Guide to Giving

We believe in the power of collaboration 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 CAPTAINS 

As a Class Captain, you'll play a vital role during the Annual Fund campaign by serving as 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 visit our Volunteering and Engagement page or contact Shree Starkman, Director of Development and Community Engagement.

ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN 

The Annual Fund is a donation-based campaign to supports Marin Montessori School's operating budget each year. These tax-deductible gifts play a vital role in sustaining every aspect of our school; ensuring inspiring learning environments, upholding the highest standard of AMI Montessori education, and supporting our tuition assistance program.

Like most independent schools, MMS relies on fundraising to bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the full cost of delivering an exceptional education. Rather than raising tuition to close this gap, we intentionally plan for it, allowing us to keep tuition more accessible and welcome a wider range of students and families.

Every Annual Fund gift directly supports our operations. Donors may choose to direct their gift to the area that most resonates, or allow the school to allocate it where it's needed most:

• Extend Access & Affordability 

• Enrich Academic Programs 

• Beautify & Expand Campuses & Classrooms 

• Retain & Elevate World Class Faculty

We invite each member of our community to give as generously as they are able. Your gift helps provide the resources that make a truly exceptional student experience possible.

ANNUAL FUND GIVING LEVELS

$50,000 - $150,000 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

For over 60 years, the Marin Montessori School community has come together to create an evening of fun and fundraising for vital school initiatives. Over the last six years, we've welcomed an impressive lineup of thought leaders to The Gather for Good, a distinguished speaker series that explores critical topics:

• Former Vice President Al Gore on the actions our students and families can take to combat climate change.
• Alice Waters, the pioneering advocate for "Edible Education" and a renowned food systems expert.
• Actor Joel de la Fuente on immigration and American identity.
• Dr. Ed Catmull, Pixar founder, examining the power of creativity.
• Sam Altman, founder/CEO of OpenAI, considering the future of education. 
• Tine Tchen of the Obama Foundation and Author Julie Lythcott-Haims on brave leadership. 

Our marquee spring event celebrates our shared values, unites our community, and inspires action. We're excited to announce this year's theme soon and welcome your ideas as we prepare for another unforgettable evening. Please join us in shaping the next Gather for Contact Shree Starkman to learn how you can provide support or join the event planning team.

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

Now, in the third year of our three-year Endowment Campaign, we are closer than ever to building an unshakeable foundation for Marin Montessori School. The principal of each endowment gift is invested, and the income it generates provides a steady source of revenue, ensuring continuity during economic uncertainty and enabling MMS to expand, strengthen, and innovate. Your support at this milestone moment helps turn our shared vision into a lasting reality.

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 generations of children. Planned giving can be as simple as including a bequest to MMS in your will or making a gift that secures lifetime income through a remainder trust. 

MATCHING GIFTS

Many employers will match your charitable contributions, sometimes up to 200 percent. Don't miss the chance to double (or even triple) your support! Check with your company to see if it offers a matching gift program, or reach out if we can help you navigate the process. Note that gifts from spouses and retirees may also quailify.

RETAIL GIVEBACK PROGRAMS

Local retailers donate a portion of your purchases back to MMS through their community give-back programs. Support Marin Montessori School effortlessly by participating–details here.