Help Support Lafayette

The Bear Fund is the Lafayette HSA’s annual fundraiser that supports the Peace program, teacher supplies, scholarships, and so much more (see the HSA’s budget here). We help address some school costs so Dr. B can focus the bulk of her budget on teachers and student learning.

The Bear Fund has also allowed Lafayette to rise up to meet the unexpected. In year’s past, the HSA purchased laptops for teachers, and provided immediate help for families and staff in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finally, the Bear Fund includes an important equity pledge – 10% of funds raised through Bear Fund giving are donated to the DC Public Education Fund, providing direct financial support for DCPS students furthest from opportunity.

Donate Now

If you give online, you can choose to donate in a single transaction or donate in 10 monthly installments.

What am I expected to donate? The HSA asks families to donate directly to the Bear Fund at the beginning of each school year. The HSA spends almost $400 per student each year. To give you a sense of the costs of some of the programs we support:

$2,500 — a professional development opportunity for teachers
$1,000 — one quarter’s worth of art supplies for our incredible art program
$500 — funds part of a technology license or supports special events such as the spelling bee
$150 — helps a Lafayette student-in-need participate in activities and purchase school supplies
$40 — pays for one student’s Peace instruction for one year

Support at any level makes a difference! Your support allows for the programs that make Lafayette special and a sought-out school in D.C. We recognize not everyone can give at the same level and encourage you to consider a gift of any size that is appropriate to your family’s budget.

We have one goal: 100% participation of families across all giving levels.

Donate by Check: We encourage donations to be made online. Any donations by check should be made payable to the Lafayette HSA. All checks are to be mailed to Lafayette Home & School Association, c/o Lafayette Elementary School, 5701 Broad Branch Road, NW Washington, DC 20015.

Matching Gifts: Did you know that many employers encourage employees to make charitable contributions by offering matching gift programs? Make your donation go twice as far by submitting a matching gift request.

Donations are 100% tax deductible. The Lafayette HSA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and you will receive a receipt documenting your donation via email. Lafayette HSA Tax ID Number: 52-6049055.

Questions, please email: or see our Frequently Asked Questions here.