Annual Fund
About
All independent schools have an Annual Fund to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost to educate each student. Gifts to the Annual Fund help Rossman meet current needs and sustain the extraordinary learning opportunities that set it apart. These tax-deductible gifts make up 7% of the School's annual operating budget (Tuition and income from investments make up only 93%). This year’s target contribution is $1,950 per student.
At Rossman, Annual Fund goals are met through gifts from the Board of Trustees, parents, faculty and staff and grandparents. The Annual Fund strives to fulfill two goals: 100% participation from the Board, faculty and staff, and parents, and a dollar amount set by the Board of Trustees.
Annual Fund Blitz for Parents!
The Annual Fund Blitz is a 12-day pledge drive to secure the goal of 100% parent participation. Collecting all pledges early in the year relieves campaign volunteers and enables the school to make more informed budget decisions.
Annual Fund Drive for Grandparents!
Grandparents play a critical role in helping Rossman reach its financial goal set by the Board of Trustees. We are grateful for our incredibly generous and dedicated grandparents who continue to make a difference at Rossman.
FAQs
- Why does Rossman School have an Annual Fund?
- Why is parent participation so important?
- Does my gift make a difference?
- How much should I give?
- When will I be asked to participate?
- If independent schools were run more like a big business, couldn't they charge the full cost and avoid having to ask for gifts?
Why does Rossman School have an Annual Fund?
As an independent school, most of the money needed for operation comes from tuition. Rossman does not receive federal, state or church funds. When the Board of Trustees sets the budget, it is largely based on income from tuition and fees, but the quality of the school’s programs, the select faculty and the scope of activities cost more than tuition provides. Interest from investments and the Annual Fund bridge the gap between the tuition families pay and the actual cost to provide a Rossman education.
Why is parent participation so important?
Strong parent participation signals institutional strength and school pride. It makes a statement to various foundations and corporations who look at these numbers when considering their own financial support. It also means that more individuals are sharing the financial responsibility to support the School. Across the nation, independent school families are making it clear that they understand the need to support schools to the best of their ability.
Does my gift make a difference?
How much should I give?
Because the Annual Fund is critical to the education fo every student, Rossman expects every family to participate at a meaningful level to which they are able. Our target contribution for 2024-2025 is $1,950 per student, however the value of gifts at the Blue and Gold Society levels ($2,500+) cannot be underestimated. These gifts account for over 70% of our total Annual Fund. All Annual Fund gifts to Rossman School are tax-deductible based on the school's 501(c)(3) charitable status.
When will I be asked to participate?
If independent schools were run more like a big business, couldn't they charge the full cost and avoid having to ask for gifts?
Rossman School is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit institution. Unlike a for-profit business, which aims to make money, Rossman aims to provide our students with the very best education. By nature, high-quality schools are labor-intensive and people-oriented. In order to provide the best programs and competitive compensation to our outstanding faculty and staff, we continually evaluate and assess tuition increases, auxiliary programs and effective fundraising initiatives.
And unlike tuition, contributions to Annual Fund are fully tax-deductible and allow each family to give at a meaningful level to which they are able.
2024-2025 At a Glance
Pledge Deadline: September 20, 2024
Payment Deadline: May 15, 2025
Goals: $450,000 and 100% parent participation
Ask Per Student:
1 student = $1,950
2 students = $3,900
3 students = $5,850
4 students = $7,800
Parent Participation to Date:
| Junior Kindergarten | 100% | Third Grade | 100% | |
| Senior Kindergarten | 100% | Fourth Grade | 100% | |
| First Grade | 100% | Fifth Grade | 100% | |
| Second Grade | 100% | Sixth Grade | 100% |
Matching Gifts Make a Difference: Last year, matching gifts accounted for 4%, or $19,500, of total Annual Fund dollars. Please check to see if your company is a matching gift company! In the past, Rossman has received matches from the following companies:
| AbbVie | Equifax |
| Ameren Corporation | |
| Anheuser-Busch | Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals |
| Apple, Inc. | MasterCard |
| Bank of America | Northwestern Mutual |
| Bayer | Pfizer |
| Becton Dickinson | Reinsurance Group of America |
| Boeing | Tegna, Inc. |
| CBRE Group, Inc. | Verizon |
| Cigna | Wells Fargo |
| Dell, Inc. |
