The CDS Annual Fund
A full tuition at Community Day School only covers roughly 80% of the cost of educating each student. Funds received from Annual Giving and fundraising initiatives are the school’s most important source of revenue other than student tuition. It is a vital part of the operating budget, contributing to classroom materials, supplies, salaries, faculty professional development, and maintenance of our beautiful campus.
Annual Fund gifts enable us to attract and retain the best teachers, provide quality materials, and support our students with a wide variety of diverse experiences. For these reasons, we must rely on our parents, grandparents, alumni parents and community-at-large to help close the funding gap each year through our Annual Giving Campaign.
WHY NOT JUST RAISE TUITION?
If Community Day School relied solely on tuition income, we would price ourselves beyond the means of many families. In addition, gifts to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible, while tuition is not. Unrestricted annual monetary gifts enable Community Day School to maintain high-quality programs and facilities, attract and retain top-notch teachers, and help keep tuition affordable. Through annual giving, every student is subsidized through the generosity of our larger community.
Community Day School, like other independent schools, utilizes tax-deductible donations rather than significant tuition increases to provide the best educational experience possible for our students. Every gift, large or small, honors CDS's history and builds the future for our students for generations to come.
IS MY GIFT TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Yes. Hershorin Schiff Day Schools of Tomorrow, Inc. (d/b/a Community Day School) is a non-profit organization. All gifts made to the school are tax-deductible. The Tax ID Number is 47-3558984.
ARE ANNUAL FUNDS COMMON?
Yes. Annual Funds are common practice among independent schools to compensate for expenses not covered by tuition. 90% of independent schools operate on a tuition gap basis where the tuition is 10-25% less than total expenses. These schools depend entirely upon their annual funds to cover the gap for budgeted expenses.
WHY DO WE REQUEST ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY TO MAKE A DONATION?
Outside funding sources and individuals are much more willing to consider supporting Community Day School if it is demonstrated that those who know the school best have generously given to support it. Last year we had 100% participation by the Board of Directors and we strive for 100% parent participation. Community participation is crucial as we seek funds from outside sources, such as grants, foundations, matching programs, gifts from trusts, or individuals.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?
Gifts of every size are gratefully appreciated. Only you can determine the amount that is right for you and participation is more important than the amount. We ask that you please give as generously as you can. An investment in Community Day School is one that will pay lifetime dividends for your children, your community and for future generations. Every gift matters.
HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE?
There are many ways to support Community Day School. You can donate by cash, check, credit card, or online through our website. You may also donate stocks or consider making a gift in someone else’s honor or in memory of a loved one. Many donors take advantage of their employer's matching gift program, which may double their gift to the school.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
If you have any questions, please ask! To learn more about Community Day School and ways to support our Annual Campaign, please contact, Brenna Wilhm, Director of Development, at 941-552-2770 ext. 437 or brenna@communityday.org
