Q:What is the Lucia Mar Foundation for Innovation?
A: LMFI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation created in December 2010 to raise funds to support innovative educational programs within the Lucia Mar Unified School District. All donations to LMFI are tax deductible. Tax ID# 90-0720587.

Q: Why is the Lucia Mar Foundation for Innovation needed? Aren't tax dollars supposed to pay for public education?
A: Current Federal and State public funding of Lucia Mar Unified School District is barely able to keep our schools running. There are few funds available for innovative programs that will transition our schools to teach the skills children must learn to be successful in the 21st century.

Q: What is the mission of the LMFI?
A: To engage, challenge, and inspire all of our children by partnering with the community to support educational innovation and excellence in Lucia Mar schools. Our vision is that our schools are places of excellence where our children learn the skills to be successful in the 21st century.

Q: What are 21st century skills?
A: Problem solving, critical thinking, communication, global awareness, second language, technology, teamwork, collaboration, cooperation, self-direction, innovation, imagination, creativity, and self-direction.

Q: Who are the Foundation members?
A: LMFI is a community-based organization. The LMFI Board consists of community members from San Luis Obispo County, many of which have children or grandchildren who attend Lucia Mar schools. There are no Lucia Mar Unified School District administrators or School Board members on the LMFI Board.

Q: Are the LMFI Board members governed by a set of bylaws?
A: Yes. To request a copy of the bylaws, please contact the Foundation.

Q: What is the difference between the LMFI and South County Education Foundation?
A: LMFI aims to identify and support the most promising and innovative programs and practices that will allow Lucia Mar students to master 21st Century Learning Skills. South County Education Foundation (www.scedfoundation.org) provides small grants to teachers within the district to fund classroom supplies, activities, and field trips. Both types of support are required to make Lucia Mar Unified School District a model district in the nation.

Q: Will LMFI fundraising take away potential funds from other fundraising organizations like PTO, PTA, or Boosters Clubs?
A: No. LMFI's fundraising strategies will not conflict with these organizations' fundraising programs.

Q: What types of programs are funded by LMFI?
A: LMFI has initially committed to support some of the start-up costs of two programs: LMFI will help implement a New Tech High School on the Nipomo High School campus and will support the transformation of Grover Beach Elementary School to an International Baccalaureate Magnet School (see the website for more details www.luciamar.k12.ca.us). It is the Foundation's intention that support of these two programs is just the beginning and that these programs can serve as examples to other schools to encourage innovation. LMFI will work with other schools in the Lucia Mar District to develop academic themes for 21st learning.

Q: How are funding allocations determined?
A: The LMFI Board will receive proposals through the Lucia Mar Unified School District and fund programs according to its mission and resources.

Q: How can I donate?
A: LMFI accepts outright gifts of cash on a one-time or annual pledge basis, non-cash gifts of equipment or supplies, life estate gifts, charitable remainder unitrusts, gift annuities, gifts of appreciated property and securities, and gifts of life insurance. Donate now or contact us for more information.

Q: How much should I give?
A: This is a personal choice. LMFI Board members would be happy to meet with you personally to discuss the donor giving levels and opportunities for impact.

Q: Does the LMFI award scholarships?
A: No.

Q: Can I specify where I would like my donation to be spent?
A: Yes, as long as it is for a project consistent with the LMFI mission and approved by the LMUSD School Board and LMFI. If you are interested in making a directed donation, we welcome discussing this with you.

Q: My child won't participate in the programs funded by the Lucia Mar Foundation for Innovation. Why should I contribute? How will my student benefit?
A: Innovative educational programs within the schools of the Lucia Mar District will make a positive impact on all education. Methods and teaching styles applied in one program will be shared with teachers throughout the district. An innovative environment is contagious and will stimulate innovative teaching district-wide. In addition, Cal Poly will train new student teachers within this innovative environment, infusing a supply of new innovative teachers into the district. (Note that 25-30% of the Lucia Mar teaching faculty will retire within the next five years)

Q: My child/business is not in the Lucia Mar Unified School District why should I donate?
A: Lucia Mar Unified School District intends to become a model school district for 21st century education in the nation. San Luis Obispo County will receive a county-wide benefit from Lucia Mar's innovative programs, through professional development of teachers, training of new teachers, and skilled graduates that will contribute to the future leadership, stability, and economy of our county.

Q: Why should my company become a corporate sponsor?
A. Great schools benefit everyone. Corporations benefit by a highly educated work force and an overall strong business community. Corporations can partner with the LMFI in a number of ways:

• Provide matching donations when your employees donate individually to the SCEF
• Make donations through your corporate foundation
• Make donations through our corporate partner program and receive an array of promotional benefits

Q: How can I get involved with the Lucia Mar Foundation for Innovation?
A: Please visit our Web site at http://thefoundationforinnovation.org/ and use the contact form.

Q: How do I submit a project proposal to the LMFI?
A: Please contact LMUSD Superintendent, Jim Hogeboom at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (805) 474-3000 x1082. LMFI will only consider proposals submitted through and approved by LMUSD.