Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the annual fund program and why is it important?
What does the annual fund support?
What is the relationship between tuition and the annual fund?
Why not raise the tuition to pay for everything?
Why not just cut expenses?
How much should I give?
I would give more if I could spread my payments over several months. Is there a payment plan?
How does giving to the annual fund benefit me?
What is the leadership program and how can I become a member?
How can I double my donation to Westerly?
Does it matter when I make my donation?
How can I give?
WHAT IS THE ANNUAL FUND PROGRAM AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Westerly, like most independent schools, relies on income other than tuition to fully support its programs and faculty. Contributions to the Westerly Annual Fund are especially important because Westerly does not have a sizable alumni body, another traditional source of support. Tuition alone cannot cover the cost of education and the Annual Fund helps make up the difference between tuition revenues and the actual costs of educating the children. Since contributions are applied to the operating budget in the year that they are requested, Westerly depends on donors to support the Annual Fund every year.
WHAT DOES THE ANNUAL FUND SUPPORT?
The Annual Fund supports our expanding programs in academics, athletics and the arts. It also allows Westerly to recruit and retain the best faculty and provide professional development opportunities for teachers.
WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TUITION AND THE ANNUAL FUND?
Every effort is made to keep tuition affordable and competitive with schools with the same high standards as Westerly. Tuition covers about 70% of the school budget. Annual Giving contributes a critically needed portion of the remainder. And, unlike tuition, Annual Fund donations are 100% tax deductible.
WHY NOT RAISE THE TUITION TO PAY FOR EVERYTHING?
A 30% increase in tuition (the difference between tuition and actual costs) would seriously limit the number of qualified and deserving students who could afford to attend. Although tuition increases do occur, they do not equate to increases in the cost of doing business.
WHY NOT JUST CUT EXPENSES?
The Board of Trustees’ review of the operating expenses indicates that Westerly is already being run as a “lean” organization. We do a great deal with relatively modest resources. Most of the tuition revenue goes towards salaries, benefits, and fixed costs such as utilities and basic maintenance. Since the school’s strength lies in its extensive programs, small class size, and close personal relationships, any reductions would compromise the mission of the school.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?
We ask that you give proportionately, consistently, unconditionally and unselfishly. In the past, individual gifts have ranged from $5 to $15,000. While leadership gifts are crucial to the financial stability of the school, gifts of all sizes make a difference. All gifts send a message to members of the Westerly community and to outside funding sources that those who benefit most from Westerly support it. Corporate and outside donors invariably want to know if the parents, alumni and grandparents support the school.
I WOULD GIVE MORE IF I COULD SPREAD MY PAYMENTS OVER SEVERAL MONTHS. IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN?
There may be some options available which are evaluated on a case by case basis. See the Development Office for specific details.
HOW DOES GIVING TO THE ANNUAL FUND BENEFIT ME?
Your gift is a direct investment in your child(ren). Because Westerly is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your gift to the Annual Fund is 100% tax deductible. Think of how few opportunities there are to make a charitable gift that directly benefits your own children. You will be able to see the benefits of your gift every day as your child develops and grows.
WHAT IS THE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM AND HOW CAN I BECOME A MEMBER?
Your commitment and leadership provide momentum and the ability for Westerly to achieve its goals. Membership in the Leadership Program is an annual, personal commitment of $3,500 or more to Westerly School’s Annual Fund. As a member of the Leadership Program, you will receive special recognition at the Super Supporters appreciation event in June.
HOW CAN I DOUBLE MY DONATION TO WESTERLY?
Many corporations will match an employee's gift to a school. Any matching gifts will be combined with yours to determine the giving level at which you will receive recognition. Please contact your employer or Westerly's Development Office to see if your company offers this benefit.
DOES IT MATTER WHEN I MAKE MY DONATION?
Yes! A gift or pledge made early in the school year is a great advantage to the school because it allows us to know how much money will be available to support the budget. Because of this, we ask donors to make pledges by December 31st. Once you have made your annual gift or pledge, you will not receive another Annual Fund solicitation until the next school year.
HOW CAN I GIVE?
You may write a check payable to Westerly School for the entire amount or you may make a pledge to be paid in full by June 1st. You can also make your donation by MasterCard or Visa online (see Make a Gift link). And finally you may donate appreciated stock or mutual funds, these gifts can have significant tax advantages (in order to receive your tax advantage from this in 2008 please contact us by December 15th).
For additional information please contact Christine Downie, Director of Development at (562) 981-3151