-
What is the PBS Annual Fund?
-
The Annual Fund is a yearly fundraising campaign designed to support PBS' operating budget. In order to balance the budget each year, the Development Office and volunteers work together to solicit the participation of every member of the PBS family—trustees, parents, faculty and staff, parents of alumni, alumni, grandparents and friends. In 2011-2012, the total raised was over $860,000 in unrestricted and restricted funds. Annual Fund gifts can range from donations of $1 to $25,000 or more. The success of the Annual Fund is a testament to our firm belief in The Phillips Brooks School and its continuing mission of excellence in educating children.
-
Where do Annual Fund dollars go?
-
Unrestricted gifts to the Annual Fund support virtually every aspect of school life—faculty professional development, student tuition assistance, field trips, special speakers and assemblies, and music and art supplies are just some of the ways Annual Fund dollars are utilized. Contributions to the Annual Fund are nearly always unrestricted gifts; they are given and spent in the current fiscal year. To see some of the ways your Annual Fund gifts were used in 2010-2011, see “Your Support at Work.”
-
Why is the Annual Fund needed? Why not simply fund the school’s needs through tuition and fees?
-
During the budgeting process, the Board of Trustees projects the school’s operating expenses for the upcoming year and its sources of revenue, including tuition and fees and contributions from the Annual Fund. In 2010-2011, tuition and fees covered approximately 89% of the costs needed to educate the students at PBS. Annual Fund contributions, release of restricted assets and interest on endowment provided the remainder, allowing PBS to provide an extraordinary educational experience. Funding the School through the Annual Fund offers many additional benefits compared to funding the school through tuition alone, such as tax deductibility to parents and the potential for employer matching gifts. Finally, the School would like to keep tuition at an affordable level for a greater number of families, and generous contributions to the Annual Fund by families who are able to do so help reduce the need for significant tuition increases.
-
How does the Annual Fund differ from capital and other periodic fundraising campaigns?
-
Periodic appeals are made for specific needs such as facility improvements or increases to endowment. These may be capital campaigns, major gift programs or special purpose events such as auctions or benefits.
-
Does the Parent Association raise funds too?
-
Yes! The Phillips Brooks School Association’s (PBSA’s) activities are aimed at fostering a sense of community, keeping families informed and providing support to the school. Each year, PBSA and the School host a benefit, bringing our community together for a fun-filled evening to raise money to support professional development, program development, and tuition assistance.
-
Is our Annual Fund gift tax-deductible?
-
Absolutely! Unlike tuition, all contributions to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible in keeping with IRS regulations.
-
Why is Annual Fund participation so important?
-
School-wide participation is vital because a high rate of participation builds community, inspires other gifts, and encourages support from corporations and other major donors. Our community-wide goal this year and every year is 100% participation. We can only reach this exciting goal with your support!
-
How much should I give?
-
What you give is up to you and your family, but we hope PBS will be a philanthropic priority for every PBS family. We simply ask that each family make a gift that is meaningful to them.
-
What are matching gifts?
-
To encourage philanthropy and show their community support, many companies match the charitable donations of their employees—some will even double or triple the size of your gift. Simply obtain a matching gift form from your employer. Send the completed form or notification of intent to match to the Development Office with your gift. We will complete the form, if needed, and return it to your employer who then completes the match.