Giving

Questions and Answers

QHow is Marin Montessori funded as an independent school? Hide

Tuition provides the largest segment of revenue to the school. Other funds are derived from tax-deductible contributions, donations to the Annual Fund, participation in the annual Auction, and income on investments.

QDoesn't tuition cover costs at MMS? Hide

Not quite. Tuition covers most operating costs including salaries, benefits, supplies, utilities and maintenance, but the Annual Fund closes the gap between tuition and expenses. The gap between tuition and all costs is $1,910 per student. Parents, past-parents, alumni, corporations and foundations all support the school by their contributions to the Annual Fund. Construction of facilities comes from Capital Campaign funding, not the Annual Fund.

QWhen can gifts be made to the Annual Fund? Hide

Annual Fund gifts are accepted anytime during the year. The school's fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends the following June 30. Because gifts from the Annual Fund are anticipated in the year’s operating budget, early gifts are greatly appreciated. Also, early gifts and pledges reduce mailings and overhead costs, saving Annual Fund dollars for use toward academics and other school programs.

QIs our gift to the school tax-deductible? Hide

Yes, all charitable gifts are tax-deductible according to IRS regulation.

QWhat are matching gifts and how can I make sure my gift is matched? Hide

Many employers will match gifts made by their employees, retirees, and directors to non-profit organizations; some even offer a higher than 1 to 1 match. Please contact your company’s human resources department. By spending a few short minutes filling out a simple form, you can often double the power of your donation to MMS.

QAm I recognized for my matching gift? Hide

Yes. For example, if a donor gives $500 to the Annual Fund and his/her company matches that gift with another $500, the donor is recognized for the full $1,000 donation.

QHow much should I give to the Annual Fund? Hide

That is a question each family must decide. We encourage everyone to give in the generous spirit that is so much a part of MMS. Every gift, regardless of the amount, is greatly appreciated and important to the success of the Annual Fund. Our giving levels are listed below.

Annual Fund gifts are made at the following levels:

Friend	up to $250
Contributor	$251 to $500
Supporter	$501 to $1,000
Partner	$1,001 to $2,500
Benefactor	$2,501 to $5,000
Patron	$5,001 to $10,000
Leader	Above $10,000

QWhat does the Annual Fund support? Hide

Annual Fund gifts are not restricted, or directed, and therefore go to work immediately to support programs throughout every level of the school, including classrooms, arts, faculty development and tuition assistance.