to the Annual Fund are so important because they are direct donations to the school with no reward for the donor, which means we can count it toward school-wide participation. Our goal is always 100% school-wide participation in the Annual Fund.

Doesn't the money end up in the same place?

Auction and CharityBuzz purchases are extremely important and support our total Fundraising goal for the year. The money goes to the same bank account as the Annual Fund (Friends and Family of PS11) and covers the costs of the same programs. However, an important differentiator is that Auction/Raffle/CharityBuzz purchases do not count toward "Family Participation."

Can I have an Example?

If a family buys a $3,000 item in an Auction or on CharityBuzz, while it is incredible, we cannot count it toward "Family Participation." But, if a family gives even $5.00 to the Annual Fund via Check/Paypal/GivingFuel and includes their child's class number and name, we can count it toward "Family Participation."

What does "Family Participation" have to do with it?

"Family Participation" numbers help us represent an active population when we apply for grants or large donations from community orgs and foundations.

I understand that we have a $600,000 Fundraising goal for the year, but how much money are we trying to raise this year, specific to the Annual Fund?

$400,000! This will ensure we can hit our goal to raise $1,200 per student, which is how much it costs to fund all of the amazing programs, enrichment staff, and resources we've listed on the Annual Fund site.

How do I participate in a Corporate Match?

Corporate Match for this tax-year ended in December 2023, but 2024 is open! If you aren't sure if your company participates in Corporate Match, please reach out to your HR representative and ask about company matching to "Friends and Family of PS11". All you need are just a few details!

How can I provide a meaningful gift to the P.S. 11 Annual Fund? Remember, every dollar counts!

DONATE HERE OR E-MAIL [email protected] to coordinate check collection– make sure you label your check with your child’s name and class number so we can include it towards “Family Participation!"

How can I give in a way that works for my family?

• Consider a once-a-year donation to the P.S. 11 Annual Fund for your child or to sponsor a student
• Inquire about Corporate Matching with your employer
• Designate the Friends & Family of P.S. 11 as your charity on Amazon Smile & the ShopRaise app
• Participate in the Read-a-Thon with your P.S. 11 student to fundraise through your social network
• Take advantage of Giving Tuesday promotions to benefit the Annual Fund
• Buy some P.S. 11 Merch
• Donate your time! The Fundraising team needs your support and ideas– so feel free to email us!