Annual Fund FAQ

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s with all independent schools, tuition does not cover the total cost of educating each student.  For that reason, Stevens relies on generous Annual Fund contributions from parents, grandparents, faculty, staff and alumni/ae. As you may be unfamiliar with the concept of an annual fund, we would like to answer some of the most common questions we receive from families about it.

FAQ

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Where does the money go?

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The money you give to the Annual Fund goes towards meeting the current operating needs of the school. This means the Annual Fund helps cover such items as teacher salaries, financial aid, classroom supplies and other typical school expenses.

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Why aren’t our tuition dollars enough?

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Tuition only provides 85 percent of the average independent school’s operating income. It is important to us to keep our tuition relatively affordable as we are committed to providing a Stevens education to as many qualified students as possible. Raising tuition to cover all costs would make an independent school education out of reach for all but the wealthiest families.

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When does the Annual Fund Appeal occur?

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You will receive a letter asking you to give generously to the Annual Fund shortly after the start of the school year. We encourage families to give as quickly as possible, realizing that some may choose to defer their contribution into the next tax year. The appeal is officially over at the end of our fiscal year, June 30.

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Is my contribution tax deductible?

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Yes. Stevens is a non-profit institution, and your contribution is deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.

Q

Does the School qualify for my company’s matching gift or volunteer program?

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Yes. As an accredited elementary school, and a registered 501(c)3 institution, the school qualifies for most matching gift programs, including those offered through the United Way and many employers.

Q

What is the Annual Fund goal this year?

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The goal for 2012-2013 is $150,000.

Every year we seek 100 percent participation from parents, faculty and staff. Your participation is key. A gift from you is an explicit demonstration of your support of Stevens. Active participation in the annual fund is a critical measure of the strength of our community, and tells the foundations from whom we seek support that parents value the school and what it provides to their students.

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Do parents receive public acknowledgement of their gifts?

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Yes, names of donors are listed in our school’s Annual Report.

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Can our gift remain anonymous?

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Yes, donors can remain anonymous upon request.

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Who organizes the Annual Fund?

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The Annual Fund is coordinated by the Development Office with the support of the Board of Trustees.

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How do I make a gift?

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You can make a gift online here on our website. under Supporting Stevens. We can accept cash, personal or business checks made payable to Stevens Cooperative School and sent to the main office 301 Garden Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. These can also be dropped off at any of the school’s facilities. Alternately, you can contact Joyce Doyle at 201.626.4020 to organize a credit card payment. Or contact Joyce to make arrangements to give your gift in securities.

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What if I want discuss other plans for charitable giving to the school?

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Joyce Doyle, our school’s director of development, is available to meet with families that wish to make Stevens part of their planned giving. Please call her at 201.626.4020.