FAQs

Q

We spend a great deal of money at Montgomery School, I was under the impression that tuition would cover all of the School’s expenses. Why must additional money be raised?

A

Like most independent schools, Montgomery does not fully cover the cost of educating its students through tuition. In fact, tuition funds only 90% of the cost of educating students. To balance our budget, we depend on voluntary giving to the Annual Fund. Gifts help bridge the gap between tuition and the true cost of educating a Montgomery student. Many people like to think of their Annual Fund contribution as their tax deductible portion of tuition.

Q

Why doesn’t Montgomery just charge what it really costs to educate a child?

A

Montgomery School is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization. The federal government exempts non-profit organizations from paying taxes because they provide a social good, in our case, education. Non-profits are then expected to demonstrate their value to society and their constituents by raising voluntary, charitable contributions. Further, as part of this social good, we must also do everything we can to make independent school education accessible to as many talented young people as possible. This means keeping tuition within reach for as many people as possible, not only to those with the greatest means or those with the least. Greater diversity in our student body enriches the educational experience of all students.

Q

How much do you expect me to give?

A

We ask every family to treat Montgomery School as a priority in your charitable giving, according to your means. Gifts to the Annual Fund range from $25 to $20,000. Leadership gifts start at $1,000, and these donors receive special recognition. Leadership giving levels are as follows:

• Founder’s Society-$10,000 and above
• Almy Society-$5,000 to $9,999
• Martin Society-$3,500 to 4,999
• 1915 Circle-$1,915 to $3,499
• Chester Springs Society-$1,000 to $1,914

Montgomery welcomes and needs many smaller gifts that together add up to a significant sum and demonstrate broad support for the School. All gifts are crucial to the School’s economic stability, and Montgomery appreciates gifts of every size.

Q

Why is participation important to Montgomery?

A

Montgomery seeks funding from foundations and corporations for special curricular and other projects. These foundations take special note of how Montgomery alumni, parents and friends – the most knowledgeable and informed – support the School. High participation rates in annual giving, particularly among Boards of Trustees and current parents, demonstrate to other potential funds that Montgomery has a committed and loyal constituency.

Q

I’ve already given - I made a multi-year pledge to the tile campaign.

A

Gifts to the tile campaign/capital campaign supported Montgomery’s long term goal to improve facilities, not the day-to-day operations of the school. So while we still need to pay for the buildings with all the pledges that have been made, we still incur ongoing operational expenses each year and need support in this area as well.

Q

I always attend and purchase something at the Annual Benefit. Why do I need to give to the Annual Fund too?

A

Gifts to the Annual Fund are the most cost efficient way to support Montgomery School. Events incur tremendous expense and are not sufficient to cover the operating budget gap not covered by tuition. Additionally, all events combined only raise about $130,000. We need everyone’s participation to close the gap, with events helping to push us over the top.

Q

Can’t the School find other ways to raise money, like government funding or facilities rental?

A

Unlike public schools, Montgomery School and other independent schools receive no government funding. We have three revenue streams – tuition and other fees, annual giving and some revenue from rental of our facilities.

Rental of facilities to other organizations causes considerable depreciation. It also requires significant administrative costs to coordinate with renters, clean facilities after their use, and cover necessary insurance. We are currently optimizing the net revenue we receive from facilities rental, taking all of these factors into consideration.