Annual Fund Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is a fund of unrestricted contributions from parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the School that is used to defray the extra costs of a Harbor School education that tuition revenue alone does not cover. Donations to the Annual Fund meet the need in the yearly operating budget, helping to sustain and improve the School in all areas. Annual Fund contributions support faculty and staff salaries and benefits, curriculum materials and enhancements, professional development programs for faculty, and improvements to the facility.
Why should I give to the Annual Fund when I already pay so much in tuition?
Tuition revenue alone does not cover the cost of a Harbor education. Like other independent schools, Harbor relies on tuition, Annual Fund contributions, and other fundraising events like the Auction, to help meet operating costs. After tuition, the largest source of yearly income is the Annual Fund, making it vital to the School's financial health.
Why not increase the tuition if it does not cover all the costs of a Harbor education?
As part of our commitment to making a Harbor education available to qualified students regardless of financial circumstances, the Board of Trustees works to minimize tuition increases. Raising tuition to meet all costs would mean that many families would be unable to send their children to Harbor. Additionally, contributions to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible, while tuition is not. This gives each family a chance to write off a portion of the cost of their child's education.
Is Harbor in a budget crisis? Why does it need extra money to meet its budget?
Harbor is not in a budget crisis. Like every independent school, Harbor determines its annual budget in a fiscally responsible way, as a means of funding those things that are at the core of a Harbor School education. The Annual Fund helps to pay for the extras that allow Harbor to remain competitive with other area schools, both in terms of program offerings and teacher retention.
How much should I/we give?
Only you can decide how much to contribute to Harbor each year, though it is hoped that Harbor families will make the School a philanthropic priority. We encourage families to consider giving at the Leadership gift level of $2,500 or more, if they are able.
What is a leadership gift?
Leadership giving is the cornerstone of the Annual Fund at Harbor. During the 2006-2007 year, approximately 75% of the total amount donated to the Annual Fund was from leadership gifts of $2,500 or more. The leadership gift levels are a way to acknowledge those donors who make a special commitment to The School.
| Admirals | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Captains | $10,000 - $14,999 |
| Skippers | $7,500 - $9,999 |
| Navigators | $5,000 - $7,499 |
| Mariners | $2,500 - $4,999 |
| Sustaining gift levels: | |
| Ensigns | $1,000 - $2,499 |
| First Mates | $500 - $999 |
| Harbor Masters | Gifts up to $499 |
What if I can only give a little?
Every gift is important in terms of reaching our overall goals. We would be delighted with any gift you can make as it helps the School to reach 100% participation and demonstrates your commitment to and confidence in Harbor.
Is my contribution tax deductible?
Yes. All gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. You will receive an acknowledgement from the School for your tax records.
How can I make a gift?
Gifts to The Harbor School can be made in a variety of ways, including gifts of cash, credit card, matching gifts, and gifts of securities.