Frequently Asked Questions

The Annual Fund

How much are parents expected to give?

We discovered that a policy of a per child amount was too large for some parents and too small for others. Instead, we ask that parents put USM at the top of their charitable giving list. For that reason, we give parents discretion over their level of participation rather than being asked to give the per student amount. This permits each parent to respond on a personal basis according to his or her means and also permits each parent's generosity to find its own level of appropriate expression.

I want to make a gift to the Annual Fund, but I cannot afford a very large gift. What should I do?

USM counts on gifts of all sizes to reach the Annual Fund goal. Your participation is what is important. Last year, parents gave from $25 to $50,000. A pledge may be made now and paid in monthly installments. Pledges do not have to be paid in full until June 30, 2009.

Why don't you raise tuition instead of asking everyone to give to the Annual Fund?

To keep tuition increases to a minimum so USM has a qualified, economically diverse student body. The Annual Fund allows parents the advantage of making a tax-deductible gift and enables each family to respond according to their ability to give.

We are already heavily committed to other organizations/causes, does USM really need our gift?

USM has a relatively small community from which it can seek support. Parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, current and former faculty and staff represent our community of donors. Because an excellent education for your children is a top priority for you, we hope that you will make USM a top priority for your charitable giving.

I spend a considerable amount of time at School as a volunteer and I feel like I give enough. Why should my family participate in the Annual Fund?

There are many ways we, as parents, give to USM -- time, gifts in kind, Christmas & Holiday Show, grade sponsor, and Rummage Sale, to name a few. We appreciate all you do fro the school. Volunteer time and volunteer donations clearly play key roles in our success. However, Annual Fund is the only direct way to philanthropically benefit USM's general operations. It helps USM and parents meet the goals we have for our children's education. Please do the best you can.