Campaign Q&A
Q. What is an Annual Giving Campaign?
A. Our Annual Giving Campaign is a yearly effort to raise funds to help bridge the gap between tuition income and total operating expenses (operating, capital and bursary budgets). In recent years, we have not had the resources to sustain this annual effort. Our goal, launched in April 2007 with the very successful Giving Campaign in honour of the retirement of two of our founders, is to regain consistency and work towards full participation with our different constituent groups. The Development Office administers the Annual Giving Campaign.
Q. What are the major components of the school's annual operating budget?
A. Approximately 70% of the budget funds people – salaries and benefits for faculty and staff. The remainder supports curricular programs, facilities and equipment, utilities, insurance and maintenance costs.
Q. Doesn't tuition cover all of the annual operating expenses of the school?
A. No. Tuition income at TWS covers approximately 85% of the annual expenses. This means that the remaining 15% must be made up from other sources.
Q. So why not raise tuition?
A. No independent school could charge the full cost of educating its students without pricing itself out of the market. Accordingly, every mature independent school across Canada has an Annual Fund.
Q. What makes TWS an independent school?
A. All Waldorf schools, as members of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, are independent. We follow the established program and curriculum, operate without financial support from federal or provincial government agencies and are governed by our own Board of Trustees. Unlike public schools, which are funded by tax dollars (although they still often need to fundraise!), independent schools rely solely upon tuition revenue and philanthropic support to meet their operating expenses.
Q. Are there other fundraising activities besides the Annual Fund at TWS?
A. Yes, while all members of the community will be asked to participate in the Annual Giving Campaign, the school also engages in other fundraising activities. We invite parents, alumni/ae, grandparents and friends of the school to participate in the Candlelight Fair and other smaller fundraising endeavours that may be class/grade focused, or broader community endeavours such as our Loblaws Gift Card Program. Plans are underway for a biennial Auction, starting with our 40th Birthday Celebration in Winter 2009, to draw awareness from local business and environmental groups.
Q. Who supports the Annual Fund?
A. Last year, we ran a Spring Special Giving Campaign in honour of two founding members. More than 130 donors, including current parents, alumni/ae, faculty, staff, trustees and friends of the school who believe in our school contributed to this fund.
Q. Do corporations and foundations typically support an Annual Fund?
A. Typically, corporations contribute to independent schools by matching their employees’ gifts. As TWS is a non-profit organization, you may be able to double or triple your gift by submitting the appropriate matching gift form (available from your employer) along with your contribution. Please contact the Development Office for more information about matching gift eligibility.
Q. Do corporations and foundations provide support for the Annual Fund outside of matching gift programs?
A. The number of foundations supporting annual giving is very small, and generally they contribute only when there is a direct personal connection to the organization. In addition, foundations and corporations generally contribute only restricted funds for specific projects that fall outside everyday operational expenses.
Q. Why is participation important?
A. Participation is crucial for many reasons. The likelihood of foundation support (for any purpose) for our school is strengthened by evidence of broad participation from all members of the community in the Annual Fund. In addition, the level of support the school receives influences all potential donors – both in our immediate community and in the community at large. As we turn to lenders to help us finance aspects of our strategic plan, including the expansion of our Early Childhood program, financial stability (which is partly reflected in the participation levels and the dollars attracted to our school) will be a key factor in determining our success. These are just a few reasons why every gift matters.
Q. How much should I give?
A. You are the only one who knows what you are able to give. We only ask that each person give to the best of his or her ability.
Q. Does the school accept gifts of stock to the Annual Fund?
A. Yes, TWS accepts gifts of stock. This is a terrific way to make a gift to the school. Giving appreciated securities provides you with a tax deduction for the appreciated value of the stock without incurring capital gains tax.
If you have any questions about the school's development program or fundraising goals, please contact Catherine Daugherty, Development Officer, at 905.881.6137 ext. 322 or by email.