What is the Annual Fund and how does it differ from other fundraisers at IHM?

The Annual Fund is a campaign to solicit unrestricted contributions from parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, parishioners and friends of IHM School to defray the costs of an IHM education that tuition revenue alone does not cover. Donations to the Annual Fund meet needs in the current yearly operating budget, helping to sustain and improve the School in all areas.  The Annual Fund helps us to “bridge the gap” between what it costs to educate a child at IHM and our tuition.

Why should I give to the Annual Fund when I already pay so much in tuition?

Philanthropy is an essential part of our communal life together and tuition alone does not cover the cost of an IHM education. In fact, according to the Archdiocese, tuition is $2,300 per student lower than the true cost to educate. Like most private schools, IHM relies on tuition and Annual Fund contributions to help meet the yearly operating costs.  After tuition, the largest source of yearly income is the Annual Fund, making it vital to the School’s financial health.

Why not increase the tuition if it does not cover all the costs of education?

Part of our mission of making an IHM education available to the most diverse, qualified students who seek Catholic education so we work hard to minimize tuition increases.  Raising tuition to meet all costs would mean that many families would be unable to send their children to IHM.  Additionally, contributions to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible, whereas tuition is not.  This gives each family an opportunity to take advantage of tax incentives related to donating through the Annual Fund.

What is our goal for this year’s Annual Fund?  What will it fund?

Our goal for the 2011-2012 Annual Fund is $130,000 and will support instructional materials and enhancements at IHM School.  But even more important, we have a goal of 100% participation from each of our families. We’re very proud to announce that we have 100% participation from our school leadership! Every member of the faculty, staff, School Advisory Council and Home & School Association has pledged to the campaign. Please join us and help us reach 100% participation from the entire community!

How much should I give to the Annual Fund?  What do most people give?

What you give is up to you; the important thing is that you give. While the average gift to the Annual Fund is $345, we welcome and appreciate all gifts, no matter the amount.    

What if I can only give a little?  Should I bother?

Every gift is important in terms of reaching our overall goals.  We will be delighted with any gift you can make, as it helps to reach 100% participation and demonstrates your commitment to and confidence in IHM School.

Why are you asking for pledges now when they are not due payable until May 31?

We ask for your pledge early in the campaign so we may assess our progress towards our goal and better determine if adequate funds will be available for the projects we are targeting.

Why do we have both the Annual Fund and Home and School fundraising?

The Annual Fund receives funds directly from the donor and the donor receives no goods or services.  As a 501 (c)(3) charity, the tax benefits of giving to the Annual Fund make it attractive. There is very little overhead to the Annual Fund and all monies collected go directly to school operations.  Additionally, many corporations match Annual Fund donations, which can more than double your gift.

Home and School fundraising is accomplished through events where the donor receives goods or services for their purchase/donation and is meant to fund the activities planned throughout the year in support of the school.  Additionally, the two major H&S fundraisers in the spring and fall are used to raise funds in support of the long term strategies outlined in the school’s Strategic Plan.

Don’t we get money from the Archdiocese?

Schools in the Archdiocese receive yearly block grants to assist with financial aid.  The Archdiocese also supports the GRACE Scholar's program which coordinates scholarships for qualified students. 

Why is IHM more expensive than Catholic schools in other areas of the country?

The Archdiocese of Atlanta is blessed with very high demand for Catholic education and the Archdiocese is still playing a game of “catch up” in building schools.  Ten years ago, the new model was instituted which ended subsidies to the schools in order to concentrate on the $72 million debt note as a result of building new schools.  Each school is now responsible for funding their own operating budget.  In our case, tuition at IHM is still one of the least expensive Catholic schools in Atlanta.  Additionally, other Archdioceses and schools have large endowment funds that are used to supplement tuition at Catholic schools. At this time, the Atlanta Archdiocese does not have this type of fund.

Can Annual Fund monies be used to help supplement our teachers’ salaries?

No.  Teacher salary scales are set by the Archdiocese and we, as a school, cannot alter or supplement teacher salaries. We can, however, offer education assistance and other incentives and support such as those provided by Home and School Association. These efforts make IHM a special and unique place of which teachers want to be a part.

May I donate stock to the annual fund?

Yes!  IHM can receive stock donations, which can be an advantageous tax choice.  Just call the Development Office to receive the instructions.

May I pay my donation on FACTS?

Yes!  You may have your Annual Fund donation billed to your FACTS incidental billing invoice.  You specify the pledge total and the number of months you want to pay, ending with the May, 2012 billing. Each month the Annual Fund pledge payment will appear on your invoice.

I participated in GRACE Scholars.  Doesn’t that count?

While GRACE is a great benefit to our School for providing tuition assistance to incoming students, it cannot be used for the operations of the school and is not a donation, but a redirection of tax money that you will pay to the State anyway.  We are grateful for the success of the GRACE Scholars program this year and hope that you can participate in both campaigns.  An Annual Fund pledge of prayers is gratefully accepted if you cannot.