GIVING TO GIDDENS SCHOOL

Independent schools – that is, schools like Giddens School that are non-profit, self-governing and not government supported – rely on more than tuition to provide their students with a high quality education.  They rely on voluntary support from alumni, trustees, parents and friends.  Giddens School budgets for a better education than can be afforded from tuition alone because they anticipate voluntary support from parents and others.  At Giddens, one of the most important ways in which families demonstrate their voluntary support is through the Annual Fund. 

WHAT IS THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE?

The Development Office is staffed by Director of Development.  The Development Office handles many administrative activities including:

• Fundraising, such as Annual Fund Giving, the yearly Auction, and grantwriting
• Communications and Marketing, such as the monthly newsletter and advertising in local publications  
• Special Events, such as the Auction, and Special Friends Day/Grandparents Day
• Alumni Relations, such as the yearly alumni reunion

THE ANNUAL FUND

The Annual Fund is the annual fundraising program that helps balance the operating budget and is the school’s top fundraising priority.  Contributions to the Annual Fund help support our dedicated teachers’ salaries and professional development; financial assistance for our students; and special enrichment programs like dance, Spanish, and more.  Annual giving, which exists at every independent school, provides the essential funds needed, above and beyond tuition, to enable the School to operate effectively and to provide a truly outstanding education for our students.  The Annual Fund is an exceedingly important way in which our entire community contributes to the mission of Giddens School. 

WHY DOES GIDDENS SCHOOL NEED MY DONATION? 

Tuition alone does not cover the cost of the unique educational opportunities of Giddens School.  In fact, tuition covers only 79% of the cost of operating the school.  The gap between tuition and the true cost of educating one student for a full year at Giddens is $1732.   Giddens depends on contributions from parents, alumni, trustees, faculty and friends to support and enhance its excellent educational program. 

WHY DOESN’T TUITION COVER THE COST OF EDUCATING A CHILD AT GIDDENS?

In setting tuition rates, the Board of Trustees endeavors to balance several important priorities – including attracting and retaining a dynamic faculty and administration; maintaining small class size; ensuring socio-economic diversity; and a rich academic program.  At most independent schools, meeting these priorities means setting tuition at a level that leaves a gap in the budget between tuition received and the true cost of educating each student.

HOW DO FAMILIES SUPPORT THE ANNUAL FUND?

Annual Fund gifts are generally unrestricted, and all Giddens families are asked to give a yearly tax-deductible contribution.  We understand that charitable giving is a personal decision, and gifts of any size are valued as we strive for 100% family participation. 

CAN  MY GIFT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Yes.  Each and every dollar from every donor makes a difference and will ensure that our dynamic programs continue to grow.  In addition, when we solicit gifts from other sources, like foundations, they evaluate the participation percentages of our families, trustees, staff, and alumni.  Gifts of any size push us toward the 100% goal and make a major impact for our school and, most importantly, our students. 

Thank you for your generosity!

For more information on Development activities at Giddens School please call 324.4847 ext. *833 or email at: development@giddensschool.org.  

Click here for 05-06 Annual report (pdf).

Click here for a printable donation form (pdf).

Giddens School tax ID # is 91-0886831