Annual Fund FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Annual Fund Campaign and how is the money used?

The Annual Fund Campaign is Summit’s primary annual fundraising effort. Contributions to The Summit Fund, Summit Montessori's Annual Fund, go directly to fund critical day-to-day operating expenses of the school. These expenses include salaries for the teachers our students know and love, Montessori materials, and faculty professional development.

Is an annual fund unique to Summit Montessori?

Just about every independent school operates in a similar fashion. Most independent schools rely on the generosity and loyalty of their community (current families, alumni, grandparents and friends) to make charitable, tax-deductible contributions to close the gap between what is covered by tuition and the actual cost of a student's education.

Why do we need to donate in addition to paying tuition? Why doesn’t Summit simply charge enough tuition to cover its costs?

Traditionally, tuition is set to cover about 80 - 85% of a school’s day-to-day operating expenses. By keeping tuition more affordable, Summit can offer an excellent education to a more economically diverse student body and allow Summit to be accessible to a larger population. The School relies on those who can, and do give, to keep tuition more affordable for everyone. In addition, the more any school can shift its income to such donations, the more each family can write off as charitable donations. Gifts to The Summit Fund are entirely tax-deductible, while tuition is not.

What is the goal of the 2011-2012 Annual Fund Campaign?

As this is Summit's 15th Anniversary, we are looking forward to reaching a total fundraising goal of $150,000. The goal of The Summit Fund for this year is $125,000.

Who participates in an Annual Fund Campaign?

The entire Summit community of parents, faculty, staff, board members, family and friends participates in The Summit Fund. This year 100% of faculty, staff, and board members have pledged or given. While there is necessarily a large range in donations, the average gift is in excess of $1,000. Participation, however, is critical! Every gift makes a difference --- every gift has an impact on every student in every Summit classroom.

How much should I give?

The level of your gift is something only your family can determine. We ask that current families consider making a meaningful gift, what we like to call their “Best Effort." We ask that current families consider Summit their top philanthropic priority.

May I charge my gift?

Yes, you may charge your gift with a credit card by providing the information on the pledge form or calling the Development Office. You may also visit the web “GIVING” page of the web site where you can pay via PayPal.

If I can’t donate what I’d like to right away, can I make a pledge to The Summit Fund?

Many donors submit a pledge form and make the payment at some other time. Payments may also be made in installments over time provided that they are paid in full by June 30, 2012, the end of Summit’s fiscal year.


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Development Annual Fund Fundraising Events Teachers' Wish List Search Site	Frequently Asked Questions What is the Annual Fund Campaign and how is the money used? The Annual Fund Campaign is Summit’s primary annual fundraising effort. Contributions to The Summit Fund, Summit Montessori's Annual Fund, go directly to fund critical day-to-day operating expenses of the school. These expenses include salaries for the teachers our students know and love, Montessori materials, and faculty professional development. Is an annual fund unique to Summit Montessori? Just about every independent school operates in a similar fashion. Most independent schools rely on the generosity and loyalty of their community (current families, alumni, grandparents and friends) to make charitable, tax-deductible contributions to close the gap between what is covered by tuition and the actual cost of a student's education. Why do we need to donate in addition to paying tuition? Why doesn’t Summit simply charge enough tuition to cover its costs? Traditionally, tuition is set to cover about 80 - 85% of a school’s day-to-day operating expenses. By keeping tuition more affordable, Summit can offer an excellent education to a more economically diverse student body and allow Summit to be accessible to a larger population. The School relies on those who can, and do give, to keep tuition more affordable for everyone. In addition, the more any school can shift its income to such donations, the more each family can write off as charitable donations. Gifts to The Summit Fund are entirely tax-deductible, while tuition is not. What is the goal of the 2011-2012 Annual Fund Campaign? As this is Summit's 15th Anniversary, we are looking forward to reaching a total fundraising goal of $150,000. The goal of The Summit Fund for this year is $125,000. Who participates in an Annual Fund Campaign? The entire Summit community of parents, faculty, staff, board members, family and friends participates in The Summit Fund. This year 100% of faculty, staff, and board members have pledged or given. While there is necessarily a large range in donations, the average gift is in excess of $1,000. Participation, however, is critical! Every gift makes a difference --- every gift has an impact on every student in every Summit classroom. How much should I give? The level of your gift is something only your family can determine. We ask that current families consider making a meaningful gift, what we like to call their “Best Effort." We ask that current families consider Summit their top philanthropic priority. May I charge my gift? Yes, you may charge your gift with a credit card by providing the information on the pledge form or calling the Development Office. You may also visit the web “GIVING” page of the web site where you can pay via PayPal. If I can’t donate what I’d like to right away, can I make a pledge to The Summit Fund? Many donors submit a pledge form and make the payment at some other time. Payments may also be made in installments over time provided that they are paid in full by June 30, 2012, the end of Summit’s fiscal year.