Annual Fund Appeal ~ Questions and Answers



WHAT IS THE ANNUAL FUND APPEAL?

The Annual Fund Appeal is a direct appeal to trustees, parents, grandparents, alumni parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends for financial contributions in support of the school’s operating budget.

WHY IS THE ANNUAL FUND NECESSARY?
Tuition and other fees cover only a percentage of the annual operating expenses of the school, and the purpose of the Annual Fund is to help bridge this gap.
WHY NOT RAISE TUITION?
No independent school could charge the full cost of educating its students without pricing itself out of the market. That’s why every independent school has an Annual Fund Appeal. In addition, tuition is a non-tax-deductible contracted contribution to the school, while gifts to the Annual Fund are fully tax-deductible.
WHAT MAKES WMWS AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL?
We design our own program and curriculum, operate without financial support from federal or state government agencies, and are self-governed by our Board of Trustees and our College of Teachers. Unlike public schools, which are funded by tax dollars, independent schools rely solely upon tuition revenues and philanthropic gifts to meet their operating and capital expenses.
ARE THERE OTHER FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES AT WMWS?
Yes. In addition to asking everyone in the school to participate in the Annual Fund, we have several events and ongoing projects each year that strive to raise significant funds, such as the Annual Dinner and Auction, “Share the Bounty”, the Winter Arts Festival, the Spring Faire and Plant Sale, cartridge recycling program, and box-tops for education. Each of these helps to raise funds for the operating budget. We also just completed a public capital campaign seeking funds for the our new home for the school.
WHO SUPPORTS THE ANNUAL FUND?
Every segment of the school community supports the Annual Fund. We receive support from trustees, parents, grandparents and special friends, faculty and staff, businesses and foundations. It is our hope that together all of will help us to achieve and surpass our goal of $25,000.
DO CORPORATIONS AND FOUNDATIONS SUPPORT THE ANNUAL FUND?
Corporations typically contribute to independent schools by offering matching gifts to their employees’ contributions. You may want to check with your employer to see if such a program is in place where you work. Foundations generally give to Annual Fund appeals when there is a direct personal connection to the school. Usually they are much more interested in specific projects that are within their funding guidelines and advance their specific areas of interest.
WHY IS PARTICIPATION IMPORTANT?
The school’s financial strength is dependent upon the participation of all members of its constituency. Your participation generates enthusiasm and encourages others to join you in supporting the school, and it is a key indicator to foundation and corporate donors that we have consistent support from those we serve, both past and present.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?
You are the only one who knows how much you are able to give, and we ask only that you give to the best of your ability. As a simple rule of thumb, our Annual Fund gifts need to average approximately $500 for each family within our school community to meet our goal. Some parents truly cannot afford to give that much, yet others in the community are more than happy to make up the difference. If you feel you are of average means within the community then please give accordingly. If you are able to give more, please do so.
CAN I DONATE STOCK TO THE ANNUAL FUND?
Yes. This is a great way to make a gift to the school. Giving appreciates securities provides you with a tax deduction for the appreciated value of the stock without incurring capital gains tax. Our Development Office (603-447-3168) would be very pleased to provide you with details on how to make stock gifts.