NOW MORE THAN EVER - THE 2020-21 PWS ANNUAL FUND
We are pleased to announce Now More Than Ever, the 2020-21 PWS Annual Giving Campaign. For all of us, 2020 has been a remarkable year in so many ways. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live our personal and professional lives and educate our children. To respond to these changes, PWS had to quickly pivot to create and execute the Beyond the Classroom remote learning program so that students may continue to learn, and teachers may continue to teach. PWS has made significant investments into not only delivering remote learning, but also in preparing our campuses to meet new permitting requirements to allow more classes to begin to return to campus when allowed. Many of our families have been severely affected financially by the pandemic, and PWS has responded by providing payment and tuition relief along with the creation of two new scholarships in the past year to extend the opportunity for a Waldorf Education to more students. Now more than ever, an education for our children, a Pasadena Waldorf School education, is so important. While the mechanisms for educating our students may look different than they did just one year ago, the impulse, passion, and dedication of all PWS employees has been unwavering.
Help us reach our $100,000 goal! Please consider a generous gift to Pasadena Waldorf School's Now More Than Ever Annual Giving Campaign that will have an immediate and positive impact for our students. Financial support for the school is more important than ever. PWS needs additional funds to support operations this year to ensure that employees can deliver, and students receive, an exceptional education that can help change the world.
Make a your gift a recurring gift. With a monthly payment option, you can spread out your giving until June 2021.
Thank you PWS Employees! To date, 85% of full-time PWS employees have made gifts and pledges to the campaign, totaling over $16,000!
Questions about the PWS Annual Fund and giving to PWS? Contact Stuart Brawley and Jon Brody in the PWS Development Office.
Frequent Asked Questions
What is the Annual Giving campaign?
The Annual Giving campaign is a yearly direct appeal to our community of parents, faculty, staff, trustees, grandparents, alumni, alumni parents, and friends of PWS for financial contributions in support of the school's day-to-day operating budget. It is a way to sustain the highest functionality of the school while keeping tuition increases as minimal as possible. Tuition is not tax-deductible, but as Pasadena Waldorf School is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit independent school, gifts to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible.
What are the major components of the school's operating budget?
The majority of the school's operating budget is spent on salaries and benefits. The remaining is spent on facilities, program expenses, class supplies and activities, and general operating costs. The Board of Trustees strives to run the school as lean as possible without compromising the integrity of the program.
Why is Annual Giving necessary to an Independent School?
Tuition income covers most of our operating expenses. The remainder must be funded through other sources, which for most independent schools is the purpose of the annual fund. Each of our attending families is asked to make a donation every year to the Annual Giving Campaign in addition to paying tuition, to help close this gap. The Annual Giving campaign is the single most important component of our Giving Program. If a family had to choose one type of giving over another, hands down we would encourage Annual Giving to be their choice.
We design our own program and curriculum, operate without financial support from federal or state government agencies, and are self-governed by our Board of Trustees and College of Teachers. Unlike public schools, which are funded by tax dollars, PWS relies solely on revenue from tuition and philanthropic gifts to meet operating expenses.
Why not just raise tuition?
Our school came into being because of an extremely generous gift. Philanthropy is part of our soul and our culture. By keeping tuition as reasonable as possible, we attract an economically diverse student population, which makes for a richer education for all our children. Remember, gifts to the Annual Giving campaign are fully tax-deductible, tuition is not.
Are there other fundraising activities besides Annual Giving?
Yes, in addition to the Annual Giving campaign, the school has several initiatives and events to help close the yearly budget gap. These include our Annual Spring Event (usually a Gala), the Elves’ Faire, and our Passive Giving Program.
Who supports Annual Giving?
Every segment of the school community! The Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, parents, grandparents, alumni parents, alumni, and friends. We strive for 100% participation as a testament to our community's dedication and indication of how much they value this education for their children.
Why is participation important?
The school's financial strength is dependent upon the participation of all members of its constituency. Your participation generates enthusiasm and encourages others to join you. It is also a key indicator to foundation and corporate donors that we have consistent support from those we serve, both past and present. Last year with the help of high parent participation, we received corporate donations and three grants for our programming and facilities. When 100% of the people who benefit from our organization also care enough to donate, this sends a strong message helping us to obtain outside grants and gifts.
How much should I give?
An artistically and academically rich education is expensive. We ask each family to look into their heart and give to their family's best ability. Some families truly cannot afford to give that much, yet others in the community are blessed with the means to contribute more. Many families make their gift in monthly installments to maximise your contribution over time.
Please consider making your child’s education and school your top philanthropic priority and be as generous as you can. We are deeply grateful for gifts of all sizes.
Does this apply to me if I receive tuition assistance?
Yes - we strive for 100% participation from our entire parent body, regardless of the size of the gift. Every gift counts. Please give a gift that is meaningful to you.
Do employers, corporations and foundations support Annual Giving?
Corporations typically contribute to independent schools by offering matching gifts to their employees' contributions. Many PWS families are able to double their personal contributions through such employee match programs. Check with your employer to see if they have a matching policy. If they do, we will do whatever is necessary to help obtain the gift.
Foundations general give to Annual Giving appeals when there is a direct personal connection to the organization. Usually they are more interested in specific projects that are within their funding guidelines and advance their specific area of interest. If you have a family foundation or a relationship with a foundation that may be a good fit for PWS, please contact Leslie Stevens, PWS Development Officer at lstevens@pasadenawaldorf.org
Can I donate stock to Annual Giving?
The school welcomes gifts of appreciated stock. If you have been fortunate enough to recognize some substantial capital gains, please consider donating your appreciated stock to the school’s Annual Giving fund. It’s a convenient way to make a meaningful contribution while recognizing some potential year-end tax planning benefits. please contact Leslie Stevens, PWS Development Officer at lstevens@pasadenawaldorf.org for details on how to donate stock.
Our Commitment to Our Donors
We will not sell, share or trade our donors' names or personal information with any other entity, nor send mailings to our donors on behalf of other organizations. This policy applies to all information received by Pasadena Waldorf School, both online and offline, as well as any electronic, written, or oral communications. To the extent any donations are processed through a third-party service provider, our donors’ information will only be used for purposes necessary to process the donation.
Pasadena Waldorf School will fully examine all requests for refund and endeavor to ensure that genuine errors are rectified, however we are under no obligation to give refunds and the decision on refunds will be at Pasadena Waldorf School’s discretion.
To request a refund, email development@pasadenawaldorf.org or call 626-765-9978 x30. Refunds are returned using the original method of payment. If you made your donation by credit card, your refund will be credited to that same credit card.
If an error has been made by Pasadena Waldorf School, we will issue a refund once we are notified of the error.