Did you receive an thank you for your donation to your private school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn't it "best practice" for any organization to send a formal letter acknowledging receipt of a donation and indicate the amount and year in which it occurred so you can use it for tax filing? Our schools have done this...

Of course it is, despite that most people, OP among them for sure, don’t itemize. But yes, obviously sending thank you notes is part of the job. But people are human, those development assistant jobs are incredibly demoralizing and underpaid. I for one, give people grace and seek gratitude from where it really matters.

[Anonymous]

These fat basturd rich people should just pay their taxes. This rich stroking rich model of US education is making our country weak with corruption. Just remember Baltimore is a microcosm reflection of the reality that has been created by the ruling classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn't it "best practice" for any organization to send a formal letter acknowledging receipt of a donation and indicate the amount and year in which it occurred so you can use it for tax filing? Our schools have done this...

Of course it is, despite that most people, OP among them for sure, don’t itemize. But yes, obviously sending thank you notes is part of the job. But people are human, those development assistant jobs are incredibly demoralizing and underpaid. I for one, give people grace and seek gratitude from where it really matters.

Not sure where you get the impression that "most people...don't itemize." Most people in the tax bracket who send their kids to private school and make donations DO itemize. I realize with a DAF, OP already took the tax deduction of the funds donated, but it doesn't matter. Most organizations still send out acknowledgement letters/emails regardless of whether it is a personal check, credit card, or DAF payment.

Signed a parent who donated with a DAF and received a personal letter from the HOS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:These fat basturd rich people should just pay their taxes. This rich stroking rich model of US education is making our country weak with corruption. Just remember Baltimore is a microcosm reflection of the reality that has been created by the ruling classes.

Do you really think the public school systems would improve if they had just a little more money? Or would it be squandered on administrative bloat and useless things?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn't it "best practice" for any organization to send a formal letter acknowledging receipt of a donation and indicate the amount and year in which it occurred so you can use it for tax filing? Our schools have done this...

Of course it is, despite that most people, OP among them for sure, don’t itemize. But yes, obviously sending thank you notes is part of the job. But people are human, those development assistant jobs are incredibly demoralizing and underpaid. I for one, give people grace and seek gratitude from where it really matters.

Not sure where you get the impression that "most people...don't itemize." Most people in the tax bracket who send their kids to private school and make donations DO itemize. I realize with a DAF, OP already took the tax deduction of the funds donated, but it doesn't matter. Most organizations still send out acknowledgement letters/emails regardless of whether it is a personal check, credit card, or DAF payment.

Signed a parent who donated with a DAF and received a personal letter from the HOS.

It's not an "impression." It's a fact. Fewer than 2% of taxpayers itemize because of our current large standard deduction. People like you and OP put large amounts into a DAF once in a blue moon to offset some capital gains, then want to look wealthy and important by directing small contributions from it for the next ten years. Oh, and arguing with the poor development staff about getting tickets to the annual auction and other benefits with these directed contributions.

[Anonymous]

We donated a small amount and got an email acknowledgement right away (as donation was submitted electronically) and then a formal thank-you card and receipt in the mail. I think both were from head of the development fund, not the HOS. We also got a personalized TY note from a student as we had directed the donation to a specific program, and the student told us about how the program has enriched their life / helped them out. None was expected (except the email acknowledgement and receipt) but all very much appreciated, especially the note from the student.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn't it "best practice" for any organization to send a formal letter acknowledging receipt of a donation and indicate the amount and year in which it occurred so you can use it for tax filing? Our schools have done this...

Of course it is, despite that most people, OP among them for sure, don’t itemize. But yes, obviously sending thank you notes is part of the job. But people are human, those development assistant jobs are incredibly demoralizing and underpaid. I for one, give people grace and seek gratitude from where it really matters.

I'm not with OP complaining RE wanting recognition - but this letter seems more like it should be part of an automated process.... not something where a person is overworked and didn't get to it. At our school, sometimes volunteer parents will write a letter or email or call to give thanks (based on preference) and that's where grace is needed - not the formal business letter that says we got $X for year 202x.

[Anonymous]

The rich have to give away money to stay rich. You don't need a thank you. Get a life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So this is the second year we have donated to our school's annual fund. Both years we made a $1500 donation through our donor advised fund. Last year we never received a thank you from the school and this year it has been a month since the check cleared and again, we haven't gotten any acknowledgement.

Last year I did reach out to the development office, just to make sure the check got into the right hands, and they were apologetic about not sending the acknowledgement. I sense this will be another year of the same situation of no letter of thanks.

It's not that we need a letter for taxes, but we are just feeling under appreciated at this point and don't feel very motivated to donate again in future years.

I realize in the scheme of things, our donation isn't a huge one compared to large donors, but it is certainly more than the suggested donation in the appeal.

For what it's worth, when we donate to my husband's alma mater, we not only get a letter from the school, but we also get a phone call from a student, which is a very nice touch.

As the Advancement Chair at my DD's school, I can tell you that you should be getting not only a phone call but a nice note or letter in the mail. That's really poor customer service.