About us
Amigos de Gunsaulus was founded in March 2017. Amigos is an all parent led non-profit organization to support Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy. We plan and sponsor social/educational events.
ADG helps fundraise to supplement the limited funds allocated by Chicago Public Schools (CPS).
We are so proud to be the first elementary school in the Brighton Park neighborhood, and the first in the 15th ward, to have a parent-led non profit organization called Amigos (or better known as “Friends of” in English).
Our story
Amigos de Gunsaulus was founded in 2017 as Amigos de Gunsaulus (ADG) by Vanessa Espinoza, Veronica Cornejo and Fernando Kim. Fernando Kim was and currently is the principal of Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy. As a matter of fact, creating “friends of” was one of Fernando’s 5 year plan goals when he became a principal in 2012. In 2016, Vanessa enrolled her three children at Gunsaulus. Shortly after, she started volunteering at the school and in conversations with Fernando both realized that they both had the same goal, to create a friends of Gunsaulus. They both realized that they could achieve this goal together since Vanessa had the experience from being the president of ‘friends of” in her oldest child’s former school. Fernando and Vanessa found out that Veronica was as passionate as them with this project. Veronica was on board without hesitation and the three of them started working side by side to become “Amigos de Gunsaulus”.
Amigos de Gunsaulus timeline
- Amigos de Gunsaulus was granted exemption on March 3rd, 2017 from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 501 (c)(3). Donors can deduct contributions they make to Amigos under IRC section 170. ADG also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devised, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522. Therefore, ADG was further classified as a public charity under the IRC section.
- Amigos de Gunsaulus filed its articles of incorporation as not-for-profit with the Secretary of State on March 10th, 2017.
- ADG registered under both the charitable trust and the solicitation for charity acts with the office of the Illinois Attorney General on March 29th, 2018.
- ADG became a sales tax exemption organization from the State of Illinois on May 30th, 2019.
Our Mission & Vision
Amigos de Gunsaulus (ADG) is a parent-led non-profit organization created with the mission of providing financial support and guidance to promote the academic and artistic success of Gunsaulus’ students. ADG follows and shares Gunsaulus’ mission as well, learn, grow and serve.
Every parent and guardian of a current Gunsaulus’ student is automatically a member of Amigos de Gunsaulus. There are no membership fees or application process. ADG is at its best when all the GSA community works together to feel engaged and informed.
ADG is a registered 501 (c)(3). All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.
Our Team
Board Members:
Vanessa Espinoza – President and treasurer
Veronica Cornejo – Secretary
TBD – Vice – president
Official Members:
Ilda Vazquez – Assistant Secretary
Esmeralda Nunez – Assistant Treasurer
Laura Patino – Parents and Community Coordinator
TBD – Parents and Community Assistant Coordinator
Frequently Asked Questions:
How is Gunsaulus funded?
A: Gunsaulus receives a set amount from Chicago Public Schools for each student enrolled in the school. This amount was approximately $ per student for the 2020-2021 school year. The per pupil allocation is used entirely to fund teaching positions, and in fact falls short of covering all needed staff positions at the school. Because the per pupil amount must be allocated entirely to teaching positions, student fees are used to pay for supplies, technology and athletic expenses. While it is impossible to make up the CPS funding deficit through fundraising, parent and community contributions are critical to maintaining Gunsulus’ standard of excellence.
Does Gunsaulus get more money because it is a Magnet School?
A: No. Gunsaulus receives the same per-pupil allocation as any other school in CPS.
How do I make a contribution to Amigos de Gunsaulus?
A: Donations to Amigos de Gunsaulus can be made through the “Donate” page of this website. Donations are accepted throughout the year.
Can I make a donation now and another donation later?
A: Yes, absolutely! Donors can make a single donation or multiple donations over the course of the school year. We accept and appreciate all donations.
How can my company and/or employer help Amigos de Gunsaulus?
A: Some companies offer matching programs where they will “match” funds donated to non-profit organizations. Ask your employer whether your company has such a program. If your company is in a position to donate goods or services such as paper or printing, we also are grateful for such “in-kind” donations. Please contact Amigos at amigosdegunsaulus@gmail.com if your company might have goods or services to donate.
How belongs to Amigos de Gunsaulus?
A: All Gunsaulus parents are automatically members of Amigos de Gunsaulus.
How can I get involved in Amigos de Gunsaulus?
A: Amigos de Gunsaulus has a board of parent volunteers that coordinates all of its fundraising activities. There are currently openings on the board, no experience necessary. If you are interested in joining the board, contact Vanessa Espinoza at amigosdegunsaulus@gmail.com or come to the next board meeting. All meetings are open to Gunsaulus parents and the public.
If I don’t join the Amigos board, can I still get involved in Amigos?
A: Yes. You are welcome to help during any of our events. There are many different opportunities with which you can volunteer or help. We also need volunteers for dances, our annual raffle, potlucks, and many more activities every year. There are many different ways to help us support the school.
