|  | IT'S ALL ABOUT OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITIES FAQs: Click question for answer. | Q. | What is the Annual Fund? | | A. | The Renbrook Annual Fund is made up of gifts from parents, alumnae/i, faculty and staff, parents of alumnae/i, former faculty and staff, grandparents, and friends. In 2008-2009, gifts from more than a thousand donors added up to $590,000 in operating support. All these contributions have an immediate impact on the quality of the school and directly benefit Renbrook students. |
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| Q. | Why does Renbrook have an Annual Fund? | | A. | Tuition alone does not cover the costs of an independent school education. Like other schools and colleges, Renbrook relies on gifts to help meet annual operating expenses. For 2009-2010, the gap between tuition income and expenses is around $2,300 per student or about 8% of the budget. Annual Giving helps bridge this gap. |
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| Q. | What does the Annual Fund do for Renbrook? | | A. | The Annual Fund provides resources for the operating budget, which supports everything from the latest technology and hardware, to the best teaching tools and classroom equipment, athletic and arts programs, safety and security for the campus, maintenance and upkeep, financial assistance, as well as faculty salaries and compensation (maybe the most important!)--all aspects of the school from the nitty-gritty to the inspiring. |
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| Q. | Why not raise tuition instead of asking for support? | | A. | The Board of Trustees tries to keep tuition as low as possible so as many families as possible will be able to afford a Renbrook education. Raising tuition would restrict even further the number of families who could attend the school. At the same time, we must maintain the excellence of our academic programs. Charitable contributions help us achieve both goals. |
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| Q. | I pay tuition, why am I asked to give more? | | A. | By helping to cover the gap between what it actually costs to educate each student at the school each year and tuition, your gift to the Annual Fund directly influences the educational experience students have at Renbrook. The availability of more resources equals access to more educational tools. It's the difference between good and great. Also, contributions to Renbrook are tax-deductible, whereas tuition payments are not. When you donate to the Annual Fund you help keep tuition payments lower and your gift entitles you to a tax benefit. |
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| Q. | How much am I expected to give? | | A. | We hope that every parent will be as generous as possible. In the past, donations have ranged from $10 to more than $25,000. Gifts of all sizes are needed and welcome. Every dollar makes a difference, and every student benefits. |
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| Q. | What if I can't make a gift at the leadership level? | | A. | While we rely on the generosity of leadership gifts, please realize that every gift -- no matter the size -- is needed and important. We truly value participation in the annual drive. The percentage of parent support is important in the eyes of foundations and major donors. It is considered a sign of institutional strength when donors see broad-based giving.
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| Q. | What if I can't give at this time? | | A. | There are ways we can help. You can pledge now and defer payment until later; you can also pay in installments, if that is more convenient for you. All pledge payments must be received by the close of the Annual Fund, which is August 31. |
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| Q. | Do matching gifts count? | | A. | Yes. When you make a gift to Renbrook, you can double or triple its impact by checking with your employer to see if they participate in a matching gift program. Many companies and foundations match the value of charitable gifts made by employees and their spouses, board members, and retirees. |
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| Q. | Who else is asked to give? | | A. | Everyone in the Renbrook community. The Annual Fund seeks support from current and past parents, alumni/ae, trustees, faculty and staff, past faculty and staff, grandparents and friends. Every gift matters. |
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| Q. | What is the time period for the Annual Fund? | | A. | Each year, the Renbrook Annual Fund runs from September 1st through August 31st. |
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| Q. | What more do I need to know? | | A. | A successful Annual Fund, supported by a large percentage of the Renbrook community, directly contributes to the experience students have at Renbrook. It also demonstrates pride in the school and reflects our belief in the education our institution provides.
If you have any questions, please contact Ann Finholt, Associate Director of Development, at 860.236.1661 or e-mail afinholt@renbrook.org. |
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