Annual Fund FAQs

Why does the Khabele School have an Annual Fund?

Tuition alone does not cover the cost of running our school. It covers most of it, but we rely on fundraising to “cover the gap” between our tuition revenue and the expense of running a great school like ours. We have made it a priority to pay our extraordinary teachers well, offer them high quality health insurance, and continually improve our facilities. Our Annual Fund is an important part of our overall fundraising plan for the year.

Why doesn’t the school just raise the cost of tuition instead of having an Annual Fund?

Donations to our Annual Fund are tax-deductible, while tuition is not. Also, Primavera is committed to keeping tuition as low as possible. The Annual Fund allows families to choose how much they would like to support the school, in addition to their monthly tuition.

I donate auction items, volunteer my time, and attend Khabele School fundraisers. Should I consider donating to the Annual Fund Drive also?

Absolutely, because our Annual Fund Drive provides the most crucial and efficient aspect of our fundraising efforts each year. It serves as the only way we can fundraise without huge overhead costs and intensive volunteer service hours. It is the most effective way to help the school reach its goals, and we ask that you make your gift to the Annual Fund Drive a priority when considering how to contribute to Khabele. Also, unlike ticket purchases and auction winnings, gifts to the Annual Fund Drive are 100% tax-deductible.

Who gives to the Annual Fund?

Parents of students and alumni, students, board members, grandparents and other family members of students, teachers, administrators, family foundations, corporate donation matching programs, and friends of all of these stakeholders give to the Annual Fund. Friends of the school gave either through our Annual Fund Drive, the evening fundraiser, or during one of our other fundraisers or events. Last year:

• 85% of our parents donated.
• 95% of the funds raised were from current parents.
• Gifts ranged from $5 to $50,000.
• The average gift for the Fund Drive was $378.

The average gift for the year including fundraisers, auction items, and the Fund Drive gifts was $827.

I’d like to make a donation, but I’m not sure how much to contribute. What are some guidelines?

We encourage you to donate any amount that works for your family. What’s more important is that everyone in the school community contributes. Our goal is 100% participation at any level so we request that every parent, faculty member, board member, and friend of the school make a donation to the Annual Fund Drive. Your investment in the Khabele School not only supports the enhanced programming we offer current students, but also expresses your commitment to the school’s mission and long-term vision.

Does Khabele receive corporate grants and sponsorships?

No, although many people think that corporations represent one of the largest sources of donations in the philanthropic world, the opposite is actually true. According to Nonprofit Quarterly, in 2009 only 5% of total giving in the U.S. came from corporations, with 13% from foundations, and 82% from individuals. Corporations tend to donate only to those events or large-scale organizations that can ensure adequate press coverage and public relations opportunities. This makes it challenging for small private schools like ours to secure those kinds of funds.

However, we have had success with corporate matching programs, which are designed to match employee gifts to non-profits and double the strength of your gift. Please take a moment to contact your Human Resources department to inquire if your company has such a program. Last year we raised $4,691 through corporate matching programs.

Does the school receive donations from grant-making foundations?

We continuously apply for and obtain grant funds. Since the school’s inception, we have received generous grants from local family foundations. We have been fortunate to attain these awards, because we have found that the grant process is fiercely competitive. Please help us in networking to identify foundations. With the many applications that foundations receive, it is vital to have a personal connection with someone responsible for allocating the grant funds for the year. If you have a connection to a family foundation, please let us know by contacting our Fundraising Coordinator, Jesse Bartholome at j.bartholome@khabele.org.  100% participation in the Annual Fund Drive can help us to receive grants. Most grant-making foundations scrutinize the percentage of contributions coming from the nonprofits’ constituents, i.e., parents, staff, alumni, and board. Your participation in the Annual Fund helps us prove to foundations that we have the support of our community.

 How can I contribute to the Annual Fund Drive?

You can choose from among several ways of making a gift or pledge…

• Make a secure on-line one-time or monthly donation with your credit card at www.khabele.org/donate (Your donation will be allocated to the Primavera Annual Fund if you donate on-line and designate that).
• Make a donation by cash or check to our Administrative Office.
• Donate stock, which qualifies you for a tax deduction on any capital gains or appreciated value.
• ·Make a “planned gift” of large assets or include the school in estate planning.

I’d like to discuss specific fundraising issues further. Whom can I contact?

Jessie Bartholome, j.bartholome@khabele.org or at (512) 480-8142.

How else can I help the school raise funds to support its mission and programs?

Please spread the word about our unique campus and approach. Since our school is still young and does not yet have an established alumni and family network, we need your help in reaching out to others. Please forward this information to friends and family or contact our office to have them added to our mailing list. Thank you!