Home Giving to The Meadows

We pay tuition–why do we need to donate to this Fund?
The bottom line is this:  Annual Fund provides support for on-going, day-to-day needs, making an immediate impact on the daily lives of Meadows students and faculty. The talented teachers, small classe sizes, and exceptional offerings in every discipline and area from the arts to athletics are just some of the benefits you receive when you support this Fund to help balance the annual operating budget. When your child is in School, this all translates to more personalized attention and increased intellectual stimulation. Tuition only covers 85 percent of the School's operating budget, and Annual Fund bridges that gap.

The School appears to have lots of money with a beautiful campus and lovely buildings–why do I need to give beyond what I pay in tuition and fees?
It is easy to overestimate the true value of how affluent schools may be. Because The Meadows charges strong tuition and enjoys attractive facilities, you may assume the School is rich, financially strong, and the teachers are well paid with financial needs at a minimum. But for our school and the vast majority of independent schools, tuition covers less of the full cost of educating each child–your child.

Annual Fund makes up the difference between what tuition covers and the actual cost of operating the School. It acts like a checking account, helping the School to accomplish its daily work. Annual Fund supports library resources, lab equipment, new technology and more. Annual Fund ensures that The Meadows School provides the best possible education for your sons and daughters. The stronger the School is financially, the more able it is to deliver the programs that makes a Meadows degree so desirable and valued.
That is why your giving is so critical.

Is Annual Fund used to build new buildings on campus?
No, all buildings and campus improvements have been paid for by the generosity of current and past TMS parents and supporters. Tuition dollars and Annual Fund donations are not used for these expenses which are called capital expenses. TMS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution making all of your Annual Fund contributions fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

If I can only make a small gift, does it really make an impact?
Yes! The Meadows has fewer supporters than long-established independent schools, colleges and universities, or large charities. Because the number who can give is limited and the School's alumni base is still very small and the need is large, then every gift is vital and counts. Regardless of the size of the gift, it is an expression of your support. Participation matters overall!

Why is participation so important?
High participation is a vote of confidence, a sign that parents support the School and its mission. The Meadows strives for 100 percent participation, but at this time is well behind the top prep schools in the United States in  percentage support. This high percentage of support is immeasurable when the School seeks gifts from outside sources as most foundations consider parent participation before agreeing to donate funds to a school.

How much should I give?
This is a question that only you can answer. Because of the direct impact that these gifts have on the day-to-day activities at The Meadows, the hope is that you will give at the highest level you feel is most comfortable, but remember, if you can give a certain dollar amount one month, you may be able to repeat it monthly in order to increase your very important overall contribution!  Every gift counts.

Can I give anonymously?
The Meadows School understands and respects your desire to remain anonymous. At the time of your contribution, please indicate that you do not wish your name to appear in any of the School's public recognition materials. You may also call the Development Office with this request.

What is the best time to give?
Individuals and families are encouraged to pledge and make gifts early in the school year (between September and the income tax fiscal year ending in December). Early donations translate into lower administrative costs per dollar raised per year. However, you may give at any time during the Annual Fund fiscal year from July 1 through June 30.