Frequently Asked Questions...
What is the Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is our yearly appeal to our constituents to raise much-needed funds that touch every facet of our school. It is a partnership between the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni and our friends in the community. The initiative reflects the spirit of generosity and willingness to give of oneself that is a hallmark of SAA-SDS.
Why is the Annual Fund important?
Every independent school has a gap between operating expenses and tuition income. Whether they have a large endowment or none at all, schools rely on an annual appeal to bridge that gap. Tuition revenues only cover 85% of the cost of educating students at SAA-SDS, the Annual Fund provides essential funds necessary to meet the operating needs of our School.
Why do we have to raise money in addition to tuition?
If our School did not have an Annual Fund, we would have to charge $2,000 more in tuition per child to maintain the current services and curriculum unique to SAA-SDS. In giving to the Annual Fund, donors have a strong voice in keeping the tuition lower, supporting the various functions of the school, and keeping the school financially healthy. These Annual Fund gifts are tax-deductible whereas tuition is not.
How often will the school solicit me for a donation?
The school begins a new Annual Fund each school year. The campaign begins at the beginning of school and once someone makes a pledge, they will not be solicited for the Annual Fund for the rest of the fiscal year, ending June 30th. However, the school continues to seek financial support from other fundraising initiatives during the school year, Gala, online fundraising and, sometimes, Capital Campaigns. All of these endeavors are important so that we might continue to offer the best education and environment for our students.
Will my donation really make a difference to the school?
Absolutely! Any gift. large or small, is greatly appreciated and received with gratitude for your family’s commitment to our mission. It is vital that we reach our goal of raising at least $550,000 this fiscal year. We can’t do it without you!
I’m just not sure if I can give this year. My family has a lot of obligations.
Pledges are not due until June 30, 2012. A pledge made today helps give the campaign momentum, and does not have to be paid until the spring. Your participation at any level is appreciated. One hundred percent parent participation is our goal. It shows corporations, major donors and foundations that we are committed as a community to support our children’s educational needs.
Why doesn’t the Board set tuition to cover all costs and eliminate the fund drive?
We strive to keep tuition affordable for as many families as possible. Tax laws are designed to encourage voluntary support of independent institutions like SAA-SDS. No independent school or college survives on tuition alone.
Do you only accept cash gifts?
Along with cash contributions, gifts are transacted by check and credit cards. We are also happy to accept gifts of securities, which may have very positive tax implications for you, the donor.
Is it possible to give a gift in honor or memory of someone?
This is a great way to honor a member of the staff, a friend or a loved one, while also supporting SAA-SDS. On your pledge form there is a designated place for you to indicate whom you would like to honor. Please be sure to also include the person’s address. A special card will be sent announcing that a gift was made to the school. However, no amount will be revealed.
Are gifts accepted anonymously?
Yes. SAA-SDS respects any donor’s wish to remain anonymous in this and all other donations.
When do I need to send my donation?
As soon as you receive your solicitation letter and pledge card, you can send in your gift and/or make a pledge that commits you to make a gift by June 30th. Once you send your pledge or donation, you will not be solicited again for the Annual Fund for the remainder of the academic year. However, you will receive pledge reminders until your pledge is fulfilled.
How do I make a gift?
You may make a donation by sending your donation to:
The Annual Fund is our yearly appeal to our constituents to raise much-needed funds that touch every facet of our school. It is a partnership between the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni and our friends in the community. The initiative reflects the spirit of generosity and willingness to give of oneself that is a hallmark of SAA-SDS.
Why is the Annual Fund important?
Every independent school has a gap between operating expenses and tuition income. Whether they have a large endowment or none at all, schools rely on an annual appeal to bridge that gap. Tuition revenues only cover 85% of the cost of educating students at SAA-SDS, the Annual Fund provides essential funds necessary to meet the operating needs of our School.
Why do we have to raise money in addition to tuition?
If our School did not have an Annual Fund, we would have to charge $2,000 more in tuition per child to maintain the current services and curriculum unique to SAA-SDS. In giving to the Annual Fund, donors have a strong voice in keeping the tuition lower, supporting the various functions of the school, and keeping the school financially healthy. These Annual Fund gifts are tax-deductible whereas tuition is not.
How often will the school solicit me for a donation?
The school begins a new Annual Fund each school year. The campaign begins at the beginning of school and once someone makes a pledge, they will not be solicited for the Annual Fund for the rest of the fiscal year, ending June 30th. However, the school continues to seek financial support from other fundraising initiatives during the school year, Gala, online fundraising and, sometimes, Capital Campaigns. All of these endeavors are important so that we might continue to offer the best education and environment for our students.
Will my donation really make a difference to the school?
Absolutely! Any gift. large or small, is greatly appreciated and received with gratitude for your family’s commitment to our mission. It is vital that we reach our goal of raising at least $550,000 this fiscal year. We can’t do it without you!
I’m just not sure if I can give this year. My family has a lot of obligations.
Pledges are not due until June 30, 2012. A pledge made today helps give the campaign momentum, and does not have to be paid until the spring. Your participation at any level is appreciated. One hundred percent parent participation is our goal. It shows corporations, major donors and foundations that we are committed as a community to support our children’s educational needs.
Why doesn’t the Board set tuition to cover all costs and eliminate the fund drive?
We strive to keep tuition affordable for as many families as possible. Tax laws are designed to encourage voluntary support of independent institutions like SAA-SDS. No independent school or college survives on tuition alone.
Do you only accept cash gifts?
Along with cash contributions, gifts are transacted by check and credit cards. We are also happy to accept gifts of securities, which may have very positive tax implications for you, the donor.
Is it possible to give a gift in honor or memory of someone?
This is a great way to honor a member of the staff, a friend or a loved one, while also supporting SAA-SDS. On your pledge form there is a designated place for you to indicate whom you would like to honor. Please be sure to also include the person’s address. A special card will be sent announcing that a gift was made to the school. However, no amount will be revealed.
Are gifts accepted anonymously?
Yes. SAA-SDS respects any donor’s wish to remain anonymous in this and all other donations.
When do I need to send my donation?
As soon as you receive your solicitation letter and pledge card, you can send in your gift and/or make a pledge that commits you to make a gift by June 30th. Once you send your pledge or donation, you will not be solicited again for the Annual Fund for the remainder of the academic year. However, you will receive pledge reminders until your pledge is fulfilled.
How do I make a gift?
You may make a donation by sending your donation to:
SAA-SDS Annual Fund
4830 Walnut Grove Rd Memphis, TN 38117 or online at: www.saa-sds.org Click the 160th logo to the right to give online! > |  |
