Sojourner Education Foundation

Sojourner Education Foundation

About SEF

The Sojourner Education Foundation (SEF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (tax ID# 45-5275219) that is dedicated to the preservation of the Sojourner School philosophy, instructional program and organizational model as outlined in the Sojourner Operations Document. It is our mission to advocate for and support extraordinary educational opportunities for Sojourner students, and to generate and distribute funds that support staffing needs related to this effort.

History of SEF

When North Clackamas School District reclassified Sojourner School as a magnet school in 2012, several highly valued program elements were in jeopardy due to the non-certification of instructional Artists-in-Residence and the cost-prohibitive nature of filling these roles with certified teachers. These included Violin, Spanish, Orff and Flow. A small group of parents worked together to negotiate with the district and created the Sojourner Education Foundation (SEF) in order to preserve the Sojourner program.

Now, the Sojourner community fundraises annually to raise the money through SEF for the purpose of funding these special programs. The money SEF generates is used to pay for some program elements directly, with financial support for others paid to the North Clackamas School District. Other functions of the Sojourner Education Foundation include championing the vision of the Sojourner program, negotiating with the School District and managing Sojourner’s Marimba Program in cooperation with our Artist-in-Residence, Shera Sinell.

If you are interested in joining the board, please contact us at [email protected].

We work closely with the Sojourner PTA to support the Sojourner School community. To learn more about our fundraising efforts, click here.

SEF fundraising

Each year, the Sojourner Education Foundation meets with the North Clackamas School District to assess the funding needs of Sojourner and informs the community of a suggested per-student contribution. Because we are a public magnet school, we cannot require families to contribute financially. However, we feel it is important to accurately reflect what the per-student costs are in an effort to distribute the financial burden equally and secure Sojourner a bright future. Sojourner families continue to dig deep at home, encourage support among their extended family, and reach out to the community to achieve their contribution.

The Sojourner Education Foundation raises money for special programs through:

Annual Auction

The Sojourner School Annual Auction is a fun community event and the primary source of program funding. This event provides highly valued items, student art, and more, in return for your contribution to Sojourner. Learn more about this year’s auction.

Raffle

The Raffle offers the chance to win a high-value prize for an affordable price. It can ease the financial burden on Sojo families by potentially eliminating out-of-pocket expenses by selling to community members, neighbors, family, friends and co-workers. This allows for everyone to participate in fundraising for our program.

Matching employer contributions

Many employers have Matching Gift Programs that can double (or even triple!) your financial gift to Sojourner. Please check with your HR Department to learn whether your employer offers matching gifts. Questions? Send an email to SEF.

Merchandise

You can show your Sojo pride shirts, sweatshirts, and bumper stickers while helping support the classes that make Sojourner so special. Buy Sojourner merch.

Community sponsorships

Sojourner Education Foundation seeks community sponsorships and can give Sojourner families the tools to reach out to employers and area businesses or make a personal business sponsorship. If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming a Sojourner Sponsor, please contact us.

Fred Meyer Rewards

If you do your grocery shopping at Fred Meyer and haven’t yet registered our school as the beneficiary of your Community Rewards, we’re missing out on some easy donations. To get started earning for Sojourner with every purchase, visit Fred Meyer’s Community Rewards site and click on “Link Your Rewards Card Now.” Simply select “Sojourner Education Foundation [#WE112]” and Fred Meyer will donate a percentage of every dollar you spend with no impact on your personal rewards!

SEF FAQ

What does SEF do?

The purpose of the Sojourner Education Foundation is to serve as a community voice in district negotiations, promote the vision of the Sojourner program, raise money to support Violin, Spanish, Orff and Flow and manage Sojourner’s Marimba Program in cooperation with our Artist-in-Residence, Shera Sinell.

How is SEF different from the PTA?

The SEF and PTA are both nonprofit 503(c) organizations run by volunteers who work very closely together to serve our community. While there are many instances in which our objectives overlap, our two organizations are governed differently with respect to how we raise and spend money. The PTA, as a national organization, is bound by strict bylaws that dictate how fundraising is achieved and how funds are implemented into our program. SEF, on the other hand, can pursue as much fundraising as is necessary to achieve the goal of supporting our program. Funding decisions are guided by the SEF Board, together with teacher and administration input. Decisions can be made, or changed, as determined by SEF. Together, we bridge the gap between statewide funding limitations and the vision we have for our program. Both the SEF and PTA need your support!

Who serves on the Foundation?

The current SEF board is made of volunteers who are parents of current and former Sojourner students. If you are interested in joining our organization, please send us an email.

How does SEF raise its money?

SEF relies on several fundraising resources, including our Annual Auction and Raffle, Direct Giving, community sponsorships, shopper programs and more.

How does SEF spend the money it raises?

Every dollar contributed to SEF serves the Sojourner community. Even our board members are unpaid volunteers! With the money we raise, we pay for Violin, Orff and Flow, along with other exceptional educational opportunities for our students. The money SEF generates is used to pay for some program elements directly, with financial support for others paid to the North Clackamas School District.

Are contributions to SEF tax deductible?

Absolutely! SEF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (Tax ID #45-5275219). With the exceptions of raffle tickets, admission to the Annual Auction and the fair market value of goods purchased at the Annual Auction, all contributions made through the Program Appeal are fully tax-deductible. And all of your contributions of goods and services to the Annual Auction are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

How can I find out if my employer will match my program appeal donation?

Great question! Employer matching funds are an easy way to double — even triple! — your gift to our school. Please check with your HR Department to learn whether your employer offers matching gifts. Questions? Send an email to SEF.

What’s the best way to support SEF?

SEF and our community are grateful for your financial support and the commitment of your time. In addition, we ask that you consider whether you’re able to offer one of the following contributions to our Annual Auction:

  • Community donations or sponsorships
  • Vacation home, condo or timeshare rental (humble accommodations could be a dream retreat for some lucky family!)
  • Blazers, Timbers, Winterhawks, Thorns and Thunder tickets (tickets to sporting events are always a big Auction seller)
  • Guided tours or lessons (your talent, passion, hobby or trade may be inspirational to someone else)
  • Sponsor a community sign-up party

If you have questions about any of the above or are looking for a way to contribute to the Annual Auction, please drop us a line.

How do I join the SEF?

If you are interested in joining the SEF board, please contact us at [email protected]

SEF board members

President: Rob Bechtloff

Vice President: Laura Kirk

Secretary: Kelly Smith-Haley

Treasurer: Faith Burlingame

Board Members 

  • Brandi Cook
  • Nicole Stephens
  • Rachelle Webster
  • Ariel Harris
  • Kelly Stewart

The SEF is currently seeking community members to join the Board.

If you are interested in exploring this volunteer opportunity, or another position on the Board, please contact us via email at [email protected]

SEF policies & bylaws

Other resources