FAQs about the Culture of Philanthropy at Redwood Day School
Q. Why does Redwood Day School have an Annual Fund?
A. Redwood Day School (RDS), like most independent schools, relies on income beyond tuition to fully support its faculty and programs. One of the key sources of this additional income comes from unrestricted gifts to operations (Annual Fund), which supports about 8 percent of the school’s operating budget every year. Since these gifts are used during the year in which they are received, Redwood Day School depends on donors to support the Annual Fund every year.
Annual Fund dollars, including academics, performing and visual arts, athletics, community service, outdoor education, financial aid, the library, technology, faculty salaries, professional growth and campus maintenance touch every aspect of the school. While Redwood Day School's community will find numerous opportunities to contribute to the school such as the RDS Parents’ Association Auction, Redwood Day School's Board of Trustees has set the Annual Fund as its top fund-raising priority because of the critical role it plays in supporting the school's operations.
Q. Why doesn't Redwood Day School operate like other businesses and charge the full cost instead of raising funds each year?
A. The tuition that would be necessary to fund our current level of education would restrict even further the number of families who could afford to attend. This would limit enrollment, which, in turn, could mean a cutback in programs and an undermining of the school's commitment to making a Redwood Day School education affordable to as many families as possible.
In addition, a for-profit business can cut costs through consolidation and streamlining. To employ these strategies at a mission-driven school like Redwood Day School, it would require reducing staff or combining classrooms, making us unable to provide the individual attention and quality of education that everyone wants and expects for Redwood Day School students.
Finally, a gift to the Annual Fund is tax-deductible. Tuition is not.
Q. How much should I give to the Annual Fund?
A. We ask our community members to support the Annual Fund to the best of their ability. In the past, gifts have ranged from $10 to more than $25,000. While large leadership gifts are crucial to Redwood Day School's financial stability, gifts of any size make a difference. We are a diverse community and recognize that not everyone can contribute the same amount.
Contributions of $2,500 and higher are considered leadership gifts. All donors of $2,500 or more are invited to the "Leadership Toast" reception held each year in November. For gifts of $5,000 and above, donors are invited to the "Thank You RDS" dinner in the May. Additional special events and presentations are held periodically.
Q. May I designate how my gift will be used?
Gifts to the Annual Fund are made without restriction, allowing the school to spend the dollars where they are most needed. However, gifts of $2,500 or more may be designated in support of a specific purpose or item, but only if the purpose or item is part of the current operating budget.
Q. What are Capital Campaign and Special Gifts?
A. When the school identifies a critical need for a project or projects beyond the scope of tuition and the Annual Fund, special fund-raising campaigns are designated. In these cases, individual donors, families, foundations and other sources are personally asked to consider a significant gift or multi-year pledge. Usually, the project or program is in an area of special interest to the donor, and the request is based on their ability to give.
These gifts are considered an investment in Redwood Day School's future. During a capital campaign, donors are asked to support both the Annual Fund and the capital project. This ensures that the school's annual operating budget is not compromised and its day-to-day programs can continue to flourish.
Q. What is the Redwood Day School Parents’ Association?
A. The mission of the Redwood Day School Parents’ Association (RDSPA) is a parent-run organization that enriches the School experience by building community among parents, faculty, and administration. The Association serves the needs of the parent community while supporting the School. Through its work the RDSPA: Promotes volunteer opportunities, parent education programs, and social events that foster community and encourage participation, sponsors fundraising initiatives that augment the School’s resources and supports the School’s mission, philosophy and strategic plan. The RDSPA operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. A portion of funds raised by the RDSPA is given the Redwood Day School for student support and faculty professional development.
Q. What if I don't like something at Redwood Day School and feel the only way to be heard is to withhold support from the Annual Fund?
A. Instead of using the Annual Fund to express your concerns, please contact the person involved or a school administrator. Redwood Day School encourages open discussion and strives to communicate effectively with all members of the school community.
Q. Whom do you ask for donations?
A. Each year Redwood Day School seeks support from more than 1,000 individuals, including trustees, parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and faculty and staff.
Q. Does it matter when I make my gift?
A. Yes; a gift or pledge made early in the school year is a great advantage to the school because it enables us to know how much money will be available to support the budget. Because of this, we ask donors to make pledges by Dec. 31, but gifts may be paid through May 31. Once you have made your annual gift or pledge, you will not receive another Annual Fund solicitation until the next academic year.
Q. How can I give?
A. Since Redwood Day School operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
- Cash: You may simply write a check payable to Redwood Day School for the entire amount, or you can make a pledge and pay in monthly installments through the end of the campaign on May 31. If you would like to pay in installments, the school will send out a monthly pledge reminder. You can pledge online via our secure server: www.rdschool.org/giving
- Credit Card: You can charge your gift to your Visa or MasterCard or authorize a monthly charge to your account. You can make your credit card gift online via our secure server.
- Securities: Many individuals donate appreciated stock or mutual funds to Redwood Day School. Such gifts, or other gifts involving securities, can have significant tax advantages. For instructions on making a gift of securities, contact the RDS Advancement Office.
- Gifts in Kind: Some members of the Redwood Day School Community own their own business or work for a company that can provide goods that are needed by Redwood Day School. Please check with the Advancement Office if youare interested in making a gift in kind.
- Matching Gifts: Many corporations will match an employee's gift to a school. Any matching gifts will be combined with yours to determine the giving level at which you will receive recognition. When applying for a match, companies often ask for the recipient organization’s Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN). Redwood Day School’s EIN is 94-2289521. Please click here to see if your company offers this benefit.
For more information, please contact:
Redwood Day School Advancement Office 510-534-0804
David Nakayama, Director of Advancement @ x237
Bettina Bocheff, Associate Director of Advancement @ x236