Q: What is Friends of FPE?

A: Friends of Forest Park Elementary is a charitable organization comprised of volunteer parents focused on informing, educating, connecting the Forest Park Elementary community while also raising financial support for Forest Park Elementary School. It is a merger of the former FPE PTA and the Forest Park Elementary School Foundation.

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Q: What is the Foundation?

A: The foundation is the legal entity within Friends of FPE that raising funds for Forest Park Elementary School.  The Friends of FPE and the Foundation are operated by a board of volunteers from the community.

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Q: How are board members of Friends of FPE elected?

A: The foundation is a group of volunteer parents.  New members are selected by the Foundation.  If you are interested in serving, please contact any member of the current board.

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Q: Are board members compensated?

A: No, board members donate all their time, and even buy our own coffee if we meet at Starbucks!

 

Q: If I donate money, can I specify how it's used?

A: Unfortunately, in most cases it isn't possible to fingermark funds for certain projects.  At times, we may have a focused fundraising drive (for example, for PE a while back), but staffing and funding decisions are made by Portland Public Schools and the Forest Park administration.  However, input for parents and the community is generally warmly received.

 

Q: What is the Tax ID number for the Forest Park Foundation?

A: Our federal tax ID number is 20-1975263.

 

Q: What's the difference between the Foundation, Site Council and the PTA?

A: You are welcome to ask this same question to the other groups, but at a high level the following describes some differences:

• Friends of Forest Park: group of community volunteers that raises money for the school and that supports school and community activities

• Foundation:  raises money for use by the school for hiring teaching staff (PEOPLE)

• Site Council:  state mandated body providing community input on educational content and programs (PROGRAMS)

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Q: How many times a year will Friends of FPE ask me for money?

A: At times the Friends of FPE plans change due to changed circumstances, but our general fundraising activities are:

•     at the start of the school year, there is a general ask for donations;

•     before the end of the calendar year, we may remind people that donations are tax deductible;

•     our annual auction is generally in the Jan-Mar timeframe.

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If there are shortfalls or PPS announces changes that we believe would adversely impact our school, we do from time-to-time make special requests.  Of course all donations are voluntary, but we hope that you will continue to support Forest Park Elementary and our community.  Thank You!

Q: Do you know if my company will "match" donations made to the FPE Foundation?

A: We have a list of companies we believe match donations, but you should check directly with your company to confirm our understanding.  Companies that Match

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NOTE: If there are other questions you'd like answered, please don't hesitate to let us know.