Every teacher in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFPD) received an email on April 9 promising free money, along with a link to a digital gift card to access the funds. The anonymous donor, who works in the tech industry, was planning to donate around $1.6 million to teachers in the district, averaging around $250 per person. The donor, living in San Francisco, began planning their donation in November 2025 and initially reached out to SPARK SF Public Schools, the district's nonprofit foundation, to make the goal a reality. They believe the money will help teachers feel seen and appreciated and inspire others to give back. The large donor is only about 5% of their family's net worth.