2009-2010 Annual Fund FAQs

DID YOU KNOW?

Tuition covers only part of the actual cost of educating our students. The rest comes from annual giving, and summer programs and fees.

All independent schools (primary, secondary and college and universities) supplement their budgets with an Annual Fund to cover the gap between the cost of the running the school and the price of tuition each child.

WHAT IS THE ANNUAL FUND?

The Annual Fund is a vitally important source of revenue that makes the difference between an adequate and an excellent education by helping finance operating expenses each year. The Annual Fund makes up approximately 4% of the School's annual budget. The money raised is used entirely in the current year to support current programs.

WILL MY GIFT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Yes. Unrestricted gifts to the MSR Annual Fund provide the greatest flexibility for the school to meet its most pressing needs. Your gifts are a significant, and vital, source of support. Every gift does count!

I can make only one gift to MSR. Should I give to the Annual Fund or other school fundraising programs?

Although we hope that everyone will participate in other fundraising programs, the Annual Fund should be your first priority to continue providing an exceptional education to students. The need to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of a student's education is an ongoing yearly challenge. It is crucial to MSR, its mission and its students that we maintain a strong annual giving program.

WHAT IF I CANNOT AFFORD TO MAKE A LARGE GIFT TO MSR?

Regardless of your resources, a gift of any size to the Annual Fund signifies your support of The Montessori School of Raleigh's values and its core mission of providing the leaders of tomorrow an outstanding education.

WHY NOT SIMPLY RAISE TUITION?

In order to remain competitive with other independent schools in the area and attract students from all backgrounds, MSR strives to keep tuition as low as possible. Like MSR, almost all independent schools rely heavily on annual fund drives to accomplish this goal. Importantly, these contributions are tax-deductible while tuition payments are not.

I'M A CURRENT PARENT. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT I GIVE TO THE ANNUAL FUND?

Because all current students benefit from the Annual Fund during the current year, the School strongly believes every current family should contribute to the Annual Fund at whatever level they are able.

Some families are able to give more than the Gap and generously do. However, smaller donations are equally appreciated. School-wide participation is vital because a high rate of participation builds community, inspires other gifts, and encourages support from family foundations, corporations and other major donors. During the 2008-2009 school year, 50% of our families have participated in the Annual Fund. Don't you think we should be at 100? We can only reach this exciting goal with your support.

HOW DO I MAKE A GIFT TO THE ANNUAL FUND?

MSR accepts gifts of cash, checks and stock, as well as Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Credit card donations can be at www.msr.org/giving.

For more information, please contact Meg Thomas, Head of School, 919.848.1545.