Annual Giving - what did you give in terms of $?

[Anonymous]

if you give 50% of tuition, how much is your tuition? $30k?

[Anonymous]

$500 this year, but all up (donated some random things) it will be over $1000.

[Anonymous]

I'm really surprised by the "half tuition" replies, but they do exist. My kid goes to Sidwell, and we receive booklet at some point during the year that outlines the donations and the scholarship moines, but really it's a way to look and see what everyone else is giving because they publish your name and the level of donation (you can opt out). The VAST majority of donors are giving between 1,000$ and 1,500$. Those generally are families with kids at the school. There are some levels of 50K and above, usually from an endowment or foundation or something.

We give 2,500$ a year, one kid at the school.

[Anonymous]

We give $2500-$3000 to the annual fund, long-term family, 2 kids.

[Anonymous]

We started at 500 then have dropped each year as tuition has increased and my salary has decreased. I just give 50 now so they can include me in their percentage of donations.

[Anonymous]

$10,000 a year, one kid at the school, plus buying things at auctions, etc. But I feel the norm is somewhere $3000 or less for most families.

I think the $5 a year responder is a bit crazy. Really, couldn't you give up some Starbucks or one dinner out so you could send in $100? Assuming you can afford the private in the first place.

If you are on scholarship, then I would think the $100 is a good faith effort to say thank you to the school and the others that are contributing to help families like you.

Sorry, I know it is probably an unpopular opinion, but needs to be said.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I think the $5 a year responder is a bit crazy. Really, couldn't you give up some Starbucks or one dinner out so you could send in $100? Assuming you can afford the private in the first place..

I'm a new poster, and think you are more than a bit crazy. What a stupid "Let them eat cake" statement. Scholarships rarely pay full costs. How do you know that the $5 poster isn't already giving up all Starbucks and all dinners out to pay the family's portion? For family of four living on $50,000 a year, $100 could represent a week's food budget. And, yes, people like that actually do sometimes get scholarships to send their bright kids to private school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think the $5 a year responder is a bit crazy. Really, couldn't you give up some Starbucks or one dinner out so you could send in $100? Assuming you can afford the private in the first place..

I'm a new poster, and think you are more than a bit crazy. What a stupid "Let them eat cake" statement. Scholarships rarely pay full costs. How do you know that the $5 poster isn't already giving up all Starbucks and all dinners out to pay the family's portion? For family of four living on $50,000 a year, $100 could represent a week's food budget. And, yes, people like that actually do sometimes get scholarships to send their bright kids to private school.

Yes, I am more than a bit crazy. However, I think if the teachers can also participate in giving in the 100% range at these schools, I think the parents should be expected to as well.

[Anonymous]

The goal is almost always 100% participation, so the amount is not as important as giving something. None of us knows or can judge your family's finances and priorities.

For me, the rule of thumb has always been to pay the full cost of attendance (the tuition gap), so that we are giving the school enough on top of tuition to educate my child. The amount varies, but every school I know cites it as part of their fundraising appeals. In my mind, if I gave less, it means that someone else is making a contribution to educate my child. That money would be better spent on a family that needed it more than ours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:$10,000 a year, one kid at the school, plus buying things at auctions, etc. But I feel the norm is somewhere $3000 or less for most families.

I think the $5 a year responder is a bit crazy. Really, couldn't you give up some Starbucks or one dinner out so you could send in $100? Assuming you can afford the private in the first place.

If you are on scholarship, then I would think the $100 is a good faith effort to say thank you to the school and the others that are contributing to help families like you.

Sorry, I know it is probably an unpopular opinion, but needs to be said.

Talk about out of touch.
I don't go to starbucks, nor do i spend $100 on a dinner. I value my child's education, and sacrifice all i can to make the tuition.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I am more than a bit crazy. However, I think if the teachers can also participate in giving in the 100% range at these schools, I think the parents should be expected to as well.


"Expected"? The only thing that is expected is that we support our children in their pursuit of a great education. Save your expectations for the country club set.

[Anonymous]

Sidwell lower school just raised tuition by about 7%. I have heard many families say that next year they will donate a lot less because this is too big of a jump for their families to keep up with. I wonder if the administration is aware.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Yes, I am more than a bit crazy. However, I think if the teachers can also participate in giving in the 100% range at these schools, I think the parents should be expected to as well.


"Expected"? The only thing that is expected is that we support our children in their pursuit of a great education. Save your expectations for the country club set.

I knew my opinion would be unpopular, but, really, to lump me with the "country club set" is a low blow

[Anonymous]

I give $100. We get significant financial aid. That said, donations are listed by category in the annual report (unless you want to remain anonymous) and while there are a few big donors, 5 figure gifts are definitely NOT the norm at our school. Most people give between $100-$1000. This is at a small PK-8 independent.

[Anonymous]

$100, 60% FA, HHI <$100k.