Annual Fund

It can make the difference between a good education and a great education!

The Annual Fund is a critical element of our school’s financial strategy – it helps bridge the gap between tuition and the full cost of educating a student.

Goals for 2009-10

  • $150,000 (approximately 2.5% of the FASPS current operating budget)
  • 100% participation by current families

Frequently Asked Questions

The Annual Fund is an integral part of independent schools in the United States. Tuition covers only a portion of the cost of educating your child; the Annual Fund helps make up the difference.

Q

Why not just charge more for tuition?

A

Unlike tuition, gifts to the Annual Fund are 100% tax-deductible. In addition, many companies also provide matching funds, which can double the amount of their employee’s donations.

Q

Why do you need all the families to give?

A

Supporting the Annual Fund is the best way to ensure the quality of education FASPS provides, as well as keep tuition increases to a minimum. Additionally, when seeking contributions from corporations and foundations, we need to demonstrate 100% participation by our current community.

Q

How much should I give?

A

The Annual Fund Goal is $150,000. This goal represents an average gift of approximately $695 per student at the school. Some people will give more, and some will give less. Please give within your means.

Q

What does the Annual Fund actually support?

A

Your gift enables FASPS to provide the very best education for your child. A successful Annual Fund enables the school to purchase books for the library, to equip our classrooms with innovative materials, to engage students in field trips and supplementary experiences and much more. The Annual Fund truly makes the difference between a good education and a great education.

Q

Any other reason I should give to the FASPS Annual Fund?

A

Your gifts set a great example of philanthropy for your children!

Launched in October, gifts are accepted until end of fiscal year, June 30th.

Annual gifts make up the difference between what tuition covers and the actual cost of running the school. It provides additional resources for the school's current-year operating expenses such as teacher salaries, classroom supplies, library acquisitions and much more.

American independent schools use a financial model in which tuition doesn’t cover the full cost of education and an annual fund covers the gap. This model:

  • Provides a tax-deductible way for parents to help cover the actual cost of their child’s education
  • Leverages donations with matching funds from companies
  • Strengthens the school's eligibility for donations from foundations and other outside funding sources
  • Supports socio-economic diversity at the school

Coordinated by the Director of Development and the Development Committee, all members of the FASPS community - current parents, alumni families, grandparents, faculty/staff and friends of the school - are asked to support the Annual Fund.