Annual Fund FAQ
Why is important for me to give to the Annual Fund Campaign?
While the true value of a Keys School education is hard to quantify, the cost of educating each student at Keys exceeds tuition every year. We supplement funding for our educational and extracurricular programs with money generated from annual fundraising activities, special gifts to the school and, from time to time, capital campaigns. The generosity of Keys School’s supporters enables us not only to maintain but also to enhance the quality of our students’ educational experience each and every day.
Thanks to the commitment of the Keys community of parents, board, alumni, grandparents, and friends, Keys School is financially stable and its program is strong however there are always opportunities for growth and we want to see that current and future Keys students receive the best education available. Charitable giving to Keys allows us to make the school and its program even better than it currently is.
Why does Keys ask for the "gap amount" of $3,000 per student?
The largest part of Keys’s operating budget is covered by tuition. While one might expect that tuition would cover all of the operating expenses, it does not. The school deliberately sets tuition below full cost in order to keep the school more affordable to a wider range of students and to provide community members with opportunities to support the school with tax-deductible, philanthropic commitments. This practice is typical of most independent schools.
Each year Keys asks current families to support the Annual Fund Campaign at the "gap level" which is currently $3,000 per student. This is the cost per student that is not covered by tuition dollars. Our hope is for families who are able to give at the $3,000 gap level to give at that level or more. This helps cover the gap as other families at the school are unable to support at that level. Every gift – from $25 to $25,000 - is important because it is a gift of participation and support for our Keys School community and we greatly appreciate how supportive the Keys community is.
What role does philanthropy play in the school’s budget?
In fiscal year 2010/11, fundraising initiatives such as the Annual Fund and our annual auction raised over $800,000 representing approximately 15% of the school’s operating budget. Fundraising is the second largest form of fiscal revenue at Keys.
As do most independent schools, Keys also relies mostly on gifts from individuals within its community: parents of current students, parents of alumni, alumni, grandparents of current students, friends, faculty, and staff. Keys also requests grants from charitable foundations and corporations but these requests are mostly for specific, program-related support. If you are aware of any foundations or corporations that might be interested in supporting Keys, please notify our Development Office.
How and when will my family be contacted for an Annual Fund gift to the school?
Keys' Annual Fund Campaign officially begins in the fall each year. Members of the Keys Community will receive a letter from the school in October and members of the Annual Fund Team will begin phoning the community by October 12th. All pledges are due by January 31, 2011 and gifts must be received by June 15, 2012. During the 2010/11 school year, Keys reached 100% participation from current families and expects to reach the same goal each year. This is a community effort. The goal for the 2011/12 Annual Fund Campaign is $500,000.
What are the giving levels at Keys School?
Any gift - no matter the size - is greatly appreciated by Keys. If you are fortunate enough to be able to support the school at a higher level, leadership giving levels are as follows:
- Founder's Circle $25,000+
- Leadership Circle $10,000 - $24,999
- Benefactor Circle $5,000 - $9,999
- Patron Society $3,000 - $4,999
How do I give to Keys School?
Click here to go to our "Ways to Give" page.
Can my employer match my gift?
The Bay Area is full of companies who generously match a percentage of their employees' charitable donations. Some companies will match your gift 100%! If you work for a company with a matching gift program, please consider enhancing your annual commitment to Keys by filling out the necessary paperwork and submitting it to our Development Office. Many employers have adopted the use of online forms to help expedite your matching gift. Please check with your company’s HR department for details. Companies currently matching gifts at Keys include: Apple, Cisco, Electronic Arts, Franklin Templeton, Gap, Genentech, Google, Intel, Microsoft, Oracle, and Sun.
May I make a pledge in fulfillment of an Annual Fund gift?
Yes. Gifts to the Annual Fund Campaign may be fulfilled by pledges and you may pay in installments. We simply ask that pledges to Keys School be documented in writing by January 31, 2011 and fulfilled by June 15, 2012. To work out a monthly installment schedule for your Keys donation, please contact Adri Diaz in the Development Office at 650.328.1711, x106.
Are my gifts to the Annual Fund Campaign tax-deductible?
Keys is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit corporation. As a result, all gifts to the school are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. Please consult with your tax advisor before making your gift, especially if you are giving securities or other non-cash gifts.
How are my gifts to Keys School recognized by the school?
All gifts to Keys are recognized in two ways. Gifts are acknowledged with a thank- you letter by the Development Office, and all appropriate tax information is sent to donors, usually within one week after the gift is made. Also, unless donors wish to remain anonymous, their gifts are acknowledged in an annual report sent to donors in December each year. Donors who give a single gift of $3,000 or more are also invited to a donor recognition event that allows the school’s board, administration, and faculty to express their appreciation.
I still have a few questions about charitable giving at Keys, whom should I call?
The Development Office at Keys welcomes any and all calls. Please feel free to contact Heather Chester, Director of Development, with questions or concerns about philanthropy and volunteerism at 650.328.1711, x104. For questions about alumni relations, please contact Adri Diaz, Development Assistant, at 650.328.1711, x106.