WHY HSF?

Founded in 1980 by Hillsborough parents, the Hillsborough Schools Foundation (HSF) bridges the financial gap between what our school district receives in public funding and what it costs to deliver the education our students receive today.

A Community-Funded District

The Hillsborough City School District (HCSD) is a Community-funded district, which means our primary source of funding is our property taxes, not state funding. However, proposition 13, passed in 1978, created a funding paradox: despite living in an area with extremely high property values, our school district's funding from property tax revenue was dramatically reduced, creating a funding deficit every year.

The Challenge We Face

The Problem: Our property tax revenue and state funding does not cover the full cost of the education the Hillsborough City School District provides our students today.

Our Solution: The Hillsborough Schools Foundation enables the district to afford an education that goes beyond a typical California public school education.

This Isn't About "Extras" - Our District Counts on Us

Your investment in our Hillsborough schools directly impacts the quality of your child's education each year. HSF pre-commits a specific amount of funding—10% of the district's total budget—to our schools for the following school year, allowing administrators to plan confidently for programs, staff, and curriculum.

We're not fundraising for extras. We're fundraising to fulfill a commitment that's already been made so our schools can operate at the level our community expects.

This pre-commitment system is what allows our school district to maintain stability and plan for excellence:

Teachers Stay Employed: Staff can be hired and retained with confidence, knowing funding is secured.
Programs Continue: Music, art, STEM, and enrichment programs are protected from budget cuts.
Materials Are Available: From textbooks to technology, essential learning resources remain accessible.
Excellence Is Maintained: The quality education that makes our schools California Distinguished Schools continues.

Every year, our fundraising begins with zero dollars.

The money we raise in one year is donated to the school in that same school year. That's why we fundraise every year - we begin each new campaign with no carryover funds, making your participation essential to meeting our commitment.

your impact is real and immediate

Your Dollars Stay Local

Every contribution goes directly to our four public schools - the hallways your child walks, the classrooms where they learn.

We Are One Community

Your Dollars Stay Local

We're here because of our schools. Supporting HSF means investing in what makes our community special.

Every Gift Has Big Impact

Building Community Together

Whether $250 or $25,000, your support creates opportunities impossible with state funding alone.

Building Community Together

HSF brings together over 200 volunteers, countless families, and donors to stengthen what makes Hillsborough desirable.

ways to support our schools

Annual Giving Fund

Host Parent-Led Fundraisers

Annual Giving Fund

Direct financial support that adds to HCSD's general budget.

Fund-a-Need

Host Parent-Led Fundraisers

Annual Giving Fund

Directed funds for specific enhancements determined jointly by the district and HSF.

Host Parent-Led Fundraisers

Help plan and host parent-led events with all proceeds going to our Annual Giving Fund.

Corporate Sponsorship

Volunteer & In-Kind Donations

Host Parent-Led Fundraisers

Recognition and promotion opportunities for businesses throughout the year and at signature events.

Event Sponsorship

Volunteer & In-Kind Donations

Make your mark on our community celebrations by sponsoring items at our signature events.

Volunteer & In-Kind Donations

Join our 200+ volunteers or help cover costs for gifts, prizes, and auction items.