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Q
Why doesn’t Stuart raise its tuition to cover the additional costs?
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A
While Stuart must raise tuition annually to guarantee growth in faculty/staff salaries and school programs, the School could not charge full cost without seriously limiting the number of qualified students who attend. Augmenting tuition with the Annual Fund also allows the School to keep tuition at a competitive rate with the surrounding community. In addition, a gift to the Annual Fund is tax-deductible as allowed by law; tuition is not.
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Q
How does Stuart’s gap compare to other independent schools?
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A
Stuart’s gap is comparable to that of other schools and is actually smaller than some.
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Q
Does Stuart get money from the government? The Diocese of Trenton? Or the Society of the Sacred Heart?
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A
No. Stuart does not get funding from the government, the Diocese of Trenton, or the Society of the Sacred Heart. As an independent school, Stuart relies on contributions from the community.
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Q
Who should give to the annual fund?
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A
EVERYONE who is a part of the Stuart Community. Contributions to the Annual Fund cover a wide range, from the $5 or $10 a young alumna in college might send, to many thousands of dollars.
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Q
Why is percentage of participation important?
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A
High participation in the Annual Fund is an important way for us to demonstrate to others in our community and to prospective families the commitment and dedication of our parents, alumnae and friends to the School and our students. We aim for 100 percent participation. Foundations and corporations awarding grants to educational institutions look at the level of parent, alumnae and community participations in the School’s Annual Fund.
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Q
Does it matter when I pledge or make a gift?
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A
Yes, it does matter. A gift or pledge made early in the school year is a great advantage to the School because we will know how much money is available to support the budget. To help plan our spending, we ask that donors please make pledges by December 31, if at all possible, but pledge payments and gifts can be made through the end of the fiscal year on June 30. Once you have made your annual gift or pledge, you will not receive another Annual Fund solicitation until the next academic year.
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Q
I support other Stuart fundraisers. Why should I support Annual Giving too?
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A
We appreciate any support you provide to the school. Annual Giving provides a school with unrestricted dollars that help alleviate the strain on the current year’s operating budget.
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Q
How do I contribute to the Annual Fund and whom do I contact for more information?
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A
Make your tax-deductible donation on any of these ways:
- Pledge now and pay in full or in installments by June 30.
- Check-made payable to Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart
- Credit Card—Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover
- Online
Be sure to check with your employer to find out whether you can double or triple your gift through a matching gift program.