The Annual Fund is the core fundraising activity at The Long Ridge School. It provides the essential funds for running the school each day and balancing the annual operating budget. Tuition alone does not cover the cost of an independent school education. This year the gap between tuition revenue and the actual cost of educating students at Long Ridge is approximately $1000 per student for Beginners and $2,500 per student for K-5. The purpose of the Annual Fund is to help raise funds to cover these additional costs.
Your tax-deductible Annual Fund gift supports The Long Ridge School’s overall picture, supplying the daily tools and experiences that enable children to appreciate academic excellence, individual attention, and a safe environment. The 2016-2017 Annual Fund Campaign runs through June 30, 2017.
Our goal is to reach 100% participation. Foundations and corporations evaluate participation rates when considering a grant. Each gift, no matter the size, is appreciated and count towards participation. Your support, along with others’, greatly influences our pursuit of outside funds. We are pleased to report that Trustees and staff have 100% participation. Last year, our current families reached 96% participation.
Why give to the Annual Fund?
Contributing to The Long Ridge School Annual Fund is one of the most important ways to help the school. Your tax-deductible gift – whether it’s $5,000 or $50 – works to make a difference. The Annual Fund is about all of us joining together to make a significant difference in the day to day experience for our students. Through your contributions, you are ensuring the present and the future of our students.
What is The Long Ridge School Annual Fund?
It offers the entire Long Ridge community, parents, alumni, grandparents, alumni parents and friends an opportunity to invest in every Long Ridge student by making a tax-deductible gift. It enables The Long Ridge School to keep tuition costs within the median range of other area independent schools. At the same time, the proceeds from the Annual Fund give The Long Ridge School an opportunity to retain and attract the best faculty, offer financial aid, support academic programs, and fund the many special activities that make The Long Ridge School educational experience so unique.
Why does Long Ridge ask for financial support?
Tuition alone does not cover the cost of an independent school education. This year the gap between tuition revenue and the actual cost of educating students at Long Ridge is approximately $1000 per student for Beginners and $2,500 per student for K-5. The purpose of the Annual Fund is to help raise funds to cover these additional costs. Fundraising makes LRS even stronger and allows us to pursue growth and enhancement.
What is the Annual Fund money used for?
Your unrestricted gift allows the School to use your contribution where it is most vitally needed. Gifts support our operating budget which directly benefits students, faculty, staff, programs, and operations.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes. All gifts, for which you do not receive goods or services, are tax-deductible.
Can I give to a particular program or project?
While unrestricted gifts are the most desirable for the school, restricted gifts to support a specific program or project are also welcome. Please contact Pam Chin, Director of Development.to discuss your specific interest.
Why does participation matter?
Participating in The Long Ridge School Annual Fund shows that you understand there is a genuine need to help bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating each student at LRS. Annual giving also matters because many foundations or lending institutions only fund schools that demonstrate they are widely supported by their own parents, alumni families and staff. Your support, along with others, favorably influences the school’s pursuit of outside funds.
Why not raise tuition if more is needed to cover the cost of educating each student?
The Long Ridge School strives to keep tuition within the median range of other independent schools in our area. Raising our tuition to cover the Annual Fund each year would place the entire burden solely upon our current parents. We try to lessen that burden by appealing to alumni families, staff and friends as well. Additionally, through the Annual Fund we can offer all supporters of the school the opportunity to make tax deductible gifts in any amount.
How much am I expected to give?
We hope that you give as generously as possible to The Long Ridge School. Every single gift, regardless of the amount, is valued. We encourage families to make a gift and join in the community spirit of supporting the school.
As a Fifth Grade parent, do I need to support the Annual Fund and 5th Grade Gift?
Fifth grade families are asked to consider giving to both campaigns.
