Dear 3rd Grade Families,

Thank you so much for taking the time to come learn more about the annual fund.  We hope it will help you decide to donate to our school - Marymount.

What is the annual fund?

Like all private schools in the United States, there is an annual endeavor to raise money to cover yearly operational expenses.  Marymount has an operating budget in excess of $4.3 million this year.  Tuition covers a large chunk of this, however we still have a gap of $516,000 to cover the cost of education – teacher salaries, facilities, and supplies.  This comes to approximately $2,500 a child to fill the gap.  To help fill this gap there is a classroom drive to raise funds for the school, as well as many other fundraising drives from other sources.       

Why doesn’t Marymount just raise tuition to cover the cost of the yearly gap?

Marymount chooses to not raise tuition to the level that would cover the gap, in an effort to keep tuition lower for all and maintain high levels of enrollment.  Marymount elects to close the gap through private donors, grants, and annual fund donations to make up the difference.

Why doesn’t the school just solicit a big donor or obtain a grant to cover this expense?

Marymount does in fact solicit so called “big donors” to cover the annual fund gap.  There are many donors who graciously help to close this gap every year.  It is most critical for the Marymount Development office to be able to tell this set of donors that a large portion of the current Marymount families also contributes to the annual fund, so they do not feel they are being taken advantage of.  Additionally, when Marymount is responding to grants it is an important element of the grant questionnaire to demonstrate we have a very high level of family participation in the annual fund.

What other areas will I be asked to donate during the year?

The annual fund is the big drive for the year.  In addition there is a yearly auction you can also choose to attend.  From time to time there are other fundraising drives, like this year’s 70th year celebration bash.  The biggest fundraising drive you will receive communications on is the Annual Fund.

What if I can’t donate $2,500?

This is ok.  Please only contribute what you feel you can.  It is important for Marymount to obtain all the money they can to cover the yearly gap and we ask that you provide what you can.  It is also very important for the school can say we have a high level of family involvement in the annual fund.  We need each and every family to contribute.

I feel uncomfortable with everyone knowing what I am contributing.  What if I would like to make a confidential contribution?

Marymount already keeps your information very confidential.  As team leader we are not given details of your contributions.  If you do contribute your name will be included in the level of contribution bucket you fall in on the annual fund web site and other annual fund publications.  If you would like to make a confidential contribution you can do so.  Just indicate this when you contribute.

How can I help?

You may give online through this secure website, drop off a check at school, or pledge your support to be paid in the coming months.

Thank you for your support.  We look forward to a great school year and the years to come!!!!

Go Marymount!

Cindy and Don Oas