Who We Are

Our mission is to champion great public schools in San Francisco for all children to realize their brightest potential.

Spark SF Public Schools is the official public foundation for the San Francisco Unified School District, mobilizing philanthropic and community investment in San Francisco’s public education system. We bring together philanthropy, business, SFUSD, and community to ensure all children in San Francisco have access to an excellent and equitable public education.

Since our founding in 2015, Spark has raised and directed more than $154 million in private support to advance excellence in teaching and learning, uplift equity, and build whole-child wellness and belonging across our school system.

How We Work:

In partnership with SFUSD’s Superintendent of Schools, Spark identifies pivotal opportunities within SFUSD’s highest priority student outcome initiatives where philanthropic dollars can act as a catalyst to exponentially amplify success in driving significantly better student outcomes across San Francisco’s public school system.

Spark leverages philanthropic support to pilot new ventures, propel promising ideas, and scale proven practices across the district.

Our work exemplifies the durable impact and collective power of public private partnerships.

Fundraising

Spark partners with private foundations, corporations, and individuals in support of SFUSD. More than 95% of all investments go directly to support district programs.

Accountability

Spark is governed by a board of directors that partners with the SF Board of Education to monitor how the district is using its investments and to ensure a high degree of transparency and accountability.

Strategic Alignment

Spark initiatives are strategically aligned with the district's long-term goals, including Vision 2025, its strategic plan and the Superintendent's priority areas. We also ensure that all investments to Spark are aligned with our partners’ goals and priorities.

Impact

When you support Spark we know you want a return on investment. Spark applies resources in targeted ways to address the inequitable student outcomes across the district and create immediate and long-term impact.

Bringing Vision 2025 to life

In 2015, the San Francisco Unified School District launched an ambitious, community-informed roadmap, Vision 2025, to ensure it prepares all 50,000+ students to thrive in the 21st century.


Spark SF Public Schools, the official public foundation for the San Francisco Unified School District, was created to raise funds for the big changes needed to make Vision 2025 a reality.


At Spark, we know that in order to create the transformation necessary to fully realize the future that we promise for our students, we need all of San Francisco to support this vision - including philanthropic organizations, business partners, civic leaders, parents, families, and members of the community.


Why is it so essential? Because great cities demand an excellent public education system, and the quality of this system will play an enormous role in defining our collective future. How we prepare our students today will have a huge impact on the community members they become tomorrow.


We believe in the power of a public education system where each and every student receives the quality instruction and equitable support to thrive in the 21st century.


It is only through the commitment of each and every one of us that we’ll be able to make this vision a reality. Because if it’s possible anywhere, it’s right here in San Francisco.

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