Since 2007, THS has been committed to providing a safe and engaging learning environment in which children can thrive. Our greatest strength is our people, and 80% of our budget is allocated to teacher and staff salaries and benefits. Net tuition revenue covers 80% of our expenses, thus we must fundraise to cover the remaining 20% of our operational budget.
One avenue of fundraising is our Annual Fund campaign, which runs in the fall. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we met our fundraising goals for our 2021 Annual Fund campaign, with 93% participation from our THS families! Thank you for coming together to raise the funds that enable us to continue to develop our educators, support children, provide need-based tuition assistance, and operate responsively to the changing needs of our school.
Why does The Healdsburg School need to raise money each year in addition to charging tuition?
Independent schools do not receive any federal or state funding to cover any expenses. The full cost of educating each child at THS is more than our tuition, so we need to raise funds to fill the gap in operational income to balance the budget.
How are the funds raised in the Annual Fund used?
The funds raised through our Annual Fund allow The Healdsburg School to be flexible and responsive to yearly budgeting needs, and supports teacher salaries and benefits, professional development, classroom and program expenses, tuition assistance, technology, athletics, and the arts.
Why don’t you just raise tuition to cover all expenses?
Raising tuition to cover the gap would make The Healdsburg School tuition inaccessible for many families. Additionally, gifts to the Annual Fund are fully tax-deductible, whereas tuition is not.
How much should I give?
We understand that the amount of your donation to the Annual Fund is a personal decision. Gifts range from $50 to over $20,000, and we are grateful for gifts at every level.
Why is the fund named All In?
A hallmark of The Healdsburg School is its sense of community. We ask each family to consider THS in its top three philanthropic endeavors and hope each will donate in a way that is meaningful to them. Last year we had 93% family participation, and we hope to exceed that this year. Your donation symbolizes your belief in the value of the educational experience of your child(ren).
What is a Matching Gift?
Many companies provide a matching gift, usually up to a maximum amount, for every dollar their employee donates. Asking your employer to match your donation to THS can double and, sometimes, triple the impact of your gift! Please contact the HR department in your company if you want to learn if your employer has a matching gift program.
What is the difference between the Annual Fund and Bravissimo?
THS has two major fundraising campaigns every school year— Annual Fund in the fall and Bravissimo in the spring. Funds raised at the Bravissimo also support general operating expenses and help us close the gap between tuition and expenses. Bravissimo is another wonderful, fun way to support THS.
What if I have more questions and/or want to make other arrangements for my donation?
Please feel free to contact Andy Davies, Head of School at adavies@thehealdsburgschool.org | 415-433-4847, or Sarah Law, Director of Resource Development and Engagement, at slaw@thehealdsburbschool.org | 415-433-4847.
