Frequently Asked Questions
Why must money be raised each year in addition to tuition?
Tuition and fee income covers 90% of the costs of educating a student. In other words, each Bayside student receives a 10% tuition discount courtesy of the Annual Fund, student store, and endowment.
If tuition doesn’t cover the cost of educating each student, why not just raise tuition?
Raising tuition would negatively impact our community in two ways. The entire burden would fall on current parents, and such increases would exclude many talented students and wonderful families. Through Annual Giving, Bayside can offer all supporters (not only current parents) the opportunity to make tax-deductible gifts and feel the deep satisfaction of knowing they are helping students have an incredible educational opportunities.
If I can only make a small gift, does it really make an impact?
Yes! Every gift is important! Gifts to the Annual Giving Campaign last year ranged from $10 to $20,000. In no way do we ask that every family give an equal gift, but that the gift be equally meaningful to each family.
What is the Annual Giving Campaign?
It is a tax-deductable opportunity to support Bayside. It occurs every year, and every dollar donated finances the school’s operating budget. It supports expenses like expanding educational initiatives such as the training of AP faculty, the books in the library; the soccer balls and football pads; the salary of your favorite teacher and their professional development; the new software that will replace Edline and the website in the fall of 2012; supplies for science; and much, much more. Foundations and corporations look for strong participation rates when evaluating requests for donations and grants to the school. This year’s Annual Giving goals are 100% parent participation and $230,000.
What is the difference between Annual Giving and Capital Campaign?
Annual Giving is used to augment the yearly operational budget. Every penny is invested right back into the school and its programs. Capital Campaign funds are for buildings and special projects, and occur every five to seven years. Annual Giving helps us live. Capital campaign gifts help us grow.
Why does my participation matter?
Participation shows dedication and support for Bayside’s educational mission and vision. Many of the individuals, corporations, and foundations that consider contributing to any private school want to know that their Annual Giving is strong and widely supported by their own parents, alumni, board and faculty. For these reasons, Bayside needs and appreciates gifts of every size from all constituencies. Your participation literally makes other gifts possible!
What makes Bayside Academy an independent school?
Bayside is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization that does not receive funds from taxpayers or religious affiliations. Bayside is 100% funded by its community - through tuition, student store, and gifts.
What is a matching gift?
Many employers will match gifts made by their employees, retirees, and directors to non-profit organizations like Bayside. To see if your company offers matching gifts, and to receive a matching gift form, you may contact your company’s human resources department. By spending a few minutes filling out a simple form, you could double the power of your gift.
What are leadership gifts?
Bayside depends upon a group of major donors to lead the way and inspire others to give. The School owes a great debt of gratitude to these individuals. Their willingness to step forward in a significant way is measured by the benefits our students receive in their excellent education. Leadership level donations are gifts of $1,500 and above.