Invite for Cocktails to Talk about “Giving”- FA Recipient- Do we attend?

[Anonymous]

Seems strange to me but we’ve been invited for cocktails as new parents to talk about “Giving” to our school. We also receive a significant amount of financial aid. Are we expected to attend? Donate?

[Anonymous]

They care about getting as close to 100% donating as possible. So give $100
You can skip the cocktail hour if you like, or go if you like. Nobody will directly ask how much you give or make an ask in a semi public setting.

[Anonymous]

For someone on heavy FA, if they are asking, its because they want to get as close to 100% as possible. So give something, but only a very modest amount.

[Anonymous]

Thank you

[Anonymous]

Agreed. Our k8 did something like this, where the funding goal of % participation was basically more important that the total amount. I’m not sure why, but the school’s messaging was along the lines of “even if it’s only $20, please donate.” They even made it a competition where the class with the highest *percentage of participation* among families, not total raised, got a little party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agreed. Our k8 did something like this, where the funding goal of % participation was basically more important that the total amount. I’m not sure why, but the school’s messaging was along the lines of “even if it’s only $20, please donate.” They even made it a competition where the class with the highest *percentage of participation* among families, not total raised, got a little party.

It's mainly for marketing purposes. Essentially our school is so great that all/most of our student families donate back every year. Nonprofits do the same thing with their board members... our board believes in our cause so much that 100% of our board donates. You should believe in it too...

[Anonymous]

I've been told by administrators at my DCs school that when applying for grants, the percentage of participation matters.

[Anonymous]

Skip the reception but give something.

We get 75% aid for one of our kids and give about $250 each year to that school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agreed. Our k8 did something like this, where the funding goal of % participation was basically more important that the total amount. I’m not sure why, but the school’s messaging was along the lines of “even if it’s only $20, please donate.” They even made it a competition where the class with the highest *percentage of participation* among families, not total raised, got a little party.

It's mainly for marketing purposes. Essentially our school is so great that all/most of our student families donate back every year. Nonprofits do the same thing with their board members... our board believes in our cause so much that 100% of our board donates. You should believe in it too...

That's funny...don't you usually have to donate a ton of $$$s in order to get on the board of most NPOs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agreed. Our k8 did something like this, where the funding goal of % participation was basically more important that the total amount. I’m not sure why, but the school’s messaging was along the lines of “even if it’s only $20, please donate.” They even made it a competition where the class with the highest *percentage of participation* among families, not total raised, got a little party.

It's mainly for marketing purposes. Essentially our school is so great that all/most of our student families donate back every year. Nonprofits do the same thing with their board members... our board believes in our cause so much that 100% of our board donates. You should believe in it too...

That's funny...don't you usually have to donate a ton of $$$s in order to get on the board of most NPOs?

That depends on the non profit or school. They are not all the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've been told by administrators at my DCs school that when applying for grants, the percentage of participation matters.

They always say that but how many grants are these schools really getting?

I actually find the the pressure to give a little tone deaf. It can be a sacrifice for the lower income families at a school yet has almost no impact on the overall amounts raised since that is really dependent on the big donors.

OP, it's nice that the cocktails are inclusive and all are invited. You should feel comfortable going or not, whatever you like. No one will shake you down at the reception.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seems strange to me but we’ve been invited for cocktails as new parents to talk about “Giving” to our school. We also receive a significant amount of financial aid. Are we expected to attend? Donate?

I'm a parent with kids on significant financial aid, and I've been a private school teacher. These events are planned so that everyone is invited to one. They aren't going to send out a list minus the financial aid kids, because it would be a violation of confidentiality.

If you like cocktail parties and are free attend. I don't like cocktail parties, and am often busy, so I probably wouldn't attend. If I was a bajillionaire I still wouldn't attend. I'd just mail a large check, because I don't like cocktail parties.

But if you think you would enjoy it, then I would feel free to go.

I do think there is an expectation that every family tries to donate something. But it could be $10. The % is a metric that many organizations are judged by.

[Anonymous]

Participation is important-and $10 to annual giving is participation! Your name will be listed in the annual giving report without an amount. Please do not feel pressured to make a gift beyond what you can.

[Anonymous]

Thank you all so much. I like parties and I’m happy to contribute.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you all so much. I like parties and I’m happy to contribute.

Then go and enjoy!