How much did you give to your school's annual fund this year?

[Anonymous]

This is our first year at our school, and we gave $1500 (the requested amount). Maybe we should have given more? But I figured we'll be asked to give more each year, so why start too high...

[Anonymous]

We're new this year too & trying to decide what to give...

[Anonymous]

Ditto. i'm stretched this year-- mid-divorce, economy sucks, gave all my $ to... the likely winner of the presidential election!

Is it horrible to give only a few hundred bucks? I could actually probably give more in the future... but this year it would be tight. Do they keep little lists and dis your kid?

[Anonymous]

Yes, they keep lists and often publicize how much everyone gave as an incentive to encourage higher giving. But heavens no, your child will NOT be dissed and neither will you! Every one does what they can ... sometimes that means baking treats for the Fair or open houses. All efforts, financial and nonfinancial, are greatly appreciated. The only families that get the cold shoulder, from my observation, are the ones that act like just allowing their wonderful children to attend the school is enough effort on their part. Trust me ... a few hundred dollars will be happily and gratefully received.

[Anonymous]

I have been involved in annual giving at several prominent schools and although the schools do need the money, all that really matters is a commitment that is meaningful to you in whatever amount that works for your family. They just want everyone to participate. Pledge/give early and get it over with.

[Anonymous]

Only about $3,000 - half of last years commitment; with the economy and contributions to the elections it is a tight year for us.

[Anonymous]

PP, how many children do you have at your school? How long have they been there?

[Anonymous]

1, 2nd year and it is a pre-school

[Anonymous]

So on top of the tuition.....persons contribute $6000 for annual giving? I am just now applying for these schools and I am trying to figure out how to fund it. Do I need to add an additional $6000 over the tuition and before and after care costs that we must have to work our jobs to pya for the tuition? Is this a realistic giving picture for all families?

[Anonymous]

We give $500-1000. Would love to give more but that is all we can honestly manage after tuition.

[Anonymous]

Does how much you give affect the chances of having a younger sibling admitted in the future?

[Anonymous]

500 last year, 1K likely this year. We try to give in other ways, as well. Note: This is not a school we plan on staying at very long, but we do have two children there for preschool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does how much you give affect the chances of having a younger sibling admitted in the future?

I am also interested in this. Does anybody have information about this issue?

[Anonymous]

I'm a retired development director who has worked and/or volunteered in a large number of independent schools and universities. Here's what I think for what it is worth...

Most schools tend to have stated sibling policies that have more to do with keeping families together if the school is right for the younger sibling(s) than with measuring the family's philanthropic support. At all independent schools there is a gap between the cost of tuition and the actual cost to educate each student. This amount varies from school to school and may or may not be stated in solicitation letters. That said, however, I think the expectation is that every family participates as best they can. There is nothing mandatory about giving (or it wouldn't be considered a gift by the IRS) but some people informally consider it the tax deductible part of their annual cost at the school. Schools encourage and need annual gifts because most school financial models include projected gift income to meet the annual budget.

The best advice is this: start small. If the school asks for a certain amount and it's reasonable to you, give that amount. You don't need to feel obligated to give more -- unless it is something that you are capable of doing and inclined to do. If the ask amount is too high, give an amount that works for you. Don't commit more than you are comfortable with now... there will ALWAYS be opportunities to give more and give again. While it's true that schools rely on philanthropic support and must pay attention to donors, I've never been affiliated with a place that blatantly favors wealthy donor families in daily school matters related to students, curriculum, etc. That's just gross, and I believe that most school heads and development directors agree. Charitable giving is not quid pro quo!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:500 last year, 1K likely this year. We try to give in other ways, as well. Note: This is not a school we plan on staying at very long, but we do have two children there for preschool.

21:14, do you plan to leave the school for another independent school? For a public school? Does planning to leave affect the amount you will give? Trying to figure this out regarding our own situation.