Our Annual Fund is a giving campaign; it is a direct appeal to parents, grandparents and other relatives, faculty, staff, Directors, alumni families, friends and acquaintances, for financial contributions and importantly, the pledge of time, expertise and community support. In recent years, we began formally recognizing the volunteer time that our families and community donate as a key contribution with the introduction of the Parent Participation Program.
Annual Fund Frequently Asked Questions
In previous years, tuition, fees and government grants covered about 90% of the annual operating expenses of the school. The intended purpose of the Annual Fund Campaign is to help bridge the gap between operating expenses and investments required for strategic needs and initiatives.
About 70% of our operating budget funds salaries for teachers and staff, 10-15% supports facilities, furniture and equipment. The balance (15-20%) funds other expenses such as programs, trips, professional development, mentoring, concerts and special events, community development and outreach.
There would be a significant increase in tuition if the school were to cover its strategic costs this way. No independent school can charge the full cost of educating its students without pricing itself out of the market. That is why every growing independent school has an Annual Fund Campaign. In addition, elementary tuition is a non-tax-deductible contracted contribution to the school, while gifts to the Annual Fund Campaign are fully tax-deductible.
Yes. In addition to asking everyone in the school to participate in Annual Giving, we have ongoing projects each year that also raise funds including the Purdy’s Christmas & Easter Campaigns and other events.
Corporations typically contribute to non-profit independent schools by offering matching gifts to their employees’ contributions. Please inquire at your place of work if there is an employer’s matching gift program.
Very important… your donation income and the positive support generated by volunteers and donors creates enthusiasm and encourages others to join you in supporting the school, and it is an important indicator to foundation and major donors that we have consistent support from our community.
When we talk about Participation, what we mean is the percentage of potential donors, usually parents, who make a gift of any size to the Annual Fund in the current fiscal year (which roughly corresponds to the school year – each begins September 1 and ends with the end of the next August).
This percentage is vital in determinations other organizations make about the strength of the Meadow Montessori school community and our ability to continue to exist. Our parent participation rate, in particular, has a huge impact on outside support. Many corporations, banks, governmental agencies, and foundations consider parent participation rates before agreeing to support to the school, whether through donations, grants, or even loans.
We strive for 100% parent participation each year, and if our rates are not high, it can have real and serious consequences for the school.
Parents, the Board, faculty, staff, alumni, grandparents, and many members of the school’s community contribute to the Meadow Montessori Annual Fund. We are grateful to each and every donor who makes a gift. We seek 100% participation from our faculty, staff and families because it demonstrates to potential donors and grantors that our community is 100% supportive of what we do at Meadow Montessori. Every gift—no matter the size—makes a difference.
You are the only one who knows how much you are able to give, and we ask only that you give to the best of your ability. The act of giving is more than the monetary result. Whatever you decide to donate will make a difference.
- Donate Online HERE; or
- Drop off a cheque in person or send it by mail.
For more information, contact our Office
604-465-3492
Yes. If you use our online donation form which uses PAYPAL and STRIPE to securely take your donation, an official receipt will be issued to you immediately. When you donate to us by any other way, we issue our donation receipts via email or mail by the end of February for the previous tax year.
Yes. You can find our charitable business registration number, our tax returns and other information about us by searching us HERE.
