2025-2026 SMART Fund

ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN

our most important fundraiser of the year!

Why is it so important? The district provides a base level of funding to meet common core standards. The SMART fund allows our school to fund additional programs and support teachers to expand your child's education beyond the basic curriculum.

 

The more SMART fund donations, the more we can continue providing quality programs for ALL children at Highlands.

 

100% of your donations to the Highlands SMART Fund stay at our school to support our programs.

 

 

You may be wondering “Why does the PTA need to fundraise anyway?” It supports crucial school needs that significantly enhance the educational experience for every child at Highlands Elementary. Your donations help our school!

 

 

 

Don't forget that you may be able to double your donation if your employer matches your donation. Check here to see if they do. 

 

Donate now

 

Thank you to our recent SMART Fund donors! (updated 02/20/2025)

Spring/Summer 2024

 

Joana Ma

Dikla & Gil Michlin

 

Fall 2024/Spring 2025

 
Abimani Peiris & Anders Persson                       
Alan Kalman                            
Alexandre Drobychev                           
Alison & Zoltan Gombosi                     
Alison Taba & Brian Navasca                                
Amy Sim                                  
Annie Kuo & Eugene Hsu                     
Anshu & Madhu Kumar                        
Brian & Mai Sue                     
Charlotte & Ryan Corces                     
Chris Murphy & Marisa Holubar                          
Dan & Kim Baker                   
Diana & Ivan Smiljanic                          
Elizabeth Jensen & Pete Sung                             
Eric Kelley                                
Erick Low & Yayu Lin                              
Flynne & Josh Nathanson                    
Frederick & Sheena Ing                        
Gina Blohowiak & Riki Nakasuji                           
Gwen Shen & Kevin Kim                      
Jackie & Hani Sharkey                           
Janice Arena San                   
Janice Man & Christopher Nguyen                    
Janice Samoy                         
Jennifer & Alexander Smith                                  
Jenny Guan-Chan & Jonah Chan                        
Jim Chou                                  
Joanna Ma                                
Julie & Robert Pitts                                 
Karen Bacani    
Karen Godfry                          
Katie & Eric Kelley                          
Kelvin & Diane Kwan                              
Kim Crellin                               
Kim Nations                            
Laura Ing                                   
Laura Lee & David Huang                     
Lindsay Cutsinger                                   
Liza & Dylan Ashbrook                          
Lucy Kalanithi                         
Margaret Jensen                    
Marianne & Captain Hayes     
Michael Mori                              
Nicholas & Dorothy Aftowicz-Yi   
Nikhil & Polly Desai                                 
Paula Aguilar Heaton & Eric Heaton                  
Peri McDonald & Kevin McDonald                 
Ranya & Michael Francis      
Ryan Sims & Amy Sims 
Sarah & David Lamb              
Sevan Isaac & Lori Yaralian                 
Sharlene Fulgencio-Post & Thomas Post                         
Sharon Lee & Jim Chou                        
Sheyda & Aidin Massoudi                    
Shirin Bakhshay & Robin Wall                              
Shirley Huang & Lijay Shih                      
Todd Kim & Tracy Chiao                      
Tyler & Worarat Robertson                 
Ursula Daly                              
Van & Kevin O'Keefe                              
Whitney Tilton                        
Yeqiao wang & Liwei Wang                                   
Yoyo & Kinmon Lee

Corporate Donors

Adobe

Apple

Cisco

Genentech

Gilead

Google

Microsoft

SalesForce

Visa

Wells Fargo

 


SMART fund programs*

Funded Staff 

Teacher aides, English Language Arts Aide, General support Aide, and Teacher Grant Programs

 

 

School and Teacher Support

Classroom gardens, hands-on science education, supplemental music programs, art programs, classroom & student school supplies, library materials, PE & Recess equipment and educational Software such as: IXL, BrainPop, RAZ Kids, Scholastic News

 

 

Social and Enrichment Programs

Assemblies, Highlands Theatre, international show, lunchtime enrichment programs, community nights, student clubs, family dance, science nights, parent education programs, student t-shirts

 

And much, much more!

 

* Note: programs vary each year depending on budget and school needs

 

Donate now 

 


let's Elevate our school together!

Many of you contribute already by volunteering, buying gift wrap and helping in the classrooms. In order to reach our goal, we are striving for 100% participation in SMART fund donations, so even a small donation makes a difference. 

 

If your family has not yet donated, please join the families who have contributed. Together, with everyone's help, we can continue to support important Highlands Elementary programs. 

 

About your donation

  • Installment plans are available
  • Matching gifts can double your contribution
  • Grandparents and friends can donate too!
  • All gifts are tax-deductible
Any questions please email vannie94109@yahoo.com

Donate now 


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the HIGHLANDS SMART FUND and the San Mateo-Foster City Ed Foundation?

100% of the donations to the Highlands SMART Fund stay at our school to support our programs. The San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation (SMFCEF) is a non-profit organization that raises dollars to support District-wide programs at all schools in the San Mateo-Foster City School District.

 

What is the SMART fund tax ID number?

Our EIN Federal Tax identification number is: 94-6172358

 

What is the SMART fund goal for the 2025/2026 school year?

The SMART fund goal this year is: $50,000

 

What is the suggested amount for families to donate?

To reach our goal, we are asking each family to donate $800 per child or $1,200 per family. If your family can donate the suggested amount, it will make a huge impact towards achieving our goal.

 

However, any amount your family can afford is considered generous and greatly appreciated.

 

How is the Highlands SMART fund budget allocated? 

The Highlands SMART Fund supports all PTA-sponsored enrichment programs at Highlands for the school year. These programs are directly supported and paid for through YOUR donations.*

 

 

 

*Data from 2025-2026 proposed Highlands PTA Budget