FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Pasadena Educational Foundation?
The PEF is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 1971, to enhance educational programs in the Pasadena Unified School District. 

What does PEF do?
The PEF raises funds, builds partnerships, and promotes public education that directly supports teachers and students.

How do I know that my gift to PEF is really going to help the schools?
PEF has a long history of providing and supporting programs that are critical to strengthening the public schools.  PEF works closely with the Pasadena Unified School District, yet is a separate nonprofit organization.  The PEF Staff and Board of Directors provide oversight to ensure that designated gifts reach the appropriate recipients.

How can I donate to the Foundation?
You can donate by:

  • Making a cash or stock gift of any amount.
  • Designating your United Way gift to PEF.
  • Asking your employer to match your gift to PEF.
  • Naming PEF as a beneficiary in your will/trust.
  • Naming PEF as your charity of choice through Vroman’s Give Back Program.
  • By donating your car naming PEF as the beneficiary – Call 800-203-2940.
  • Enrolling in Escrip--PEF ID number is 140343984.
  • Shopping online at www.schoolpop.com.

May I donate to a particular program?
Yes, you can designate to particular school or PUSD or PEF program.  You may also contribute to a scholarship fund at one of our high schools or contribute to the Arts and Music Fund.

Do you accept equipment and computers?
Please call us first to determine  whether the schools can use your items.  If they can be used we will discuss delivery.

How do I get PEF to support my school?
If a school needs assistance with raising funds for a particular program, the principal (or a teacher or parent) should contact PEF.

If I am a teacher and have received a previous teacher grant from PEF, am I eligible for another grant?
Yes, as long as you have completed the evaluation for the prior grant.

How are Teacher Grants awarded?
A committee of PEF Board members and community members read each application submitted and evaluate the proposal based on set criteria.  Committee recommendations are then made to the Board of Directors at the November Board meeting for approval.
The guidelines and scoring rubric can be found on our web site under Teacher Grants.

Is PEF a part of the PUSD?
PEF is separate from the district, but was organized as a nonprofit organization to raise funds and build partnerships for the district programs.   PEF is a 501c(3) organization founded in 1971.  

Is my gift to PEF tax deductible?
Yes, to the full extent of the law.

Who contributes to the Foundation?
Gifts come in all sizes from individuals, businesses, corporate contribution programs, civic organizations, and foundations.  Gifts range in amounts from $25 - $1,000,000 or more.

What kinds of gifts can be made to PEF?
Contributions can be made by cash, check or charge card.  Gifts in kind, securities, real estate and automobiles can also be contributed.  Planned gifts, such as charitable lead trusts or bequests through wills, estate plans and insurance policies can also be made to the Foundation. 

Gifts can also be made in honor of someone or in memory of someone, and any gift can be designated to a particular program or school.

Who benefits from PEF’s work?
PUSD students and their families, teachers and administrators receive support from PEF through funding for health programs at school sites, after school programs at 20 sites, science laboratories at middle and high schools, reading programs at elementary schools, staff development for aspiring principals, staff development for teachers, new technology at school sites, books for libraries, musical instruments, music theater, the partnership academies, and parenting programs.