WSMS Gives Fundraising FAQ
Answers about participation, recognition and timing.
About WSMS Gives
Is my gift tax-deductible?
West Side Montessori School is a 501(c)(3) organization and public charity. Gifts to the Annual Fund, Growth Campaign, and Fall Festival are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Parents pay substantial tuition. Why does WSMS also ask for contributions?
Like all nonprofit independent schools, we rely on a combination of tuition revenue, income on reserve funds, and charitable gifts from parents, alumni, and friends to support our operations and priorities. We also benefit from revenue generated through our Teacher Education Program (WSMS-TEP). None of these sources alone is enough to deliver the quality of early childhood education WSMS is known for, while also ensuring the school’s long-term stability.
As one WSMS parent put it: “Tuition makes the school as good as it has been, while fundraising helps the school achieve something even greater; tuition is what we ‘have to pay,’ but fundraising represents what we love to contribute.”
How are gifts acknowledged? Can I be anonymous?
All gifts are listed in our Annual Report, but you may request that your gift remain anonymous when donating via our online donation forms or by emailing Allison Kohrs at wsmsgives@wsmsnyc.org.
The Annual Fund
What is the Annual Fund? What is the goal?
The Annual Fund provides an opportunity for the WSMS community to come together to support the school and help fill the gap between revenue and operating expenses. It runs year-round, July 1 to June 30.
Our goal is 100% participation from our parent community. Achieving the highest possible participation rate builds a strong culture of giving, in which everyone shares, and it sends a powerful message to prospective families and donors that our mission is worthy of their support. Relying on just a few large donors, while other families don’t participate, isn’t consistent with the spirit of our school or a sustainable strategy. Last year, we achieved a record 95% participation rate and maintained 100% participation from the Board of Trustees.
Is participation expected per family, or per child?
Gifts are made per family, regardless of how many children you have enrolled, and participation is counted for each of your children’s classes.
Can I direct my Annual Fund gift to a specific purpose?
Gifts to the Annual Fund can be designated to the following, selected on the online donation form or noted on the form of donation:
- Area of Greatest Need (unrestricted funds to be used where needed)
- Financial Aid Program
- Teacher Professional Development and Salaries
- WSMS-TEP scholarship (Teacher Education Program)
Is there a minimum gift required?
No. There’s no minimum contribution required from anyone. The motto of WSMS Gives is “Give from the Heart, Give What You Can.” The warmth and generosity of our community are defining characteristics of WSMS. Whatever form your support takes — monetary gifts, gifts in kind, or contributions of time and talent — each gift, each donor, and each volunteer is vital to sustaining and enhancing the exceptional education we offer.
Is there a preferred time to give during the year?
We welcome contributions at any time of the year. However, for planning purposes, it is preferable that we receive funds as early in the school year as possible. It is also important to note that the fiscal year-end (as well as the school year-end) at WSMS is June 30th, not December 31st.
