College Prep Annual Fund

THE ANNUAL FUND

What is the Annual Fund?

College Prep is one of over 1,000 independent schools in the United States. Our independence means that we determine our curricular and co-curricular programs, who our teachers are, and who will be our students. It also means that we are financially self-sustaining. At College Prep, tuition covers 85% of expenses. Tuition, plus endowment income, plus fees, plus fundraising make up the remaining 15%.   The Annual Fund is the fundraising part of the equation. Tax deductible gifts to the school support the operating budget and ensure the quality of a College Prep education that you have come to expect. 

Every gift makes a difference, but as you decide on your gift to this year’s Annual Fund consider these important factors:

    1.  The Annual Fund goal is $886,900

    2. The 2008-2009 gap between tuition and the cost to educate our students is $2,500 per student
   
    3. We strive for 100% participation: Critical evidence to outside funders that our own community believes in our mission

How it works

This year's Annual Fund will augment our tuition revenue to cover our annual expenses.  Every year, someone asks, “Why not just raise tuition?” 

By keeping tuition as affordable as possible and providing financial aid when necessary, College Prep is accessible to a wide range of academically able, friendly, and talented students.  We rely on the generosity and loyalty of our community to assure that every student will benefit from all that College Prep has to offer.

A College Prep education is a superior education – its excellence is exemplified by  

• small class size with individual attention
• extensive advising and counseling
• outstanding programs in the arts, debate, athletics, and community service
• excellent instructional facilities, equipment, and up-to-date technology
• special retreats and other enhancements to student life
• a diverse, multi-talented, and kind student body

How much should you give to the Annual Fund?

Only you can determine the right gift for you and/or your family. Knowing that we must raise $2,500 in support of each enrolled student, we ask you to consider the impact of making College Prep a philanthropic priority.  Assess the depth of the benefits of a College Prep education, and make a personally significant gift.  We are a diverse community and recognize that not everyone can contribute the same amount.  If your life has been impacted by College Prep, we ask current parents, alumni, past parents, and grandparents, to remember that in order to remain excellent, we need your generous (tax deductible) contributions. 


What are the best ways to give to College Prep?

•    Visit our website (www.college-prep.org/donate) and donate on line using your Visa or MasterCard
•    If you are a current parent, make a credit card contribution by giving the necessary information to the parent volunteer who contacts you.
•    Make a pledge to a volunteer or on your Annual Fund remit envelope. Pledges are due by June, 2009
•    Transfer shares of appreciated securities to the school’s account at Bear Stearns & Co. Call the Development Office at (510) 420-2331 for instructions
•    Consult your financial advisor to learn if this might be an opportune time to sell shares of depreciated stock and make a gift of the proceeds to College Prep

Are contributions tax-deductible?

Gifts to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. Pledges are due by June, 2009.  Every year, we raise thousands of dollars through matching funds. Check with the Human Resources Office where you work to learn if your employer will match your contribution to College Prep. 

The acceptance of any gift by The College Preparatory School is governed by the school’s Gift Acceptance Policy. All donors considering an estate gift to the school are urged to consult with their personal financial advisor in matters relating to planned gifts, tax and estate planning. 

www.college-prep.org
6100 Broadway, Oakland CA 94618
(510) 652-0111

For a copy of our Annual Fund Brochure please click on the link below:
College Prep 2008-2009 Annual Fund Brochure

Thank you for your support. We are glad that you are part of our community!

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