MSA Foundation & Funding
Our Mission
Our mission is to create opportunities for Marin School of the Arts to innovate and support a quality arts education experience for all of its students.
Who We Are
The MSA Foundation (MSAF) was formed to fill the gap between district funding and program needs—guest teaching artists, resources and equipment, instrument upgrades, and more. While supportive of MSA, Novato Unified School District is only able to cover the costs of facilities and teacher salaries.
What We Do
The MSA Foundation provides resources and funding, beyond what is financed by the public school district, to support, enhance and sustain the quality of arts education for all Novato High School and Marin School of the Arts students. The MSAF must raise $500,000 annually to meet this need.
How We Do It
The MSAF Board meets monthly during the school year to plan and implement fundraising activities. MSA families are also encouraged to contribute $1,000 per student each year through the Annual Giving Campaign to help fund MSA program needs. Participation is voluntary and does not impact student admission.
Who We Are
The MSA Foundation (MSAF) was formed to fill the gap between district funding and program needs—guest teaching artists, resources and equipment, instrument upgrades, and more. While supportive of MSA, Novato Unified School District is only able to cover the costs of facilities and teacher salaries.
What We Do
The MSA Foundation provides resources and funding, beyond what is financed by the public school district, to support, enhance and sustain the quality of arts education for all Novato High School and Marin School of the Arts students. The MSAF raises more than $400,000 annually to meet this need.
How We Do It
The MSAF Board meets monthly during the school year to plan and implement fundraising activities. MSA families are also encouraged to contribute $750 per student each year through the Annual Giving Campaign to help fund MSA program needs. Participation is voluntary and does not impact student admission.
How You Can Help
Join our team! It takes a village to produce two annual fundraising events for MSA as well as secure community participation and donations. Whether you can volunteer regularly or only an hour here and there, there’s no task too small or too large! Learn more about our opportunities below:
Volunteer!
We have several committees and activities that could use your skills. Please share your availability/expertise with us and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can:
- Divine Wine & Food
- MSA Showcase
- Volunteer Committee
- Gratitude Team
- Business Development
- Grant Research & Writing
- Annual Giving Campaign
- Communications
Contribute!
Please consider either supporting MSA through our Annual Giving Campaign or becoming a Business Partner, which also benefits our Annual Giving Campaign.
Join!
Become a member of the MSA Foundation. Our board of parents is a fun group committed to the arts. Submit your application and/or contact us to learn more.
How We Raise Funds
Funding resources include the Annual Giving Campaign, corporate and foundation grants, and the Business Partner Campaign, as well as annual fundraising activities and events.
Where Funds Support MSA
- Guest teachers, including specialized instruction in music, dance and theater and more
- Teaching tools and technology, including upgraded video equipment, photography and digital arts computers, equipment and software, musical instruments and equipment, sheet music, costumes and props, licensing and royalty fees
- Department projects without other funding sources
- Facility upgrades specific to arts instruction
- After school programs, including student tutoring
- Promotion, advertising and printing costs
- Administrative, marketing and fund development staff
- Major fundraiser expenses, including the annual MSA Showcase highlighting student and program achievements for families and funders
MSA Foundation Board Meetings
The MSA Foundation Board meets once a month and all are welcome to join us for these meetings. If you would like to include an agenda item for the meeting, it would be helpful to receive this prior to the meeting you plan to attend.
MSA Board Meeting Agendas
MSA Board Meeting Minutes
Board Meeting Dates and Times
All meetings are held the second Monday of the month, 6:30-8pm, and are either over zoom or in person at a location designated on the Novato High School campus.
- 9/11/23 - Center for the Arts
- 10/9/23 - Zoom
- 11/13/23- Center for the Arts
- 12/11/23 - Zoom
- 1/8/24 - Center for the Arts
- 2/12/24 - Zoom
- 3/11/24 - Center for the Arts
- 4/15/24 - Zoom
- 5/13/24 - Center for the Arts
- 6/10/24 - Zoom
Please contact us for more information.