The Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation received a $4.8-million estate gift, the largest donation in the foundation’s history. Half of the money is expected to fund an arts endowment for disadvantaged youths and the other half will be used toward a districtwide fundraising initiative.
The money was given by the estate of Peggy Bergmann, a longtime local education supporter who died in December.
Foundation officials announced the gift at Thursday night’s SMMUSD Board of Education meeting.
The Education Foundation was founded in 1982 after growing concerns over state and federal cuts in education funding. Part of its mission seeks out equal access to education for SMMUSD students. Donations are distributed impartially throughout the district based on need.