Is the NFSI PTSO a 501c3 or non-profit charitable organization?
Yes, the NFSI PTSO is a 501c3 organization and we are registered as a beneficiary of the United Way. However, if your employee documents – for giving or matching – need our federal tax ID number, please contact a board member or fill out the form on the Contact page and we’ll provide you with our EIN (Federal Employer ID Number).
How much should I give?
If every family pledged $250, we’d reach our goal. While we understand that some families will be able to give more and others less, a donation of any amount will allow us to provide support to our teachers and enrichment for our children.
How do our goals compare to other immersion programs?
The fund-raising goals for immersion programs in the region vary, but most immersion school parent organizations spend about 80% of their budget for Language Ambassadors (LAs).
What if we don’t reach our goal?
We’ll keep fundraising until we reach our goal.
What does the PTSO do with the money it raises?
Much of the money we raise will pay for our Language Ambassadors (LAs), who are teachers-in-training from Spanish-speaking countries and will work in the classroom alongside our teachers. The balance of our budget will buy books for the media center, pay for enrichment opportunities for students, and help teachers in the classroom.
Who do I talk to if I need more information?
Contact one of the PTSO Fundraising Committee Chairs
Why should I donate?
- 100% of your money goes directly to Nuevas Fronteras Spanish Immersion.
- The more money we raise now, the less time we spend fundraising throughout the year.
- Less fundraising means more time for community events.
- Donations are tax deductible.
- Many companies have a matching program that makes your donation go even further.
- Support all the wonderful educational activities that will enhance and enrich your child’s classroom education!
How can I donate?
There are variety of way to provide your support. Many of these opportunities are listed under the various sections under the Fundraising Tab. You’ll also find a link entitled Donate Online, where you can donate online using Paypal or a Credit/Debit card, or you can send your check to Nuevas Fronteras Spanish Immersion PTSO, 7830 80th Street South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. Please make sure you include PTSO on the envelope!
How much money does the PTSO receive if we give through the United Way?
If as an employee, you sign up for payroll deduction, then the United Way takes 14.2% of the total pledge. If you sign up for a cash gift, check, credit card or stock gift then 11% stays with the United Way and NFSI receives 89% of the total gift.
I could not find the NFSI PTSO in the United Way’s “printed book” of organizations. How do I go about making our organization the beneficiary of my donation?
Some members have successfully added the NFSI PTSO as an other non-profit organization on the GuideStar web site at www.guidestar.org. You may be asked to enter our address and phone number (7830 80th Street S. Cottage Grove, MN 55016, 651-768-3800).
What companies have matched their employees’ contributions?
In the past few years, we have received 100% matching funds from numerous companies, including Ameriprise, Cargill, Ecolab, Medtronic, Merck, Motorola, Oracle, Thomson Corporation, Toro, Travelers and Wells Fargo.
Is it possible to make my donation through monthly payroll deductions and will my company still match the gift?
Typically, yes, it is possible to donate through payroll deductions and in the past, we have received the matching funds. However, it would be beneficial to check your specific company’s policies.
What if my company will not match a gift sent to a PTSO account, even one with a 501c3 designation?
We have found that a few companies, such as Merck and Medtronic, will not match an employee gift to a PTSO. In those cases, we still receive the full benefit from a donation made to the district gift account as long as both the initial gift and the company match are marked for the NFSI LA program.
Scrip: What is it?
Scrip is fundraising while you shop! The Scrip program allows NFSI parents to purchase gift cards for everyday expenses like food, clothing, and entertainment, while earning a percentage back in revenue.
Who are some of the participating retailers?
Cub Foods, Walgreen’s, Kohl’s, Macys, Holiday, Super America, Babies R Us / Toys R Us, Eddie Bauer, Gap, Gymboree, J. Crew, L.L. Bean, Lands’ End, Old Navy, Talbots, The Children’s Place, Applebee’s, Chili’s, Chipotle, Don Pablo’s, Noodle’s & Co., Olive Garden, Panera Bread, Starbucks, Subway, TGI Friday’s, Wendy’s, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Blockbuster, Borders, Marcus Theatres, Bath & Body Works, Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, HomeGoods, JoAnn Fabrics, Linens *n Things, Lowe’s, Menards, Pier 1 Imports, Pottery Barn, Ulta, Dick’s, Sports Authority, Best Buy, Office Depot, Office Max and many more!
*Rainbow Foods & Kowalski’s are not part of this Scrip program, but they have their own programs we can participate in if interest warrants.
How do I buy the cards?
1. Register your family on the Scrip website click www.ShopWithScrip.com. The NFSI number Enrollment Code is: 9583AA3A14791
2. Place your order on the Scrip website or download the form (pdf) here: NFSI Shop with Scrip Form
3. Consider using Presto Pay
This is a convenience offered by ShopwithScrip. When you sign up for PrestoPay, the cost of your purchase will be taken directly out of your checking account. Please plan ahead if using it for the first time. It takes 2-3 business days for them to process. If using PrestoPay there is no need to send a copy of the order to our coordinator.
4. If you do not wish to use PrestoPay, please send a check, made payable to NFSI PTSO, and a copy of the order form to school (with your child) in an envelope clearly labeled “scrip”