SPARKtober is the kickoff for SPARK’s 2026-2027 Annual Giving campaign, running from October 1-28. SPARKtober focuses on highlighting the exceptional programs and people that make the schools stand out, which are supported by the funds raised through the Annual Giving campaign. The goal is to raise $1.6M with 100% participation.

While our year-end Annual Giving goal is always 100% participation, this year’s SPARKtober goal is 73%. In order for you to be counted for the purposes of the Participation Challenge, your online donation or pledges must be received by October at 28th 11:59 pm PST or postmarked on or before October 28th. Any donation of any amount counts! Donations made by a family will count towards each student in that family for participation purposes.

Yes! We are happy to provide an opportunity for families to demonstrate their commitment and have it count towards the SPARKtober Participation Challenge. However, since a small portion of the pledges we receive annually remain unfulfilled, this has caused SPARK to write off anticipated revenue. In 2025-2026, this amount was $15K. Because of this, any families who did not fulfill any part of their pledge in the last two years, will not be counted until we receive the 1st pledge installment.

Since money that we raise this school year pays for programs, teachers, and materials in this same school year, it is important that families make their Annual Giving commitment as early as possible. In addition, by reaching our financial goal earlier in the school year it allows SPARK to adequately plan for future funding. To ensure funding for programs, teachers, and materials this school year, it’s crucial for families to make their Annual Giving commitment as early as possible. Meeting our financial goal sooner allows SPARK to plan effectively for future funding. If we fall short of our fundraising target, we risk cuts to vital programs, which we all want to avoid.

Great – you’re all set. Thank you for being one of our donors to date. Check our list to make sure your name is on it. Encourage your friends and neighbors to donate or pledge this month.

Every donation or pledge  that is received by October 28th will be counted. Any families who did not fulfill any part of their pledge in the last two years will not be counted until we receive the 1st pledge installment.

Yes, donors who choose not to have their name listed on the website or year-end donor roster will have the opportunity to select this option when making their donation and will be counted towards the Participation Challenge.

Here 2024-2025!

Your donation or pledge count towards participation for each classroom/grade in which you have children.

When we reach our SPARKtober 70% participation goal by October 28th, every student in the district will enjoy a sweet treat! Plus, classrooms with 100% participation will earn a special surprise.