Frequently Asked Questions About Giving
What is the Annual Fund and why is it important for parents to contribute?
The Annual Fund is your opportunity to give back to Speyer with a tax-deductible gift that keeps our school running. Tuition alone does not cover the cost of providing our students with the outstanding programs, faculty, and curriculum that Speyer is committed to offering. As such, Speyer must raise the difference through the Annual Fund and other activities.
What does the Annual Fund support?
The Annual Fund supports all aspects of life at Speyer: our curriculum, professional development for faculty, upkeep of our facilities, financial aid. If you make a gift to the Annual Fund, you support every moment of every day at Speyer.
Who is being asked to give?
Every member of our community will be asked to make a contribution: current and alumni parents, grandparents, members of faculty and staff, the board of trustees, and friends of Speyer. We will also solicit donations from businesses and foundations, but the vast majority of our fundraising comes from individuals, just like you! Our goal is full participation of everyone in the community.
Why is participation important?
First and foremost, full participation helps us meet our goal. But perhaps just as importantly, it allows us to show strong support and engagement when we approach outside sources for contributions. Corporate and foundation donors will want to know if the parents, faculty, and staff support the school. Participation in the Annual Fund demonstrates to others that we collectively support Speyer’s mission and goals. Every gift, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated and important to our success.
How much should I give?
No gift is too small, and no gift is too large. We just ask that you give proportionately, consistently, unconditionally and unselfishly. In the past, individual gifts have ranged from $5 to $50,000. While leadership gifts beginning at $2,500 are crucial to the financial stability of the school, gifts of all sizes make a difference.
Please remember that a bucket is filled with both large and small drops of water, every journey includes both wide and narrow steps, and buildings are built with bricks of all shapes and sizes.
Are families receiving financial aid asked to give?
Yes. Gifts commensurate with each family's financial means are welcome and our gratitude is extended for your generosity.
Are there other opportunities to give, besides the Annual Fund?
Yes. Speyer has hosted a gala auction each year for the past 11 years (and will continue to do so when social distancing rules allow it) as another channel for fundraising. There are also opportunities for donation of your time through volunteering with the Parents Association. It is great to have a big crowd at the Gala and we want to give every parent the chance to volunteer, but we hope the primary vehicle for financial support of Speyer remains the Annual Fund.
Do you accept matching gifts?
Yes! And matching gifts are a great way to double and sometimes even triple your donation! Speyer is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools and we meet the criteria for most matching gift programs. We do encourage you to check with your human resource office to see if there are any specific requirements and regulations for your company’s specific matching gift.
How can I make my gift?
There are many ways to make a gift to the Annual Fund, the easiest and fastest is by making a gift online by clicking here. We also invite you to visit our Ways to Give page to see other ways of giving. If you have any questions, please contact the Advancement Office at 212-581-4022 or advancement@speyerlegacyschool.org.