FAQs

Hide All

Why Annual Fund first? Hide

The Annual Fund directly supports operating expenses not covered by tuition or endowment income. Upon receipt, Annual Fund contributions are immediately put to good use. Last year the program contributed over 6% to our operating revenue. These funds are critical to the financial well-being of Convent & Stuart Hall which is why we ask our community to give to the Annual Fund before contributing to our other worthy programs.

Why should I give? Hide

Tuition covers less than 83% of the cost of educating each student. Your Annual Fund gift helps us make up that difference. Last year’s operating shortfall per student was $2,193 which is the difference between tuition and the full cost of this outstanding independent school education. Tuition is set based on the assumption that we will have strong participation in the Annual Fund.

Why is 100% participation so important? Hide

Foundations look at Annual Fund percentage participation as a significant criterion for grant funding. Bond rating agencies look at Annual Fund participation as an indicator of financial stability. Our reputation for fiscal excellence, as evidenced by Moody’s recent reaffirmation of our investment-grade bond rating, is enhanced by the generous response to the Annual Fund from our parents, alumni and friends. Whatever the size of your gift, your name will be listed in next year’s Annual Report and gifts from all levels count toward our goal of 100% participation.

Is the Director's club the same as the Annual Fund? Hide

Yes. The Director’s Club represents the leadership levels of the Annual Fund. A personal gift of $3,000 and above enrolls the donor in the Director’s Club.It is the key element to the success of the Annual Fund because Director’s Club members contribute more than 75% of the Annual Fund dollars. Each year the Director of Schools and the Board of Trustees host a dinner honoring all Director’s Club donors at the Flood Mansion in early February.

What is Convent & Stuart Hall's operating budget? Hide

Approximately $25,000,000. The operating budget is the money that the schools use for day-to-day operations. Included in the operating budget are items such as teacher salaries, employee health benefits, utilities, property insurance, classroom supplies, athletics and the arts.

Where does the money for the operating budget come from? Hide

The operating budget is funded by tuition (87%), the Annual Fund Program (6%) and other revenues and support (i.e., foundation grants and endowment) (7%).

What percentage of the Annual operating budget is earmarked for financial aid and what is that dollar amount? Hide

Approximately 11% and $ 2,771,632.

Do faculty and staff support the Annual Fund? Hide

Absolutely!Each of the fours schools plus Central Services have an Annual Fund Captain.We achieved 100% participation by all Convent & Stuart Hall employees in the 2006-2007 term.

What is the difference between a gift to the Annual Fund and the Parents' Association events? Hide

The Parents’ Association activities, such as Golf & Tennis Tournament and Celebrate Spring, fund campus projects that are NOT funded by the operating budget. Although we are grateful for the gifts made to these events and hope that many of our families will contribute, we do ask that your first gift be to the Annual Fund.

We volunteer in our child's classroom - why should we support the Annual Fund? Hide

We deeply appreciate the time volunteers give our students. It enriches everyone’s experience. However, gifts to the Annual Fund are critical for a stable revenue base.Because we are a non-profit, we need both volunteers and donations to support our quality programming.

Can donations be made to the Annual Fund at anytime during the year? I'm expecting a tax refund and would like to use a portion of that as donation. Hide

Donations can be made any time during the fiscal year (July 1-June 30). We count Annual Fund pledges in our participation statistics, and payments are not due until May 31^st of each school year. Please make your pledge early in the year and let us know when you would like to receive a reminder. Annual Fund contributions are put to immediate use and we urge all donors who can to pay their gift early.

Are donors to the Annual Fund recognized in the Annual Report? Hide

Yes, unless they wish to remain anonymous. But because we believe gifts to Convent & Stuart Hall should be celebrated and honored, we recognize all giving (dollars, planned and in-kind) in the Annual Report. Donors are listed in giving categories as well as with their constituency group(s).