Donate and Become a Member

Each year, the Cornell PTA sponsors:

1. Basic educational needs that government funding does not cover, like learning materials, classroom technology, and emergency supplies.
2. Arts, culture, and other activities like the garden, field trips, assemblies, and schoolyard improvements that are crucial to our kids’ health and development.

We need your financial support to keep these programs running! 

PTA membership

You do not have to be a member of the PTA to donate to the organization, but becoming a PTA member means you may vote on motions during our association meetings and be part of the decision-making body of our Cornell community. Because our PTA is part of the CA State PTA and National PTA organizations, to become a voting member, you must pay a $20 annual PTA membership fee. 

We have several donation options available depending on what works best for your family. Please also be sure to check with your employers about matching donation contributions! 

One-Time Family Donation

A yearly $300 One-Time Family Donation per student. This tax-deductible donation covers core needs and programs and includes PTA membership.

We know that not all families can contribute at this level and that some can do more, but together we can make sure all our kids have what they need.

Sustaining Member Donation

If you prefer to “set it and forget it,” you can become a Sustaining Member and arrange a recurring monthly contribution. The annual PTA membership fee will be included.

Super Star Supporter – $30 per month

Shooting Star Supporter – $20 per month

Star Supporter – $10 per month

$20 Annual PTA Membership Fee

If you prefer to support our fundraising efforts as they come up throughout the year, you can pay the $20 membership fee here. (Note: All One-Time Family Donations and Sustaining Members include the PTA annual fee.)

Donate without paying membership dues

If you would like to make a donation, but do not want any of your donation to go towards PTA membership dues, please use the link below (if you have not already paid membership dues through a separate donation, this means you will not be a PTA member and will not be eligible to vote on PTA matters, but you may still attend all events/programs sponsored by the PTA and may attend association meetings).

Matching Donations Guide - for families 

1. Check for Matching Gift Programs

1. Contact Your Employer: Ask your employer if they offer a matching gift program for charitable donations. Many companies match employee donations to qualifying nonprofits. Check this handy database to see if your company matches donations.

2. Review Company Policies: Review your company’s employee benefits or charitable giving policies to see if they match donations and any specific criteria that need to be met.

2. Verify Eligibility

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure that the Cornell Elementary PTA or specific fundraising campaign you are contributing to qualifies for matching gifts according to your employer's guidelines.

2. Check Donation Limits: Be aware of any limits on the amount that can be matched or the number of donations that can be matched per year.

3. Submit a Matching Gift Request

1. Obtain Documentation: Obtain any necessary documentation from the Cornell Elementary PTA to submit with your matching gift request, such as a donation receipt or confirmation.
2. Follow Submission Process: Submit the matching gift request through your employer’s designated process, which could be online or via paper forms.

4. Track Your Matching Gift

1. Confirm Receipt: Follow up to ensure that the matching gift has been received and processed by the Cornell Elementary PTA.
2. Monitor Impact: Track how the matched funds are contributing to the PTA’s fundraising goals and acknowledge the support in your communications.

Matching Gift Request Email Template

**Subject:** Matching Gift Request for Cornell Elementary PTA 

Dear [HR Department/Company Representative’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I recently made a donation to Cornell Elementary PTA as part of their ongoing efforts to positively impact every day of our students’ educations by supporting key programming and creating a sense of community and belonging at our school. 

I understand that [Company Name] offers a matching gift program for employee donations. I would like to request that my recent contribution be matched through this program.

Here are the details of my donation:

- **Donor Name:** [Your Full Name]

- **Date of Donation:** [Date of Donation]

- **Amount Donated:** [Donation Amount]

- **Nonprofit Organization:** Cornell Elementary PTA

- **Tax ID Number (if needed):** # 94-6171856

Please let me know if you need any additional information from me or from Cornell Elementary PTA to process this request. Thank you for considering matching my donation and supporting this important cause!

Kind regards,  

[Your Name]   

Planned PTA Fundraising Efforts