The school would assume that you are leaving soon.

Anonymous wrote:we get FA and still contribute something. Obviously, we like the school or would have our kid there.

wouldn't

we get FA and still contribute something. Obviously, we like the school or would have our kid there.

We have, because of dissatisfaction with school's actions, for the past two years. Talking with other parents at the school, I know we're not alone. Most fall in the steady supporter previously category.

We are happy at our school but can not afford to donate.

Anonymous wrote:Yes. It's a quiet way of saying you aren't happy. But remember, if you make a pledge, that's a contract and you must fulfill it.

It's not a legally binding contract.

Anyway, to OP's question I think it's fine not to donate, but you could probably get more by expressing concern than silently objecting.

And if they want to get to 100% and you feel badly, donate $25.

Where you might raise an eyebrow, or maybe even solicit an inquiry from the school, is if you have been a steady annual fund supporter and suddenly stop without explanation. Particularly if you have been a strong supporter.

We've had families not fulfill their pledge at our school. Nothing happened to them, although they left the school once the oldest child graduated.

Anonymous wrote:Yes. It's a quiet way of saying you aren't happy. But remember, if you make a pledge, that's a contract and you must fulfill it.

A pledge is an intent, not a contract. Anyway, pledges just express an amount, not when it will be paid. So take your time.

We are unhappy at our private school and not returning next year (which they didn't know at annual fund time, since that's before reenrollment time). We did not contribute and no one said anything to us.

Schools rarely get to 100%. There are always people who can't afford it, forget, or just don't want to donate. Maybe some people who would normally donate do it as a protest but it seems like it's better at that point to leave the school. I doubt withholding donations has ever effected whatever change the donor wanted.

Yes. It's a quiet way of saying you aren't happy. But remember, if you make a pledge, that's a contract and you must fulfill it.

Yes, especially when you increase tuition beyond inflation.

No. If people have that strong a disagreement with the school, they withdraw their ids and move on to another place.

Do parents at your school ever withhold annual fund donation? What happens since these schools all want to get to 100%?