Annual Giving Fund

Thank you for your pledge to the BYDS Annual Giving Fund.  Your pledge is the greatest gift you can make in order to solidify the educational investment for your child’s future.

Our goal for 2012-2013 is to reach 500 donors.  With 100% participation from each Beth Yeshurun Day School family, (Early Childhood & Elementary School), and other supporters we will achieve this goal.

The mission of Beth Yeshurun Day School is to foster confidence, leadership, a love of learning, and a sense of responsibility in students by honoring individual strengths in an environment dedicated to academic excellence, Jewish teachings, and the continuity of Jewish values.

But we can’t do it without the support of our donors.

On August 21st, we opened our school doors for the 65th year. With strong community support we will progress boldly along our continuum of excellence, giving our children the best in day school education. We want to reach 500 donors this year.

Our big push begins NOW! Make your pledge today.

If we can secure 100% participation from people like YOU, we will reach our goal.

We want 500 BYDS Donors this Year.

Headmaster’s Level = $2,000

  • 2- tickets to the Annual Gala (Dec. 6, 2012)
  • 2- ¼ page ads in the Gala Event Program
  • 2 -Leaves for Grand Friend’s Day (Feb 2013)
  • VIP seating at the Thanksgiving program and at Grand Friend’s service
  • Invitation to the Headmaster’s Reception
  • Invitation to the VIP Shabbat Dinner
  • 40 reserved parking spot entries
  • Key Chain Swag

Scholarship Level = $1,300

  •  2- tickets to the Annual Gala (Dec. 6, 2012)
  •  1- Leaf for Grand Friend’s Day (Feb. 2013)
  •  VIP seating at the Thanksgiving program and at Grand Friend’s service
  •  Invitation to the Headmaster’s Reception
  •  Invitation to the VIP Shabbat Dinner
  •  20 reserved parking spot entries
  •  Key Chain Swag

 L’Dor V’Dor Level = $500

  •  VIP seating at the Thanksgiving program and at Grand Friend’s service
  •  1- Leaf for Grandfriend’s Day (Feb. 2013)
  •  Invitation to the VIP Shabbat Dinner
  •  10 reserved parking spot entries
  •  Key Chain Swag

 Patron Level = $250

  •  5 reserved parking spot entries
  •  Key Chain Swag

Chai Level = $108

  •  2 reserved parking spot entries
  •  Key Chain Swag

 

Below are a few examples of how the money is distributed:

  • Providing the latest technology and hardware for our classrooms, computer lab and science lab
  • Professional development opportunities for teachers including conferences and continuing education
  • Acquiring the newest and most innovative teaching tools and classroom equipment
  • Student scholarships

Reserved Front Row Parking Spot for 365 Days = PRICELESS!

  • $2,000 Annual Giving Fund Contribution = 40 raffle entries
  • $1,300 Annual Giving Fund Contribution = 20 raffle entries
  • $500 Annual Giving Fund Contribution = 10 raffle entries
  • $250 Annual Giving Fund Contribution = 5 raffle entries
  • $108 Annual Giving Fund Contribution =2 raffle entries

To make your 2012-2013 Annual Giving Fund pledge, CLICK HERE

For more information, contact Advancement Director, Marci Gilbert, at 713-666-1884 or development@bethyeshurun.org.

 Thank you to our families who have donated so far!

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What is the Annual Giving Fund? What is the money used for?
A. The Annual Giving Fund is the subsidized amount of money that is used to close the gap between the tuition revenue and the yearly operating budget for BYDS.  All schools across the country follow a very similar protocol for an Annual Giving Fund in order to operate with success.
This year, the goal for our Annual Giving Fund is 500 donors.  This goal will only be achieved with 100% participation from all of our current families.  Your tuition alone does not cover all of the operating expenses.
The Annual Giving Fund is the only way to supplement a higher level of excellence throughout BYDS.  The Annual Giving Fund conveys a powerful statement reflecting the community’s belief in and dedication to Beth Yeshurun Day School’s goals and programs. Every pledge is a vote of confidence in the school and how we deliver a high quality of Jewish education to our students. Every pledge – large or small – truly, truly makes a difference.

Q. 
How much and when should I donate to the Annual Giving Fund?
A. We encourage parents to make Beth Yeshurun Day School one of your highest philanthropic priorities while you have a child or children in the school. The Annual Giving Fund is a pledge that each family is expected to make, at a meaningful level. The gap between tuition per child and the actual cost of educating a student is $938, and we ask parents to cover the gap. Contributions range anywhere from the required minimum donation of $50 to in excessive of over $10,000.  Your Annual Giving Fund donations are tax deductible.

Q.
 How much should I give?
A.  Families are asked to support the Annual Giving Fund to best of their abilities.  Pledges range from the required minimum donation of $50 to in excessive of $10,000. While large leadership pledges are crucial to the financial stability for Beth Yeshurun Day School, all pledges – of any size – make a huge difference and are deeply appreciated.

Q. How much difference can my pledge really make?
A. Beth Yeshurun Day School is an independent school community with fewer supporters than a large university or a combined private school campus.  Since the population is relatively small compared with these other organizations, every pledge truly impacts our ability to carry out our mission. In essence, your pledge counts MORE at BYDS.

Q.
 Why doesn’t Beth Yeshurun Day School charge the full cost of educating each student instead of raising funds each year?
A. Beth Yeshurun Day School believes that every child should be offered the opportunity for a quality education. The tuition that would be necessary to fund our current level of education would preclude many families from joining the BYDS community. This would limit enrollment which, in turn, could mean a cutback in programs and would undermine the school’s commitment to making a Jewish education affordable to as many families as possible. Rather than resorting to this measure, we look to the generosity of our community to ensure that everyone has access to our rich programming offerings.

Q. Is my pledge tax-deductible?
A. YES! Since we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, contributions to the school are tax-deductible. We recommend that you consult with a financial advisor regarding your particular tax circumstances.

Q. What if I want to give stock?
A.  Please do so! Pledges paid with appreciated securities are a win-win situation for all-around. When you donate stock that has increased in value over the years, you do not pay capital gains tax.  The extra bonus is if you give stock or mutual fund shares to BYDS before the end of the year, you may take a deduction of the current fair market value of the stock on this year’s tax return. Please call the Development Department at 713-666-1884, to alert us that a stock donation is coming.

Q.  May I pay my pledge with a credit card?
A. Absolutely! The quickest way to donate by credit card is to go here. You can login to My Backpack if you have a username, or give as a guest. The response envelope that you may have received with the Annual Giving Fund letter, provides a space for you to fill out the necessary information, or you can call the Development Department at 713-666-1884, at which time you will receive the information you are looking for.  We can also accommodate monthly payments by credit card. Please inquire!

Q. How do I go about getting a matching pledge from my employer
?
A. Matching pledges are a great way to leverage your giving amount to Beth Yeshurun Day School. To get started, contact your company’s Human Resources Department to see if your company has a matching gifts program and what paperwork you will need to initiate a match or you may contact us at, 713-666-1884 for further assistance.