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My DD attends a public charter school for the gifted, a school that requires IQ testing and an application for admittance. This is a PUBLIC charter school, so we still recieve district funds and do not pay a tuition as would be expected in private school. There are the typical fundraisers, book drives, etc....but recently I received a letter concerning the Annual Campaign. This is our first year in the school, dd is in kindergarten. The letter goes on to state how the school raises money, the financial needs of the school, how exceptional the education is there, etc...then they state...."Our suggested amount for a donation to the Annual Campaign is $100 per child. At this level, we would achieve $60,000 for our school. " Then goes on to encourage us to ask our employers and friends and family for a donation. Then they even go so far as to write "If we have not received your donation by April 13th, 2007, we will follow-up with a personal phone call" Ok, I'm feeling a bit put out. Let me explain why. First of all, why would someone have an annual campaign when taxes are due?? Second, I feel it's a bit presumptious to ask for such an amount. It's probably safe to say that many families are on a budget (otherwise forums like this wouldn't exist!!), and will be unable to afford this. My husband and I are generally very giving people. We donate certain amounts to certain places each month, and as the need arises. I'm frustrated and unsure what to do. It's not in my budget to give $100.00 and I've always followed my heart when performing charitable acts. God loves a cheerful giver....and I don't feel very cheerful about this!! What would you do?
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Wow, I would have felt put out too. You shouldn't have to go door to door asking for money for a school that receives public tax dollars.
I would send in a donation you can afford enclosed with a note explaining you gave all that you are finacially able to spare and do not feel comfortable asking family friends and co-workers for money. I would also tell them a follow up phone call is unnecessary if circumstances change you will gladly send more.
If they call anyway be polite and reiterate what you stated in your note. If they can't take a hint be blunt and tell them in the future you prefer to recieve calls pertaining to your daughter and her education.
I know easier said than done. I grew a huge set of you know what's after letting people walk all over me for 15 yrs.
Good Luck
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This is a hard one. I dont know what to do but I can only speak for myself. I would give them the amount that I felt comfortable with and thats it. IT you want to give 40 then write a check for 40. IF they have enough nerve to call you and ask for more simply tell them that that is all you can give and that you assumed this was the reason they have fundraisers if they push the issue hang up.
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I totally understand where you are coming come, but I would love to have a public charter school for the gifted in my area. I would happily donate $100.00 for my dd to get to go to a school like this. If it's not in your budget, maybe you could gather a few donations from friends and family, or just simply donate what you can. I would feel it an honor for my dd to go to a school like that and would do anything I could to help the school out. You should see the public schools where I live. If your child had to go to school here, you'd be begging to give the school where you're at a $100.00 donation just to stay there. Maybe you could offer to donate what you can now and do the rest later when you have some extra money. I hope I haven't offended you, put the schools where I live stink!! Count your blessings to have such a school in your area.
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I would be totally annoyed, whether I had the money or not. School spending is a huge issue for me as their budgets, at least in my area, have been rising and rising, WAY, WAY more then inflation with no end in sight. We do, of course, have a gifted school and a Spanish immersion school, etc and they are trying to figure out what all they can add next year. Meanwhile, we have great schools but property taxes are terrible and yet ANOTHER referendum is coming. I would send what I could and not feel bad about it. Ou school board members need to join this board!
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Oh yeah I would be upset! They would think they are getting $300 from me if my girls went there!
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That is just their suggested amount, they don't expect to see that much from everyone. However I'm sure some families will give more and some much less. Just give what you are comfortable giving. Personally I don't think $100 is that much for a special school like that. I'm sure that money would add alot to the school. I was thinking about the timing and I think it's probably the best time of the year to ask. Most people have/are getting tax refunds.
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Thank you all for your honesty! I am very thrilled that my dd was accepted into the charter school, and continue to be grateful daily that she isn't in one of the public schools here, I'm so afraid she'd get lost in the system because she's shy. I just wonder how many times you have to donate (kiss butt) to the school to thank (beg to be asked back) them for accepting your child when she got in on her own right. Like I had said, we're generally always happy to donate to many causes, and this year, yes we just happen to be paying into State, so it's not a good time for us. There are also some medical bills that were highly unexpected, and even what's in our medical savings account won't cut it. I'm sorry, I just don't want to pay to be popular, ya know what I mean? I'll donate what I can and call it good, refusing to feel guilty about not donating like the Joneses.
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My daughter goes to a private preschool. According to meet their budget this year, each family is supposed to raise 500.00 in fundraising, through wrapping paper sales, donation of yard sale items, and the annual gala ( selling 50.00 tickets and getting donated items to put up for silent auction). I just write the check and be done with it. Having said this we also pay over 4,000.00 a year for 3 day a week, 3 hours each day preschool and are expecte to donated either a case of toilet paper or case of paper towels every month, and the teacher is always asking for other donations, like last week she asked for playdough. Just build it into tuition, but now I am changing the subject.
I would give what you can, and be done. Don't feel obligated, this is public school, and although it would be nice to get 100 per family some will give less and maybe some more. I would be shocked if you sent in less and someone contacted you for more, but if so just say that is all we can give now and say thank you for calling and hangup.