FAQ- Westerly Annual Fund

The Westerly Annual Fund is your yearly opportunity to give back to Westerly School with a tax-deductible gift that keeps our wonderful programs running. Tuition alone does not cover the cost of providing our students with the outstanding programs, faculty and curriculum that Westerly is committed to offering. And while public schools are eligible to receive state and federal funding, Westerly – as an independent school – is not. As such, Westerly must raise the difference through the Westerly Fund and the Annual Auction.

The Annual Fund supports our expanding programs in academics, athletics and the arts. It also allows Westerly to recruit and retain the best faculty and provide professional development opportunities for teachers, and facilities enhancements. Funds raised from the Annual Fund are distributed in the year in which they are given, so they support those programs in “real time” for every current child at the school.

WESTERLY ANNUAL FUND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

 

 What does the Westerly Annual Fund support? 

The Westerly Fund supports our expanding programs in academics, athletics and the arts. It also allows Westerly to recruit and retain the best faculty and provide professional development opportunities for teachers, and facilities enhancements. Funds raised from the Westerly Fund are distributed in the year in which they are given, so they support those programs in “real time” for every current child at the school.

 What is the relationship between tuition and the Westerly Annual Fund? 

Currently, tuition covers roughly 73% of the school budget. Annual giving contributes a critically needed portion of the remainder. An increase in tuition (the difference between tuition and actual costs) would seriously limit the number of qualified and deserving students who could afford to attend our school. Although tuition increases do occur, they do not equate to increases in the cost of doing business. And, unlike tuition, Westerly Annual Fund contributions are 100 percent tax deductible!

 What is this year's fundraising goal for the Westerly Annual Fund? 

The goal for the Westerly Annual Fund changes slightly each year depending on the operating budget. Generally, the goal ranges from $150,000 to $200,000. Our goal for the 2024-2025 school year is $225,000.

The success of the Westerly Annual Fund relies not just on hitting the financial goal, but also the more ambitious goal of achieving 100% participation.

 Why is participation so important? 

First and foremost, full participation helps us meet our development goal. But perhaps just as importantly, it allows us to show strong parent support and engagement when we approach outside sources for contributions. Corporate and outside donors invariably want to know if the parents, alumni and grandparents support the school. Participation in the Westerly Fund demonstrates to others that we support our mission and goals. Every gift, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated and important to our success.

 Why not just cut expenses? 

The Board of Trustees’ review of the operating expenses indicates that Westerly is already being run as a “lean” organization. We do a great deal with relatively modest resources. Most of the tuition revenue goes towards salaries, benefits, and fixed costs such as utilities and basic maintenance. Since the school’s strength lies in its extensive programs, small class size, and close personal relationships, any reductions would compromise the mission of the school.

 How does giving to the Westerly Annual Fund benefit me/my child? 

Your gift is a direct investment in your child(ren). Because Westerly is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, unlike tuition, your gift to the Westerly Annual Fund is 100% tax deductible. Think of how few opportunities there are to make a charitable gift that directly benefits your own children. You will be able to see the benefits of your gift every day as your child develops and grows.

 How much should I give? 

We ask that you give proportionately, consistently, unconditionally and unselfishly. In the past, individual gifts have ranged from $20 to $20,000. While leadership gifts of $3,500 are crucial to the financial stability of the school, gifts of all sizes make a difference. All gifts send a message to members of the Westerly community and to outside funding sources that those who benefit most from Westerly support it.

2023-2024 Westerly Fund Giving at a Glance

Average Gift (Current Families): $715 

Median: $250

Most Common: $100 / $250 / $500 / $1,000

 How can I give? 

You may write a check payable to Westerly School for the entire amount or you may make a pledge to be paid in full by February.  You can also make your contribution by credit card through our online donation portal here.

 Are families receiving financial assistance expected to participate? 

Yes. Gifts will, of course, vary from family to family depending on financial means, and all gifts are welcome and honored.

 I would be able to give more if I could spread my payments over several months. Is there a payment plan? 

Yes, you can make a gift and spread it out into monthly payments through our online giving platform here. Contact advancement@westerlyschool.org if you prefer to pay by check or receive further assistance.

 Does it matter when I make a contribution? 

Yes! A gift or pledge made early in the school year is a great advantage to the school because it allows us to know how much money will be available to support the budget. Because of this, we ask donors to fulfill gifts before Winter Break). 

 What is employee "gift matching?" 

Employee matching gift programs are corporate giving programs in which a company matches donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations.  It's an easy way to double your contribution to Westerly! Another added benefit is that the company will usually cover any credit card processing fees, so the entirety of your donation will go to Westerly.

Requesting a matching gift only takes a few minutes but must be initiated by the donor. You can do this by filling out and submitting a matching gift form provided by your employer, or they may have an electronic submission process. 

There are MANY companies that have a corporate matching program, and yours may be one of them!

See if your company matches donations by clicking the “Matching” tab on our giving page.

Here are just a few companies that have made a matching gift to Westerly in the past few years:

 

Boeing

Chevron

Costco

DirecTV

Dell

Disney

Johnson & Johnson

JP Morgan

Mattel

Morgan Stanley

Nike

Northrop Grumman

Ocean Direct

Raytheon

SoCal Edison

Takedo

Thermofisher

Toyota

US Bank

Wells Fargo

 

For questions regarding your company's programs, please contact your employer's HR or community giving department. 

For questions regarding submitting a matching gift, please contact our Westerly Advancement team at advancement@westerlyschool.org or 562-981-3151.

Tuition covers roughly 90% of the school budget. Annual giving contributes a critically needed portion of the remainder. A 10% percent increase in tuition (the difference between tuition and actual costs) would seriously limit the number of qualified and deserving students who could afford to attend our school. Although tuition increases do occur, they do not equate to increases in the cost of doing business. And, unlike tuition, Annual Fund contributions are 100 percent tax deductible!

The goal for the Annual Fund changes slightly each year depending on the operating budget. Generally, the goal ranges from $150,000 to $200,000. Our goal for the 2025-2026school year is $200,000.

The success of the Annual Fund relies not just on hitting the financial goal, but also the more ambitious goal of achieving 100% community participation.

First and foremost, full participation helps us meet our development goal. But perhaps just as importantly, it allows us to show strong parent support and engagement when we approach outside sources for contributions. Corporate and outside donors invariably want to know if the parents, alumni and grandparents support the school. Participation in the Annual Fund demonstrates to others that we support our mission and goals. Every gift, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated and important to our success.

The Board of Trustees’ review of the operating expenses indicates that Westerly is already being run as a “lean” organization. We do a great deal with relatively modest resources. Most of the tuition revenue goes towards salaries, benefits, and fixed costs such as utilities and basic maintenance. Since the school’s strength lies in its extensive programs, small class size, and close personal relationships, any reductions would compromise the mission of the school.

Your gift is a direct investment in your child(ren). Because Westerly is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, unlike tuition, your gift to the Annual Fund is 100% tax deductible. Think of how few opportunities there are to make a charitable gift that directly benefits your own children. You will be able to see the benefits of your gift every day as your child develops and grows.

We ask that you give proportionately, consistently, unconditionally and unselfishly. In the past, individual gifts have ranged from $20 to $20,000. While leadership gifts of $3,500 are crucial to the financial stability of the school, gifts of all sizes make a difference. All gifts send a message to members of the Westerly community and to outside funding sources that those who benefit most from Westerly support it.

2022-2023 Annual Fund Giving at a Glance

Average Gift (Current Families): $834 

Median: $500

Most Common: $100 / $250 / $500 / $1,000

 

If every family gave ~$1,418 in our 2025-2026 campaign, we would reach our goal!

You may write a check payable to Westerly School for the full amount or make a pledge to be paid in full by February. You can also make your contribution securely by credit card or set up a recurring monthly gift through our online donation portal.

If you prefer, you may support Westerly through a wire transfer, ACH payment, or by recommending a grant from your donor-advised fund (DAF).

We also accept gifts of appreciated securities (stocks) and encourage families to check whether their employers offer matching gift programs to multiply the impact of their contribution.

For more information or instructions on any of these giving methods, please contact advancement@westerlyschool.org.

Yes. Gifts will of course vary from family to family depending on financial means, and all gifts are welcome and honored.

Yes, you can make a gift and spread it out into monthly payments through our online giving platform here. Contact advancement@westerlyschool.org if you prefer to pay by check or receive further assistance.

Yes! A gift or pledge made early in the school year is a great advantage to the school because it allows us to know how much money will be available to support the budget. Because of this, we ask donors to fulfill gifts before Winter Break). 

Employee matching gift programs are corporate giving programs in which a company matches donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations.  It's an easy way to double your contribution to Westerly! Another added benefit is that the company will usually cover any credit card processing fees, so the entirety of your donation will go to Westerly.

Requesting a matching gift only takes a few minutes but must be initiated by the donor. You can do this by filling out and submitting a matching gift form provided by your employer, or they may have an electronic submission process. 

There are MANY companies that have a corporate matching program, and yours may be one of them!

See if your company matches donations by clicking the “Matching” tab on our giving page.

Here are just a few companies that have made a matching gift to Westerly in the past few years:

For questions regarding your company's programs, please contact your employer's HR or community giving department. 

For questions regarding submitting a matching gift, please contact our Westerly Advancement team at advancement@westerlyschool.org or 562-981-3151.