<p>Can anyone offer suggestions on how to handle fundraising efforts for the school. We didn't apply for financial aid for my son in order to increase his chances of admission, but the tuition completely taps our resources out. He's been accepted for only a couple weeks now, and we've already received two solicitations for funds.</p>
<p>Give what you can, no need to feel pressured. Our school sends out letters to each family of suggested amt they should donate, but if you give the suggested amt then it would be increased for the following year. Do not feel you need to give, but do so if you could afford it because tuition does not cover 100% cost.</p>
<p>It is very important that schools have high parent participation, so that they can show those numbers to foundations. You don't have to give a lot, but make sure to give some, even if it's only $20. That $20 does matter because it shows that the parent body is participating in the fundraising.</p>
<p>Make a pledge now and fulfill it...for the reasons stated above. Higher participation rates encourage others to give, provide grants, etc. It makes your child's school better. And that's worth $100. (I'm throwing out $100 because everybody can find another $100...over the course of a year. I've seen some people give $100 that made me realize that I'd sound ridiculous telling the Development Office that I couldn't give as much.)</p>
<p>Another way to support the school is to help the school raise funds. Be part of the phone bank that calls other parents and asks them to pledge. Help write letters. Get involved in that way.</p>
<p>One problem with boarding school fundraising among parents is that the parents themselves don't feel as connected to the community as the parents at day schools. There's no socialization component. No peer pressure dynamic. No satisfaction of seeing the results...even if it's only that plywood thermometer that the day school parents see every day in the carpool line showing how close to the school is to its annual goal. While the students are more hooked into the community...the parents are that much more disconnected. And that translates into a tougher sell -- when, in actuality, the students' stronger connection should make it an easier sell.</p>
<p>Anyway, if you pay attention to your child and his development and growth at boarding school, this will become a much easier matter for you later on in the year.</p>