ABOUT SPARK*

What We Do

Our mission is to champion great public schools for all children to reach their brightest potential.

Spark SF Public Schools is the only nonprofit partner of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) to receive and mobilize philanthropic and community support on behalf of the district, working to ensure every SFUSD student has access to an excellent public education.

Over the past decade, Spark has directed more than $140 million toward programs that support our students’ success across the entire district.

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.

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

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Fundraising.

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.

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Accountability.

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.

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Strategic Alignment.

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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.

Our Vision

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, a 501c3 organization, 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.

Download our Vision 2025 plan.

Download our Vision 2025 plan.

Transparency & Accountability

Reports & Financial Statements