Annual Giving Campaign
The 2009-10 Annual Giving Campaign raised over $80,000 with a new record of 71% parent participation!
Click here for AGC facts and how fundraising fits into the school budget.
Front lobby board showing that we met our $75,000 goal
2009-10 set a new record with 71% parent participation
Support from our school community helps us enhance our program so that we can continue to offer a quality education to our students. 100% of our board, faculty, and administration have already contributed, so now we need our parents to join the effort. Every gift counts, so help us reach our goal of 100% family participation!
If you are a grandparent, relative, or friend of a Da Vinci family and you would like to make a contribution, please download the Family & Friends Annual Campaign Brochure and Pledge Form. And thank you for supporting Da Vinci Academy!
Each year Da Vinci Academy holds an annual giving campaign to raise additional support for the school. The campaign typically runs from October through January, with the proceeds supporting the school's ability to continue offering the best possible education and programs for its students. Unlike tuition, gifts to the annual fund are tax deductible.
Participation in the campaign reflects the entire Da Vinci Academy community's support of the school's mission and goals. We appreciate the generous participation from the Board of Trustees, faculty & staff, current families, alumni families, and corporate matching programs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Annual Giving Campaign
What is the purpose of the annual giving campaign?
Tuition revenue covers approximately 92% of the true cost of a Da Vinci education for each student. The other 8% ($1,200 per student) is raised through the school's two major development programs, the Annual Giving Campaign and the Auction.
Do other schools have annual giving campaign programs?
Almost all independent schools rely on annual giving campaigns as a source of funding. Annual giving helps independent schools keep tuition fees down while still adding to the resources available for an enriched educational environment.
Where does support from the annual giving campaign go?
Money raised in this year's campaign will be directed toward four primary objectives:
1) Retaining excellent teachers and advancing their professional development. (85% of our budget is spent on personnel).
2) Further enhancing the school's curriculum, technology, and facility.
3) Keeping tuition increases as low as possible.
4) Planning for the future growth of the school.
What are the expectations for families contributing to the annual giving campaign?
Because support for the annual giving campaign helps the school provide the best possible education to students, each family is asked to contribute. Every family essentially receives a $1,200 "discount" per student over the true cost of educating their child at Da Vinci. Some families can contribute more than this amount and some can make equally meaningful contributions at a lesser amount. We realize that each family situation is different, and therefore our goal is for every family to participate at a level that is feasible for them. The students are the school's top priority, and we hope that families will in turn make the school one of their top philanthropic priorities.
Who contributes to the annual giving campaign?
The Development Committee sends an appeal letter to all constituents of the school community including current Da Vinci families, the Board of Trustees, and the faculty & staff. We also welcome the support of grandparents, relatives, and friends of Da Vinci families. As Da Vinci continues to grow and reach into the surrounding communities, we will look to obtain corporate and foundation support as well.
Are there tax advantages to making a donation to the annual giving campaign?
Da Vinci Academy is a not-for-profit, 501(c) (3) organization under the Federal IRS code. Unlike tuition and fees, donations to the annual giving campaign are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. When you contribute to the annual giving campaign, Da Vinci Academy will send an acknowledgment letter that serves as a tax receipt. The letter will note the date and amount of your donation, and include a disclosure that no goods or services were received in exchange. This provides a clear and compelling reason to support the Annual giving campaign, and larger donations yield larger tax benefits.
How can I donate?
Families can make a direct donation to the campaign via cash, check, or credit card. Families may also make a donation pledge and arrange to spread the amount over time. Please contact Mr. Steffens in the business office for more information on payment options.
Can my company or employer provide matching funds to my gift?
Matching funds are a great way to generate additional support for the annual giving campaign. Many companies will match the contributions that employees make to charitable organizations such as Da Vinci Academy. Please ask your Human Resources Department if your company participates in such a plan and we will gladly provide any necessary paperwork.
Our parents provide tremendous support in countless way, and participation in any school activity and fundraiser is deeply appreciated. However, the annual giving campaign is an investment in our students' future. While tuition covers most of the cost of a Da Vinci Academy education, support from the annual giving campaign allows the school to enhance the school environment and the learning opportunities for students. Support from families is valuable at any giving level, so the goal is to reach 100% participation from the school community as a united effort to offer our students the best education possible.