Guide to Giving

We believe in the power of collaboration and shared efforts to create an enriching and nurturing environment for our students. That's why we're inviting you to become an essential part of our mission by volunteering with us. Whether you have a few hours to spare or are looking for more extensive involvement, there's a place for you in our volunteer community. 

In the following roles, you'll have the chance to connect with other parents, staff, and students while making a meaningful difference:

ADMISSIONS AMBASSADORS/STEWARD

As Ambassadors, you'll be the friendly faces that help guide families through the admissions process. And as Stewards, your warm welcome and willingness to share your experiences will be instrumental in helping families feel connected and informed.

ANNUAL FUND LEVEL CAPTAINS 

As a Class Captain, you'll play a vital role during the Annual Fund campaign by being a knowledgeable resource for questions and conversations about the impact of donations and encouraging 100 percent participation from your class.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 

The Board of Trustees’ objective is to safeguard and advance the mission of Marin Montessori School. The board consists of current and alumni parents, alumni,  grandparents, and key community representatives, all of whom share a deep commitment to MMS.

ROOM PARENT/CLASSROOM ASSISTANCE

Room parents play a vital role in organizing class-wide activities and collaborating with teachers. Other classroom volunteer opportunities include caring for plants, animals, or gardens during breaks or sharing a special skill like art, music, or other expertise.

EVENT PLANNING

Help organize and execute a variety of school events, ranging from fundraisers to community-building gatherings. Your creative ideas and enthusiastic energy will play a crucial role in making these occasions truly memorable.

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION 

You are the PA! Collaborate with other parents to enhance our school’s programs and build community through school-wide events.

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We’re excited to welcome you as a volunteer. Together, we can create a vibrant and thriving community that supports the growth and development of all our students.

For more information regarding volunteer opportunities, please contact Lily Harrington, PA President, or Shree Starkman, Director of Development and Community Engagement.

ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN 

The Annual Fund is a donation-based campaign to support the school’s yearly operating budget. These tax-deductible contributions play a pivotal role in sustaining all facets of the school's operations. This includes providing an exceptional standard of AMI Montessori education across all classrooms, cultivating inspiring indoor and outdoor learning environments, and underwriting our tuition assistance program.

Just as in other independent schools, tuition covers a substantial portion of our operational expenses, but not all of them. While MMS could raise tuition, our strategic approach of budgeting for a fundraising gap aids in maintaining an affordable tuition structure to welcome a more diverse range of students and families.

Every contribution to the Annual Fund supports MMS’ operating budget to bridge the tuition gap per student. Donors have the opportunity to allow the school to apply the funds to the area of greatest need or direct their gift to an area that most aligns with their interests and values:

• Extend Access & Affordability 

• Enrich Academic Programs 

• Beautify & Expand Campuses & Classrooms 

• Retain & Elevate World Class Faculty

We wholeheartedly urge each community member to consider giving as generously as possible. Your contributions are instrumental in fortifying the enduring financial well-being of our beloved school.

ANNUAL FUND GIVING LEVELS

$50,000 and above Century Circle

$25,000 - $49,999 Visionaries

$15,000 - $24,999 Innovators

$10,000 - $14,999 Explorers

$5,000 - $9,999 Scholars

$2,500 - $4,999 Builders

$1,000 - $2,499 Mentors

up to $999 Friends

Since MMS’ inception 60 years ago, parents, faculty, and staff have been contributing their creative energies to curate an evening of fun and community building to fund important initiatives for our school.

In 2019-2020, we reimagined our annual event and launched a distinguished speaker series titled ”The Gather for Good.” This event serves as an opportunity for our community to unite in celebrating our shared values, strengths, and passions as we delve into the topics that matter most.

Since The Gather launched, we have been privileged to host former Vice President, Al Gore; leading “Edible Education” advocate, Alice Waters; acclaimed actor, Joel de la Fuente, who brought American history to life for us on Angel Island; and founder of Pixar, Dr. Ed Catmull, in conversation with our own poised and thoughtful MMS students on the power of creativity. This past year, Sam Altman, the founder and CEO of OpenAI, joined us for a thought-provoking conversation about how, at the dawn of this new era, we can continue to prepare students for thoughtful, vibrant lives of purpose.

We look forward to announcing this year's theme soon and welcome your ideas and support as we prepare for another incredible evening. Volunteer opportunities range from event planning to community partnerships and night-of support. Please contact Shree Starkman for more details.

CAPITAL GIVING

Gifts that support costly improvements to the school’s programs and campus can be discussed at any time throughout the year. We welcome parent engagement and vision for developing mission-aligned projects that support our short and long-term strategic plan as outlined by the campus planning committee.

ENDOWMENT GIVING

Gifts to the Endowment strengthen our long-term financial health and sustainability. The principal of an endowment gift is invested, and the income generated becomes a source of revenue for general or targeted support. These funds enable MMS to ensure mission continuity throughout economic fluctuations and take advantage of timely opportunities to expand, strengthen, and innovate.

PLANNED GIVING

Planned gifts are a way to meet your philanthropic and financial goals while leaving a legacy that supports a Marin Montessori education for future children. Planned giving can be as simple as including a bequest to MMS in your will or a gift that can secure income for life through a remainder trust. 

MATCHING GIFTS

Don’t miss the opportunity to double your gift! Many employers offer to match employee gifts to charitable organizations up to 200 percent. Please check with your company to see if it offers matching gifts, or let us know if we can assist you with this process. Remember that gifts from spouses and retirees may also be eligible.