The following is a submission from SMMUSD.
The Santa-Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) accepted a $2.52 million grant from the Santa Monica Education Foundation (SMEF) at its Aug. 14, 2025, Board of Education meeting. This grant goes to support vital programs and staff positions in Santa Monica schools for the 2025-26 school year.
The grant represents funds raised through SMEF’s 2024-25 annual fund campaign, along with support from three of SMEF’s endowments and the Samohi Scholarship Fund, which is managed by SMEF. The funding will enhance academics, arts and athletics across all Santa Monica public schools.
At the elementary level, the grant funds art classes at every school, instructional assistants, and enrichment grants that allow each school to design programs in areas such as arts, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), academics, and social-emotional learning. At the secondary level, these grants bring to life initiatives like college readiness programs, expanded STEM offerings, and additional arts programs. SMEF is also honored to manage the Samohi Scholarship Fund, which grants over $200,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors at Samohi.
“Every dollar given this past year is a direct investment in our students’ futures,” said Executive Director of SMEF, Raymur Flinn. “In a time when public funding falls short of what our children deserve, our donors have stepped up to ensure vibrant, enriching programs remain a core part of a Santa Monica education. This kind of generosity strengthens not just our schools, but our entire community.”
This year’s grant was powered by extraordinary community support. Local families and community members contributed the majority of the funds, while SMEF’s Corporate Heroes program raised more than $200,000 from 27 business partners. Nearly $400,000 was raised in one evening at the Santa Monica Wine Auction, underscoring the community’s commitment to equitable public education for all children.
“We are deeply appreciative of this extraordinary show of support from our community,” said SMMUSD Board of Education President, Jen Smith.
“These funds open the door to programs and opportunities our students would not otherwise have, including arts, STEM, athletics and social-emotional learning. This partnership with the Santa Monica Education Foundation reflects a shared commitment to providing every student in Santa Monica with the tools and experiences they need to thrive.”
