List of 11 frequently asked questions.

• Are we expected to give to both the Fund for Carrollton and Major Gifts efforts?

  To the best of your ability, we would hope that you will support both. It is critical that during the school's Major Gifts efforts the Fund for Carrollton remains strong and growing. Because the Fund for Carrollton covers immediate operating expenses, we ask that you make it your first priority and that major gifts be made in addition to your annual gift. This ensures that Carrollton's operating budget is not compromised.

• What is the Fund for Carrollton and why do we need it?

  The Fund for Carrollton sustains Carrollton's commitment to quality education by supporting and enhancing our school programs. We rely on annual gifts from current and past parents, alumnae, trustees, faculty and staff, grandparents and friends to help us reach our Fund for Carrollton goal each year.

• How are the Fund for Carrollton dollars spent?

  The money from the Fund for Carrollton is spent on budgeted items throughout the school year. In general, the Fund for Carrollton guarantees faculty/staff salaries and benefits, professional development for faculty/staff, program and classroom materials, student activities and clubs, arts and athletic programs and maintenance of the buildings and grounds.

• Who determines the annual goal? If we don't meet the goal, will the School be affected?

  In cooperation with each other, the Administration, Finance Committee, Board of Trustees and the Advancement Committee of the Board set the Fund for Carrollton goal. The process is a balancing act of tuition revenue forecasting, maximizing the Fund for Carrollton potential, and an acknowledgement of the importance of the continued health and strength of our School. If we don't meet the goal, the deficit would have an across-the-board impact, with potential cutbacks being shared by all.

• Who should give to the Fund for Carrollton?

  Everyone who is a part of the Carrollton community is invited to participate in the Fund for Carrollton. Contributions to the Fund for Carrollton cover a wide range, from the $5 or $10 a young alumna in college might send to many thousands of dollars from parents, alumnae, parents of alumnae, grandparents, and friends.

• What is the Founders Society and what are the giving levels?

  The Founders Society recognizes those who give at the leadership levels of $1,961 or more each year to the Fund for Carrollton. These leadership gifts bear immediate fruit for Carrollton by ensuring the school's commitment to essential resources for our students, financial aid, professional development of our educators, enhancements to our school grounds and more.

• I can't make a big gift. Does my support still matter?

  Yes. We need and value every family's support in every way. Your gift, regardless of the amount, will provide additional resources and will often serve to encourage others to make gifts. Everyone who is solicited is asked to give generously. An appropriate gift is one in proportion to your ability to give. Corporate matching gifts enable donors to increase the value of their gift and provide a valuable source of revenue for the School.

• Why is percentage participation important?

  High participation in the Fund for Carrollton 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% participation. Foundations and corporations awarding grants to educational institutions often look at the level of parent, alumnae/i and community participation in the school's annual fundraising efforts.

• Does it matter when I pledge or make a gift?

  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 will be available to support the budget. To help plan our spending, we ask that donors please make pledges as early in the academic year as possible. We hope that pledges and gifts will be made by March 31st so that we can utilize the additional funding in the current year. Once you have made your annual gift or pledge, you will not receive another solicitation until the next academic year for the Fund for Carrollton. The Fund for Carrollton closes each year on June 30.

• How do I contribute to the Fund for Carrollton and whom do I contact for more information?

  Make your tax-deductible donation in any of these ways:

  • Pledge now online or by contacting Amy Repine in the Advancement Office and pay in full or in installments by June 30.
  • Send a check to the school's Advancement Office — made payable to Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart.
  • Use a credit card online or over the phone, (305) 446-5673, ext. 1278 — Visa or MasterCard
  • Donate appreciated securities—call or e-mail Amy Repine for transfer instructions

  
  

  Please be sure to check with your employer to find out whether you can double or triple your gift through a matching gift program.

  You can contact Amy Repine, Director of the Fund for Carrollton, (305) 446-5673, ext. 1278 for more information.

• What is the difference between the Fund for Carrollton and Major Gifts efforts?

  The Fund for Carrollton is designed to help cover the current year's anticipated operational expenses. Major Gifts efforts are conducted periodically to provide significant funds for growth, such as construction and renovation of facilities, endowment and other special purposes. Pledges to the Major Gifts efforts vary according to the financial means of the donor and can be paid over several years.