In a recent article from an NAIS Parent Series entitled, "Gifts that Give Back," frequently unasked questions, not unlike questions asked by many TCS families, were answered. The following includes answers to frequently asked questions regarding The Country School's, and all independent school's, need for both tuition dollars and donations to the Annual Fund.
Q: My family is already paying tuition. How does my child benefit from my gift?
Your gift supports the people and the programs that make The Country School such a special place-talented teachers, small classes, and resources for academic courses that many public schools simply can't afford and are eliminating. Other schools can't offer arts and athletic programs that compare to ours. On a daily basis, your child receives personal attention, intellectual stimulation, challenges, and a level of freedom to take risks, dream dreams, and try things beyond the parameters of a rigid curriculum. As our Mission Statement implies, we are creating life-long learners, and this comes at a cost, and with an obligation.
Q: The Country School has beautiful grounds, lovely buildings, and many other features. It does not appear as if the school needs money. Why should we give?
It's easy to overestimate the affluence of The Country School. We do charge tuition (comparable to our cross-application schools), and many assume that our financial needs are minimal. But, as is true of the majority of independent schools, tuition does not cover the full cost of educating your child.
According to the NAIS statistics most day schools find that tuition covers approximately 80% of the cost of operating the school. At The Country School, in fact, tuition covers 90%. Dollars donated to the school's Annual Fund, as well as dollars received from ancillary service revenue, make up this difference. That is why it is often said that every TCS student attends the school on scholarship.
Q: But isn't this an inefficient business model. Can't TCS just charge the full cost and avoid asking us for gifts?
TCS, like other non-profit, independent schools, follows a model where tuition is set to give a broader group of students the opportunity to attend.
Q: How does financial aid fit into the fundraising picture?
Financial Aid is a line item in the TCS budget. It supports the mission of the school and thus deserves its place in our operating budget. But without enough donations to support and meet the operating expenses, more of the school's tuition revenue goes to operations and therefore impacts the availability of financial aid dollars which, in turn, may impact the number of students able to attend TCS. Again, in turn, tuition revenue availability and usage is impacted. The cycle and need never goes away.
Q: Are there more reasons to give?
When you give to The Country School you demonstrate your educated support of the community. Many of you will enjoy being part of many of our fund-raising activities. Unlike tuition payments, gifts to The Country School are tax deductible!
Q: How much of a difference can my gift make?
TCS is so unique and so cherished due to a number of things. It remains "small" by NAIS standards. But with this standard comes a reality. A small school means fewer possible gifts. The number of gifts is small but the need is large. Every gift counts! Your participation also shows a vote of confidence in the school, a sign that each constituency understands and invests in their child's educational experience. It is because of this understanding and because many families have found the joy of realizing that their dollar-every dollar-means so much, that they have made The Country School their number one choice for philanthropic giving. Your gift keeps on giving when you have made a gift to the community.
Q: Are gifts to Annual Giving tax deductible?
Yes! Gifts are fully tax-deductible (to the extent of the law - please check with your tax adviser) and you will receive an acknowledgment from the Office of Development for your tax records.
Q: Can I charge my gift?
YES! Your gift can be charged to Master Card or Visa. Just fill in your card numbers and expiration date on the Annual Giving envelope or soon you may charge on-line at TCS Annual Giving
Q: Can I make a gift of stock?
Yes! Please contact the Jeanne Boyer Roy, Director of Development at 203/421-3113 ext. 124 for stock transfer directions.
The Country School Community of Funds
Annual Fund - The school's checking account:
Money for the school's operating budget for that academic year. It is the money that makes up the difference between what tuition revenue produce and the cost of educating your child and running the school. Examples of what your dollars impact are academic, artistic and athletic programs, teaching tools, technology and equipment, faculty compensation, and facility expenses-from the grand to the simplest needs such as light bulbs.
Endowment Gifts - The school's savings account:
Gifts to this fund help continue TCS's plan for the future. When a school uses revenue from the Endowment, the principal is kept intact while a portion of the interest income may be used, if needed. The Country School's Endowment has grown dramatically over the past few years through periodic special events as well as the generous contributions of the families of graduates to the 8th Grade Class Gift.
Planned Giving - A retirement account:
A gift to the school through a trust, annuity, insurance policy, or, as is most commonly done, through a bequest.
Capital Campaigns - Funding the building of additions to our school:
Major gifts are designated to meet a specific need. Often the needs are for building or facility enhancements. These capital campaign gifts are frequently large in size and are donated over a period of several years.
Matching Gifts - A "buy one, get one free" opportunity for the school:
Matching gifts are offered by over 500 American corporations who match or sometimes even triple their employees' philanthropic gifts. Check with your employer or visit our website at Employer Match Information to learn whether your company participates in this wonderful giving opportunity. A matching gift form obtained from your employer may be sent to the Office of External Relations for processing.
Gifts-in-kind-Donations to the school other than money, i.e.,services or tangible items.
Not all gifts-in-kind are can be accepted. Please consult the school's gift policy (TCS Handbook) to avoid donating a gift that may not be put to good use or would cost the school too much to maintain or store. It is also recommended that donors of gifts-in-kind consult a tax expert before giving gifts of substantial value to assure proper value and credit.
Restricted and Unrestricted Gifts
Restricted gifts can be spent only for a specific donor-designated purpose, such as financial aid or certain programs in accordance with institutional priorities and needs.
Participation
Many outside sources consider participation rates before contributing to the school. High participation rates are a vote of confidence in the school. While schools may vary as to their goals of participation for any year, all aim for 100%. Every gift matters!
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