Donate
MPTO funds many programs that benefit all Montclaire students. These programs are not funded by the state, but are funded directly from MPTO. Some of the major programs funded by the MPTO are:
STEAM Activities - Hands-on, fun projects that will spark learning and discovery.
Librarian - Recommends and helps children find interesting and challenging books regularly.
Music - A dedicated teacher for group music learning and performance.
Art - Creativity stimulating art projects throughout the school year.
Literacy & STEAM teachers - Also known as TOSAs (Teachers On Special Assignment).
In order to provide these staff and programs to all Montclaire students MPTO suggests that
each family make a direct donation of $1000 per student per year, and participate in fundraising events like Montclaire 5K, WATSA (Walk-A-Thon & Silent Auction) and Book Fairs, throughout the school year.
How to Donate
01
Zelle
(preferred method of donation)
Zelle is the easiest and safest way to contribute. This removes any additional transaction fee and your contribution will be fully utilized for MPTO programs.
1. Access Zelle through your bank's website or mobile app.
2. Search recipient: montclaire.mpto@gmail.com
or
Use your bank app's QR scanner:
02
Credit card payments can be processed via Paypal.
03
Corporate Matching
STEP 1
Find out if your employer matches donations to nonprofits like MPTO and/or volunteer hours:
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Check with your HR department.
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Check the CEEF Corporate Matching Database (search box at the bottom).
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Search online for "[company name] corporate matching"
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Email montclaire.mpto@gmail.com for help. We would be happy to research your company's corporate matching guidelines.
STEP 2
Fill out your employer's corporate matching form. Some corporate intranet sites allow you to apply directly online; others provide forms that can be printed out and mailed. To complete your employer's corporate matching form, you will need the following information:
Montclaire Parent Teacher Organization (MPTO)
P.O. Box 3266
Los Altos, CA 94024-0266
Tax ID# 77-028-6675
STEP 3
Follow your employer's instructions to submit your forms.
Please apply for your corporate matching soon, as most companies have submission deadlines, and requests can take a few months to be processed and for MPTO to receive the match.
Tax-deductible donations you make at WATSA each year may also qualify for corporate matching using your WATSA Tax Letter Receipt, including things like underwriting the event, costs associated with hosting a party or donating an item or service, sponsoring a child in the Walk-A-Thon… basically anything included on the tax letter receipt you will receive after WATSA from MPTO. It does not include items or events you bid on and win. Please consult your tax advisor for advice for your specific situation.
Some companies also reimburse non-profits such as MPTO for volunteer hours worked. Check with your HR department or your corporate intranet to see if your employer offers this benefit. If so, Montclaire and MPTO can benefit not only from your generous contribution of volunteer time inside or outside the classroom, but financially as well!
Corporate matching has proven to be essential in helping us maximize the generosity of our community. Please include your family name and “donation” in the comments section of your employer’s matching form when possible as it assists us in our bookkeeping. Learn more about corporate matching, or email montclaire.mpto@gmail.com with questions.
04
Stocks
Gifts of appreciated, marketable securities, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual fund shares, can provide donors considerable tax advantages. It is almost always a better tax strategy to give appreciated securities directly rather than selling them and contributing the proceeds of the sale to MPTO.
Please consult your tax advisor, but, in general, if you have owned the security for at least one year:
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You can receive a tax deduction for the full value of the security, not just the amount you paid for it, at the time of donation.
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You can avoid paying capital gains tax.
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You do not have to pay a commission to sell the security.
BROKERAGE ACCOUNT
If you hold the securities in brokerage account, please follow these steps:
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As of December 1, 2022 we have changed custodians from TD Ameritrade to an online servicer, stockdonator.com
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Visit https://stockdonator.com/how-to-donate/ and click the option that applies to your situation. Contact your custodian and ask what their procedures are if you have questions about transferring via an online provider.
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Send an email to montclaire.mpto@gmail.com that includes the name of the stock and the date of the stock transfer so that we can track your stock donation.
The date of your gift will be the date we receive your securities in our account, not the date of your transfer. We will send you a gift acknowledgment notifying you of this date.
05
Check
Checks should be made out to Montclaire Parent Teacher Organization (MPTO) and can be left in the box in the school office or mailed to:
Montclaire Parent Teacher Organization (MPTO)
P.O. Box 3266
Los Altos, CA 94024-0266
