What is the Annual Fund and why do we need it?
The
Annual Fund sustains St. James Episcopal Day School's commitment to
quality education. As with all independent schools, SJEDS tuition does
not cover the entire cost of educating each student. SJEDS relies on
Annual Fund gifts from parents, alumni, faculty, trustees,
grandparents, parishioners and friends to support the many great
opportunities and experiences our children have at St. James.
How are the Annual Fund dollars spent and who decides how to spend them?
The
trustees, faculty and staff are responsible for identifying
institutional needs. In the fall, the administration submits budget
requests to the Finance Committee. In February, the Finance Committee
presents a budget that addresses the school's needs for the following
year to the Board of Trustees for its approval. The Annual Fund dollars
are spent on items that have been identified as needs but do not fit
within budget constants. The majority of professional development is
also funded through the Annual Fund.
I can't pay my pledge all at once. Can I pay in installments?
Yes,
indicate on your pledge card your pledge total and a payment schedule
that meets your specific needs. SJEDS will send you reminder notices.
You have until July 30 to complete your pledge. Any monies received
after that date will be credited to the following year's campaign. You
will receive recognition for the actual amount received when the books
are closed on July 30th.
Do all parents contribute to the Annual Fund?
Almost
75% of our parents gave last year. Contributions to the Annual Fund
cover a wide range, from $5 or $10 from young alumni to gifts of many
thousand of dollars. An appropriate gift is one in proportion to your
ability to give. Many people use corporate matching gift programs to
double their gifts to the school. SJEDS counts on the participation of
all parents in the Annual Fund and appreciates every gift, regardless
of the amount.
Why not increase tuition and eliminate the Annual Fund?
St.
James recognizes the sacrifices families make to offer their children a
high-quality education. The school strives to keep tuition costs as low
as possible with predictable cost-of-living increases. If St. James
raised tuition to meet all its needs, each family would pay a
considerable amount more per year. The tuition costs would vary greatly
from year to year to cover the inevitable maintenance, and new program
expenses. Your contribution to the Annual Fund provides financial
consistency. A high quality SJEDS education is the direct result of
gifts from parents, grandparents, alumni, trustees, faculty,
parishioners and friends who believe in and financially support
excellence in education. In addition, gifts to the Annual Fund are
completely tax deductible while additional tuition would not be.
How can my gift, since it has to be small, make a significant difference in the life of the school?
Your
gift plays a significant role. Not only will it provide additional
resources, it will serve as a stimulus, and often criteria, for other
gifts. Foundations and corporations awarding grants to educational
institutions look first at the level of parent and community
participation in the school's Annual Fund program. The parents' level
of commitment to go above and beyond what is required is traditionally
a key factor in determining which institutions receive the grants.
Any more questions? Contact Linda Bowsher, Development Director (225) 344-0805 ext 246