Q: What is the Annual Fund, and why do we need it?
A: The Annual Fund lifts our program from basics to excellence, providing opportunities beyond those covered by tuition and fees. Whether a student's passion lies in academics, the arts, technology, or athletics, it is the Annual Fund that enriches all of these programs.
Q: Who decides how Annual Fund gifts are spent each year?
A: The Board of Trustees, informed by the Administrative Budget Committee and the Finance Committee, determines the school's priorities and sets the Annual Fund goal through the budgeting process. Annual Fund gifts help to meet these priorities, and allow us to entertain other opportunities that may arise during the year.
Q: Why am I asked to give to the Annual Fund on top of tuition?
A:Tuition covers our students' basic education. But we depend on the Annual Fund to boost budgeted necessities such as faculty development and building maintenance, as well as microscopes, a printing press for visual arts, laptops, sports equipment. A successful Annual Fund also allows us to keep our tuition in line with other schools. Plus, Annual Fund gifts are tax-deductible, whereas tuition is not.
Q: Do all parents contribute to the Annual Fund? Who else is asked to give?
A:Last year, parents contributed 75% of the total funds received. In addition, current and former trustees, faculty, grandparents, alumni, alumni parents, and other friends of NWS are all asked for their support, through written appeals, contests, and events.
Q: How much should I give?
A: Giving is a personal decision. Some donors consider their gift an additional investment in their child's education. For others, giving expresses their gratitude for the role NWS has played in their own lives. Gifts range in size from $10 to many thousands. Our only request is that your gift be commensurate with your capacity to give. For those who are able, we encourage joining the Leadership Circle with a gift of $1,500 or more.
Gift Levels
Founders' Circle: $10,000+
President's Circle: $5,000-$9,999
Head's Circle: $2,500-$4,999
Leadership Circle: $1,500-$2,499
Community Circle: $750-$1,499
Q: Will even a small gift make a difference?
A: Absolutely. Every gift is appreciated, and every gift counts. A high level of participation demonstrates that the school is vital to the entire NWS community. So the only donation that is "too small" is none at all!
Q: Can I restrict my Annual Fund gift to a specific project?
A: The beauty of the Annual Fund is that it is unrestricted in purpose. This gives the school the flexibility to direct the money where it's needed most. We gratefully accept additional restricted gifts, but cannot consider them part of the Annual Fund.
Q: Yes, I want to contribute! What are my options?
A:You can make a one-time gift, pledge now for later payment (by June 30, 2012), or make smaller payments over time. You may pay by cash, check, credit card, appreciated stock, or automatic bank payments. Select the terms and method that work best for you, and indicate your intentions on your pledge form.
Q: How do I give—online or via mail?
A: Again, the choice is yours. You may mail us a completed pledge form with your payment, or skip the paperwork and give online instead. You may also pledge by email to Lauren Nelson. All payments must be completed by June 30, 2012. Gifts received after that date will be credited to next year's Annual Fund campaign.
Q: I've heard about matching funds—how does that work?
A: Many employers will honor their employees' personal donations with a matching gift. Please check with your employer's Human Resources department to see if they offer a matching gift program. If so, be sure to forward your employer's matching gift form with your contribution.
Q: How will I be recognized for my gift?
A: Your name will be listed alphabetically within giving level in the Annual Report; alumni donors will be listed alphabetically within class decade. You also have the option to remain anonymous. We will acknowledge your donation with a thank you letter, which also serves as a receipt for tax purposes. Most importantly, you will have the gratitude of the entire Northwest School community!
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: Please contact our Annual Fund and Events Manager, Lauren Nelson, at lauren.nelson@northwestschool.org, or 206-816-6208.