The Barton Foundation

How did the Fund begin? In 2002, a group of parents solicited funds from families at Barton to offset the huge budget deficit, in an effort to restore programs that were to be cut. The response was tremendous, but the need for a long-term solution was clear.

Contributing to the Barton Fund is the most efficient way to help every student and teacher at Barton Open School. It’s fast and it makes a huge difference without creating additional time-intensive fundraisers. Donations to the Barton Fund are tax deductible. The money raised directly helps our school by funding our band and strings program and by upgrading technology in the media center, for example. Every gift also adds supplies, arts programs, field trips and similar direct help to the classroom.

Any size gift is needed and appreciated. If you have given in the past, thank you so much and we hope you will help our students and teachers again with your generosity. If you haven’t yet joined this effort, please consider it now since it takes only a few minutes of your time to help every Barton student. Please give generously to the Barton School Fund today!

Where does the money go? The money is held and managed by The Barton School Foundation, a 501(c)(3) corporation, along with funds from other Barton fundraising events such as Barton's Parent's Night Out and the Plant Sale. The Barton Leadership Council directs the allocation of the money to various school priorities. Funds donated through Achieve!Minneapolis is held in a fund called The Barton School Fund at Achieve!Minneapolis, an established foundation whose mission is to manage and invest philanthropic gifts made to Minneapolis Public Schools. The Foundation's fundraising and annual spending are detailed in an annual report to the community. It is available on request from David Curle, Treasurer of the Foundation, at david@curle.com.

How do I donate? Checks payable to "The Barton School Foundation" may be dropped off in the Barton Foundation/Leadership Council mailbox in the main office at Barton or may be mailed to:

The Barton School Foundation
c/o Barton Open School
4237 Colfax Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55409

Donating by check maximizes your donation as no transaction fees are deducted!

Online donations are now handled through GiveMN.org:


How much should I donate? We count on every Barton family that is able to contribute at least $100 per student in the household each year. Past gifts range from more than $1,000 to $25, and every amount helps and is appreciated. You can contribute via monthly credit card deductions if that better fits your budget.

Can I donate stock? Yes! If you're interested in making a stock donation to the Barton fund, please email bartonfund@gmail.com for details on the process.

Why donate stock? As a 501.3(c), the Barton Foundation doesn’t not pay taxes on the capital gains associated with a stock sale. Check with your tax advisor but, for many people, this means the opportunity to deduct the full market value of the stock from your taxes without having to pay capital gains tax on the proceeds. At the same time, 100% of the value of the stock goes to the charity.

If you’re interested in helping out or have any questions about the Barton Fund, please email bartonfund@gmail.com or visit the Foundation's website.