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What is the purpose of annual giving?
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You want more for your child and so do we. We want our students to have the best Montessori education available. Your charitable contribution helps Chiaravalle to make continuous improvements that enhance your child's educational experience.
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What does tuition cover?
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Tuition pays for most of the basic costs of providing an education at Chiaravalle, but not all. That's where annual giving comes in. In addition to providing funds that allow Chiaravalle to thrive, annual fund contributions help cover annual increases in operating costs.
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Why not just raise tuition?
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Our parents assure us again and again that one of the many things that makes this school so special is its mission to provide a culturally and socio-economically diverse environment. A significant tuition increase would preclude a Chiaravalle education for many of the families who attend now.
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Is Chiaravalle unusual among schools for seeking philanthropic support?
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No, it's common practice in independent schools to solicit their families and friends for support. Without that support —most of which comes from parents — such schools would have to raise their tuition, usually significantly. At Chiaravalle we would have to raise tuition by as much as 20 to 25 percent.
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How much am I expected to give?
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We encourage families to show support for the people and programs that make Chiaravalle special by giving to the Annual Fund each year. The suggested minimum is $25, but many families are able to be much more generous. Donations typically range from $10 to over 10,000. The important thing is to participate by making a gift that is appropriate given your family's finances. Every contribution is appreciated, regardless of the amount.
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How can I make a gift?
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Philanthropic gifts to the school may be made in the form of cash, check, credit card payments, or gifts of appreciated securities. Contact the Development Office for information on how to transfer stock.
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Is my donation tax deductible?
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Yes, contributions to both the annual fund and the Campaign for Chiaravalle are tax-deductible. Purchases of items at the Book Fair or through the SpiritWear program, for example, while not subject to sales tax, are not tax-deductible. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes each January that lists all the tax-deductible gifts you made to the school in the prior calendar year.
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When should I make my gift?
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We welcome gifts at any time. However, it helps significantly with the school's budget planning to know the annual fund total as early in the school year as possible. We ask that you make a pledge to the annual fund prior to the end of December. All contributions to the annual fund campaign must be received by May 31 to count toward the current fiscal year.