Annual Fund Drive 2018-19
Dear Parents and Friends,
FOR 40 YEARS WE HAVE BEEN PROVIDING MONTESSORI EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN IN POWAY and beyond!
In past years our fundraising has provided for replacing windows, blinds, border around the climber, garden boxes, all teachers to attend a weekend Montessori Convention, replacing some well used materials and of course much more. Last year our goal was to replace the flooring upstairs; unfortunately, though we were ready to do that the 36-year-old air conditioner died at the beginning of summer. At around the same time the dishwasher and refrigerator gave up on us. As you can imagine these were immediate needs. It was great that we had the funds from The MCDC Fund to remedy these problems. This year we hope to follow through on the floors, painting and replacing our out dated sprinkler system.
On the occasion of our 40th year we hope that you will honor MCDC with a generous donation.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart,
Marijane Schafer, head of school.
The MCDC Fund
Every year members of our extended MCDC family—current and past parents, grandparents, LHM parents, alumni and friends of the School—are asked to make an important and positive difference in the educational lives of our students by contributing to the MCDC Fund, MCDC’s annual giving program and our School’s key fundraising priority.
Like almost all independent schools, tuition income at MCDC covers less than 100% of the actual expenditure of educating a student. MCDC, as well as other independent schools, budget this way to keep tuition as affordable as possible to the broadest possible segment of the community. Annual gifts to the MCDC Fund are a vital part of our overall operating budget. Donations to The MCDC Fund are unrestricted. This allows the Administration to use the resources from the fund where they are needed most at any time during the year.
The MCDC Fund campaign begins in November and closes at the end of June each year. Our goal is for 100% participation from parents. While the ability to give varies from family to family, full participation of our parent body is vitally important. When every family contributes, it strengthens MCDC’s resources and serves as a testament to the commitment of the school community. As a 501c3 non-profit corporation, gifts may be tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
What is the MCDC Fund and how is the money used?
The MCDC Fund is the name of MCDC’s annual fund drive, our highest priority fundraising effort. Contributions to the MCDC Fund go directly to support critical day-to-day operating expenses of the school. These expenses include salaries for the teachers our students know and love, Montessori materials, faculty professional development, special presenters and outdoor education, financial aid, and upkeep of the facilities.
Is fundraising unique to MCDC?
Most independent schools rely on the generosity and loyalty of their community (current families, alumni, grandparents and friends) to make charitable, tax deductible contributions to close the gap between what is covered by tuition and the actual cost of a student’s education.
What amount can I give?
The level of your gift is something only your family can determine. We ask that current families consider making a meaningful gift, what we like to call their “Best Effort.” We ask that current families consider MCDC their top philanthropic priority. Although there is a wide range in the extent of gifts, the typical gift to such a fund drive in private schools is $1,000 or more. We cannot emphasize enough, however, that every gift makes a difference, regardless of its size.
May I charge my gift?
Absolutely! You may charge your gift with a credit card by using PayPal (www.mcdcpoway.com/paypal). You can also set up monthly contributions if you like.
If I can’t donate what I’d like to right away, can I make a pledge to The MCDC Fund?
Some participants choose to submit a pledge form and make the payment at some other time. Payments may also be made in installments over time provided that they are paid in full by June 30, the end of MCDC’s fiscal year.