Frequently unasked questions about why independent schools rely on tuition and donations
Q: My family is already paying tuition to attend MAPCDS. Why do we need to donate money as well?
A: Independent schools do not charge the full cost of each child’s education. Gifts are necessary to bridge the gap between tuition and expenses. This is why schools need endowments, auxiliary programming such as June Days and fundraising. Just as universities and public schools now do, independent schools must ask parents, grandparents, alumni and friends for donations. Your gift supports the people and programs that make our school so unique. This means hiring and retaining talented teachers, providing small classes, beautiful materials, and the best professional development.
Q: If independent schools were run in a more businesslike way, couldn’t they charge they full cost and avoid having to ask for gifts?
A: A for-profit business, whose aim is to make money, is not an appropriate model for a non-profit preschool whose mission is to provide young children with a nurturing and stimulating environment. By nature, high-quality schools are labor-intensive and people-oriented. On average, salary and benefits make up about 70% of an independent school’s budget. The increasing cost of faculty salaries and benefits drives the operating expenses as we strive to pay competitive salaries and keep up with the rising cost of living. To provide the programs your children deserve to have, we have to charge tuition and ask for a gift. Raising tuition to cover the full cost of educating each child would make MAPCDS unobtainable for many families and would conflict with our mission.
Q: Are there more reasons to give?
A: There are many reasons to give! Participating in fundraising initiatives demonstrates support and appreciation of MAPCDS. Getting involved in related activities offers an opportunity to develop relationships with other parents in our community. Donors sometimes see giving as a way to become active stakeholders who help the school achieve mission-critical goals. Many people take pride in the recognition that comes with achieving a certain level of giving. Another benefit to giving is that unlike tuition payments, donations to independent schools are tax-deductible. Finally, a gift of any size raises our participation rate (the percentage of parents who give to the school.) High participation is a statement of confidence from our constituents which can impact gifts from outside sources; most foundations consider parent participation rates before donating to a school.
Q: This is my last year at the school, so why should I donate when we won’t be here next year to benefit from this appeal?
A: As a longstanding institution in the community, many previous generations of families donated to fund the resources your child enjoys today. MAPCDS families share a history and a future. It’s up to our current families to ensure we are here for children in the decades to come. Participation from both new and outgoing MAPCDS parents is essential to maintain not only the school’s presence, but our excellence and our long-term reputation as a leader in early childhood education. This is an opportunity to pay it forward; your donation is an investment in both the school and the future children of our community.
Q; How much should I give to the Annual Fund?
A: As a small school community, we have a limited number of supporters. Because the number who give is small and the need is large, every gift makes a difference. We ask that families with the capacity to do so, meet the gap between tuition and expenses. We fully understand that some families are able to give less while others can do more. Gifts at every level are essential and appreciated. Understanding the need for generous giving prompts many families to make their children’s school their philanthropic priority. These parents recognize that their gifts are an investment which directly impacts their children’s school experience.