Annual Fund FAQs

Annual Fund FAQs

What is the Annual Fund?

The Annual Fund is the collection of money that is given to the school over the course of a school year. The majority of charter schools across the nation conduct an Annual Fund, as it is essential to operation. Participation in the Annual Fund is an important priority because we value Casa's unique blend of attentiveness to the development of the whole child through Montessori education practices, language studies options, and high-quality academics within a purposefully small community.

 

Why is it necessary? Isn't public funding enough?

As is the case with most charter schools, the cost of tuition does not cover the school's operating costs. Charter schools receive, on average, $1200 less in per pupil funding than would a district-supported school educating the same student. This is primarily because of what is commonly referred to as the “building gap” for Charter Schools. Although we receive per-pupil funding similarly to a Wake County School, we do not receive a building to house the school. This means that almost 20% of our entire operating budget goes to paying the rent on our school building.

Money spent on rent is money not spent on music and art programs, teacher training or classroom supplies. In fact, the success of our Annual Fund has a direct impact on our ability to continue to raise the quality of Casa's programs and education.

 

How does the Annual Fund work?

Parents, Board Members, and Faculty work with the Board Development Commmittee  to encourage other parents, grandparents, faculty, alumni, and community members to give. There are two goals in mind: 1) a budgeted gross dollar amount and 2) a set participation goal for each group. Many foundations to which we apply for grants look closely at participation figures.

 

What do these unrestricted, tax-deductible gifts to the Annual Fund support?

The Annual Fund supports Montessori training, program development, and co-curricular programs in the Children's House, Lower and Upper Elementary such as our Media Center materials and programming and grants to the United Arts Council. Overall, students get access and equipment, faculty get more professional support, alumni get a healthier, stronger alma mater, and parents get the best teaching and resources possible for their children.

 

How much should I donate to the Annual Fund?

 

We encourage our parents to make Casa one of their highest philanthropic priorities while their children are students here. Annual Fund gifts range in size from $5 to well more than $10,000. While leadership gifts help to ensure the school's economic strength, a gift in any amount is important and appreciated as it demonstrates the donor's understanding and commitment to Casa.

Can I pay in installments?

 

Yes. You may pledge in the fall and pay on a schedule of your choice prior to June 30th. Pledge reminders will be mailed periodically. Please make your checks payable to Casa Esperanza Montessori.