A: We are a parent-led, volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We do not run traditional catalog sales or candy drives. Instead, we rely on this single direct-investment campaign to fund specialized campus positions, innovative tools, and community experiences that standard Poway Unified School District (PUSD) budgets do not cover.

A: We shortened the timeline to respect our community’s time and energy. In the past, a longer campaign meant weeks of continuous fundraising reminders. By condensing our primary direct-investment push into just 9 days at the start of the school year, we can unlock our budget quickly and spend the remainder of the school year focused entirely on supporting our learners and staff.

A: The 9 Days of Giving campaign runs from Thursday, August 27 through Friday, September 4, 2026.

A: Our recommended contribution of $539 represents the exact per-learner investment required to sustain the specialized personnel, tools, and experiences that define our unique campus. This goal is based on our projected budget, which was developed through community collaboration to meet specific enrichment targets identified by our staff and families.

A: To provide transparency, we have outlined an illustrative example of how a $539 contribution can be distributed based on our projected budget allocations:

• Instructional Excellence and Staff Appreciation ($310): Funds specialized personnel like our Reading Specialist, Library Media Technician, and Music Assistant, alongside staff appreciation initiatives.

• Classroom and Innovation Tools ($185): Provides maker-space supplies, advanced technology, and specialized science equipment.

• Learner Programs and Belonging ($22): Supports our wellness and counseling centers, community events, and learner-led initiatives.

• Organization and Operations ($22): Covers essential administrative costs like insurance, accounting, and system tools.

A: No. The dollar breakdown is simply a theoretical model to illustrate how the math works out per learner. In practice, all campaign funds are pooled together to dynamically support our three broader pillars of impact: The Learner Experience, The Learning Experience Designer (LED) and Staff Ecosystem, and The Collective Community.

A: Your donations directly bring our unique educational model to life across three main areas:

• The Learner Experience: We fund zero school supply lists so families do not have to shop for school supplies, premium classroom subscriptions and hardware, and tools for audacious ideas like 3D printers and makerspace materials.

• The Learning Experience Designer (LED) and Staff Ecosystem: We fund essential campus personnel positions to keep learning deeply personalized, fuel Grants39 for learner-led and staff-driven innovation projects, and organize collective staff appreciation gifts.

• The Collective Community: We fund campus celebrations that bring families together, welcome extended family and friends as vital branches of our network, and foster an inclusive culture where every learner feels valued.

A: You can choose the level and frequency that works best for your family:

• Invest $539: Fully fund your learner’s year all at once, or choose the monthly recurring option on Givebutter to spread out your impact.

• Invest $1,078 or more: Double your impact by funding your own learner plus another student in our community.

• Invest $100 or $250: Fuel specific innovation projects, campus personnel positions, or classroom technology.

• Invest Any Amount ($39+): Join our extended village to help us build community momentum.

A: Yes. When you check out on Givebutter, you can select a one-time, monthly, or quarterly recurring option. Our platform is designed to be highly flexible to meet any family’s preferred budget schedule throughout the school year.

A: Families with multiple learners are welcome to choose the level of investment that best fits their household budget. You can choose to fund a single learner, select a custom amount that covers multiple learners, or use the monthly recurring payment option to balance the total contribution over time.

A: Absolutely. We welcome support from your learner’s extended network. If family or friends donate, please ask them to complete the “Learner Representation” question at the bottom of the Givebutter checkout page so we can properly acknowledge their support.

A: Our online checkout platform, Givebutter, accepts all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, PayPal, and ACH bank transfers. We also welcome physical check contributions. If you prefer to invest by check, please still complete your checkout on the Givebutter platform, select the “check” payment option, and then follow the provided instructions.

A: Many local employers match donations dollar-for-dollar. You can easily search for your company and access corporate matching options directly on our Givebutter platform during checkout, or check with your human resources department to instantly double your impact.

A: Yes. The D39C Collaborative is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, making your contribution tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please consult with a tax professional regarding your personal tax situation.

A: Our 9-day window is our primary annual push to secure our operating budget upfront. As long as we hit our collective fundraising goal, our board will not ask our community for financial contributions for the remainder of the year. However, if your family has a specific need or wishes to independently make an additional investment above and beyond your initial contribution, our donation platform remains open safely in the background.

A: Every partner matters, and your participation is what makes our community whole. If a financial contribution is not right for your family at this time, your investment of time and volunteer energy as a partner in the D39C Collaborative is equally invaluable.

A: To view our complete line-by-line financial allocations and projected goals for the upcoming school year, please visit our official D39C Collaborative Budget Page.

A: The D39C Collaborative is led by an executive team of parent volunteers working closely with campus administrators and staff. You can meet our volunteer team, find direct contact information, and see our open positions on our 2026–2027 Collaborative Board Directory.

A: You can reach out to your classroom ambassadors, your learner’s Learning Experience Designer (LED), or any member of our executive board for assistance. For specific questions regarding family donations, corporate employer matching, or general campaign details, please contact our Fundraising Chair, Molly Putnam, or visit our 2026–2027 Collaborative Board Directory to connect with our volunteer team.