<p>It's embarrassing but I'd like to know...d has well adjusted to her first year at bs and we've gotten a letter asking to kindly donate to the school parents fund. Does everybody donate and do they donate the exact sum asked? We are rather in a very uncertain situation concerning our jobs and I'd like to know whether not making a donation will be noticed in any way. Thanks for any advice and wisdom.</p>
<p>All gifts are appreciated, especially in these difficult financial times. Schools like to be able to talk about their high "participation rate," so a gift of any size helps boost that #. Make your own decision about how much.</p>
<p>You do not have to give the amount the school suggests if it makes you uncomfortable. As CBBlinker said above, schools like to keep or increase their participation rate as well as the overall rate. Aside from being a point of pride, high participation rates can help with grant money. A gift of any size is appreciated. If your school operates like a typical school, they will suggest a higher amount next year. Not higher than the suggested amount for this year, but higher than whatever you decide to give this year. As a result, every year there are parents who do not give the suggested amount. There are no penalties for not giving the suggested amount.</p>
<p>Many parents donate something, but rates vary by school. I think the parent participation rate at Blair last year was 80%.</p>
<p>I work with our school's parent's fund and yes, participation is the big thing. Of course they like to raise $$, but they really like to be able to get everyone on board. Any amount at all is appreciated.</p>
<p>Admission to prep school comes with the assumption that you and you child will contribute annually forever. Its part of the culture, to which you aspire by sending your child there.</p>
<p>I agree with all the above. I would always want to contribute something, especially if i was on some kind of financial aid. I think even giving $100 makes a statement about your support for the school.</p>
<p>If you don't want your money to go towards the school's FA programs you can designate it towards a new building, or Learning Center, school maintenance, clubs, sports, or just about anything else that has to do with school operations.
If you can't afford to give anything, then don't.</p>
<p>Can I ask approximately what amount of money most schools "suggest"?</p>
<p>Instead of amount, why not a percentage of your combined gross income?</p>
<p>Any amount is greatly appreciated. Parental support and participation is key to the success of any school.</p>
<p>We get a fair amount of financial aid for our daughter, and we also contribute to the annual fund at her school and the other schools our kids go to. I believe my kids are receiving excellent opportunities and I want to be part of the continuation of these institutions for the next generation.</p>
<p>PA-C...I saw a wide range of "suggested amounts", from $50 into the the thousands (and those big ones were generally handled by in person appointments, not some generic phone call). I think they probably base it on FA info, and if you are full pay I don't know what they do, because they don't request the same amounts from everyone.</p>
<p>Generally, any amount is welcome - and part of the reason to donate is that schools with high donation rates from parents find it easier to get money elsewhere - both grants and loans are more forthcoming.</p>
<p>...as a hopeful parent, I look forward to the day when I'm scrolling through my checkbook trying to determine how much to contribute to the annual fund :)</p>
<p>We love and support our school; my sons have both had incredible experiences. I encourage them to contribute and it is my hope that one day I will be able to contribute far more than I currently do.</p>
<p>keylyme, you rock! as the kids would say.</p>
<p>Thanks keylyme. That's good to know that you have seen variable amounts and they take your situation into account. It's going to be a struggle if we don't get any FA and are paying 38-44,000 dollars out of pocket as a full pay family. I was worried we would then get a letter on top of that asking for a large amount. I am willing to contribute what I can afford which as you mentioned will probably by more after my son graduates (hopefully if he is accepted! ) than during his time at whichever school.</p>
<p>
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I am willing to contribute what I can afford which as you mentioned will probably by more after my son graduates (hopefully if he is accepted! ) than during his time at whichever school.
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Except that then you'll be paying for college ... :)</p>
<p>But colleges often give many more merit-based scholarships...</p>
<p>Sarum;
Designating sounds nice - but usually does not matter. If they plan to spend x dollars on a and y dollars on b and you designate your money to b, they simply subtract that from y and add to x.</p>