FAQ about Annual Fund
What is the Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund benefits everyone at St Rose of Lima School, everyday. Consisting of unrestricted donations, the Annual Fund is the Heart of the Schools philanthropic community, as it supports each year’s operating budget. The Annual Fund accounts for 33% of the school’s budget and has a transformative effect on our community.
Why do we need the Annual Fund?
The programs at St Rose School go beyond what a typical school in a small community can provide. The experiences our students enjoy would not be possible without the yearly contributions made to the Annual Fund. These investments provide what tuition revenue alone cannot. What many people do not realize is that tuition only covers 82% of the operating costs of the school. A gift to our Annual Fund helps to bridge that gap. It also helps create an environment in which students are given opportunities to learn, grow and give back.
How are Annual Fund Dollars used?
Gifts to the Annual Fund support our academic programs, classroom technology, special programs, and faculty professional development, as well as the arts, and security efforts. St Rose School constantly seeks to advance and improve school programs, equipment and facilities without generous Annual Fund gifts, a lot of this would not be possible. These priorities are identified by the Principal and faculty, ensuring Annual Fund Dollars are used to benefit the students in the best possible way.
Why doesn’t the school simply raise tuition?
The School Advisory Board sets tuition as low as possible while still maintaining the overall high quality of our programs. No independent school could charge full cost without pricing itself out of the market. Our current per pupil cost is $6,660.00, this leaves us with a deficit of $1,160.00 per student. This is why we need help from friends and benefactors that can help our St Rose families who otherwise would not be able to afford tuition. We believe that a St Rose Education should be accessible to as many talented, deserving young students as possible. A diverse student population enriches the educational experience for all of our students and their families.
How is this different from the Annual Fund Fee we pay along with tuition?
That tax deductible donation is vital to our Operating Budget. However, it only does a small part to bridge the gap between actual tuition and per pupil cost.
Why am I being asked for contact information of friends and family?
We recognize the sacrifice that many parents are making by choosing a Catholic Education. The Annual Fund is an opportunity to invite our family and friends to participate in the ministry of Catholic Education.
I give a great deal of time to my school. Why should I give as well?
We need and value every family’s support in every way. If you are fortunate enough to have both time and money, please share them as generously as possible. If you have little time or little money, please do whatever you can. Remember, every gift of every size MAKES A DIFFERENCE!