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What is the PBS Annual Fund?
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The Annual Fund is a yearly fundraising appeal 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 each constituent in the fund. In 2008-2009, the total raised was over $954,000 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.
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Where do Annual Fund dollars go?
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Unrestricted gifts to the Annual Fund support virtually every aspect of school life –faculty compensation, student tuition assistance, library books, science equipment, 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.
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Why is the Annual Fund needed to balance the Budget?
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Tuition and fees in 2008-2009 covered only 69% of the costs needed to educate the students at PBS. Annual Fund contributions, release of restricted assets and interest on endowment address this shortfall, allowing PBS to provide an extraordinary educational experience.
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How does the Annual Fund differ from capital and other periodic fundraising campaigns?
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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.
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Does the Parent Association raise funds too?
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Yes! The Parent Association of Phillips Brooks (PBSA) activities are aimed at fostering a sense of community, keeping families informed and providing support to the school. Each year we host a benefit bringing our community together for a fun filled evening to raise money to support professional development, program development, and tuition assistance. This year, our event “The PBS Grand Bazaar” will feature both a silent and live auction. In previous auctions, we have raised funds for a sound system, the Physical Education facility and program, to furnish our new library, computer and science labs, for community building, endowment, a new playground installed in the summer of 2007 and so much more.
In addition, PBSA raises money to host community building events such as the Fall Family Carnival, parent educational programs, faculty and staff appreciation and the Book Fair.
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Is our Annual Fund gift tax-deductible?
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Absolutely! Unlike tuition, all contributions to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible in keeping with IRS regulations.
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Why is Annual Fund participation so important?
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The Annual Fund provides a bridge between tuition revenue and the cost of providing a quality education for each student. When we seek funding from sources outside our community, we are asked first about parent participation in our Annual Fund. Last year, 97% of our families made a gift to the Annual Fund. Both our faculty and staff and our Board of Trustees participate at 100%. Our community wide goal this year is 100%!
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What are matching gifts?
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To encourage philanthropy and show their community support, many companies match the charitable donations of their employees. Simply obtain a matching gift form from your employer and send it to the Development Office with your gift. We will complete the form and return it to your employer who then completes the match.