Fundraising
About fundraising at Sojourner
Some of the most treasured and unique learning experiences at Sojourner are sustainable because the Sojourner Community raises funds to support them each year. Your child’s education will be enriched with violin, Orff, Flow and more.
The Sojourner Education Foundation and Sojourner PTA work closely together to fulfill the different financial needs of our school. Strict rules prohibit the PTA from paying teacher salaries so that responsibility falls to SEF. SEF can also carry funds over from year to year to plan for the long term, whereas the PTA’s budget is set at the beginning of the year and allows for very little variation. We embrace the differences and put them to the best use for our school.
Here’s an overview of how fundraising is split between SEF and the PTA:
| SOJOURNER EDUCATION FOUNDATION | SOJOURNER PTA | |
|---|---|---|
| What we fund | Staff | Stuff |
| Purpose | Funding of special programs that are unique to our school: Orff, Flow and Violin. SEF works to fill the gap between funds provided for staffing by our district and the funds needed to maintain the educational goals of our program. | Funding of special teacher projects and community events. In the past it has included classroom books, courtyard seating, Enrichment nights, field day, the Back to School picnic and more. |
| Annual fundraising goal | $49,520 based on our year-to-year staffing needs | $10,000 |
| How money is raised | Annual Auction Raffle Direct Giving Employer Matching Gifts Community Sponsorships Fred Meyer Rewards | Jog-A-Thon Dine-Out Nights Box Tops Bottle Drop Rotating Fundraisers |
| More info | SEF fundraising overview | PTA fundraising overview |
Fundraising FAQ
Can my student participate in fundraising for the school?
It has always been the Sojourner philosophy that fundraising NOT fall on the shoulders of our students. The PTA does hold a Jog-A-Thon each year for fundraising so that students can support their school in a healthy, fun way.
Am I required to donate?
Because we are a public magnet school, we cannot require families to contribute financially. However, if everyone contributes, it helps distribute the financial burden equally, sustain the program and secure Sojourner a bright future.
How much money does the Foundation need to raise?
Each year, the Sojourner Education Foundation will meet with the North Clackamas School District to assess the funding needs of Sojourner. When the per-student contribution has been determined, the community will be informed. For the 2025-26 school year, the per-student contribution is $310.
What if I am financially unable to contribute?
The PTA and Foundation are sensitive to the diverse financial backgrounds of our community. We make every effort to give you early knowledge of our fundraising needs and provide you with the options and tools that work best for your family. Selling raffle tickets and volunteering with our fundraising team are great ways to contribute and are always appreciated.
Do I need to participate in both PTA and SEF fundraising?
The objective of The Sojourner Education Foundation (SEF) is to provide you with options so that you can decide what works for your family. The important distinction is that only SEF fundraising, such as the Raffle, Auction, Program Appeal, etc. will support the Violin, Orff and Marimba programs. The money the PTA raises from events such as the Jog-A-Thon, Bottle Drop Gives (blue bags), and Dine-Out Nights cannot be used for these programs, but support our school in other important ways. We encourage you to participate in fundraising for both organizations, as frequently as you can, in order to reach our annual fundraising goals and support Sojourner.
How can I donate to the Auction?
Sojourner community members donate some of our best-selling auction packages such as experiences, lessons, private tours, or hand-made items. If you are wondering whether something you can offer would make a good addition, please send an email to our auction team.