Annual Fund

List of 13 frequently asked questions.

• Why does Graland need an annual fund? Doesn't my tuition payment cover costs?

  Following the current independent school model, Graland relies on a combination of tuition revenue and donor support to meet annual operating expenses. At Graland tuition covers 86% of the full cost of educating a child and the annual fund plus distributions from the endowment account for the remaining 14%. All three revenue sources are critical to meet our operational needs and educational goals.

• Why not raise tuition to cover actual costs?

  By raising tuition, we risk losing many valuable current and perspective students whose families could not afford the increase, which in turn would limit every student's opportunity to receive the many benefits of socio-economic diversity across campus. Tax-deductible gifts to the school help keep tuition levels comparable to other independent schools in the Denver area.

• What is the Family of Funds?

  The Family of Funds was created to give you the opportunity to support the yearly needs of the school while also pursuing your personal philanthropic passion.

  
  You can choose to designate your gift to an area of our program that is meaningful for you, from the following options:
  

  • Area of Greatest Need
  • Financial Aid
  • Faculty Professional Development
  • Facilities and Campus Safety
  • Innovation and Technology

  Note: Should contributions exceed a designation’s budgeted need, the school will redirect contributions to the area of greatest need. All undesignated gifts will be applied to areas of greatest need.

• Who contributes?

  Each year, parents, alumni, trustees, grandparents, parents of alumni, educators, and even students at Graland contribute to the annual fund. It is a collective effort of everyone in the Graland community.

• Why is participation important?

  Participation in the Annual Fund demonstrates an understanding of Graland’s culture of philanthropy. As illustrated by school leaders and educators who annually achieve 100% participation, giving back is a community-wide call to action. Strong annual fund support positively influences prospective families interested in sending their children to Graland, and likewise inspires major donors and charitable foundations to give to Graland. Every gift counts. Every gift matters. Every gift makes a difference.

• Does my gift really make a difference?

  Absolutely! Every gift truly does make a difference. Donations of all sizes can make a big collective impact and inspire larger gifts. Every contribution, of every size, counts toward our participation rate.
  
  Gifts to the annual fund range from $5 to $25,000. We ask that families make gifts at a level that is meaningful to them.

• How are donors recognized?

  Every donor to the annual fund is recognized in the annual report and receives a thank-you letter from Graland. Donors who give at the $3,500 level and above are invited to the annual Head of School reception held each fall. For those who prefer to give anonymously, we will certainly respect your wishes. Contact: Jessica Goski 303-336-3705.

• What are the tax benefits of giving to Graland?

  Your gift is 100% tax deductible. Graland’s tax ID number is 84-0402699.

  
  A gift of stocks or securities is eligible for charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the gift without capital gains tax on appreciated stock. A deferred or planned gift has potential tax benefits as well. To learn more, please contact Jessica Goski (303-336-3705).

• Will my company match my gift?

  Visit the Ways to Give Page to see if your company, or your spouse’s company, offers a matching gift program. Corporate matching programs can double the impact of your gift at no additional cost to you. If your company is eligible, you should request a matching gift form via your company’s intranet or HR department. Complete the form and send it to Anna Natassja Scheitler '13 in the Development Office and the school will do the rest. Note: You will be recognized at the Giving Level that reflects your total giving, including corporate matching gifts.

• When is the best time to make my Graland Annual Fund gift?

  To take advantage of a current year tax deduction, we kindly ask you to make your gift by December 31. The sooner you give, the sooner your gift goes to work to benefit student learning. All pledges are payable by June 30.

• What is the difference between fundraising by the school and fundraising by the Graland Parent Association?

  Gifts to the Graland Parent Association first support the GPA's planned activities which are focused on community building. Once expenses are covered, the net funds are donated back to the school. Alternatively, 100% of annual fund dollars go directly and immediately into the school's operating budget. Graland asks all parents to make a tax-deductible gift to the annual fund first. Many families are able to go above and beyond by supporting the annual fund and GPA events and activities.

• Who are annual fund volunteers and what do they do?

  Development Committee members and Grade Representatives are volunteers who offer parent-to-parent connections and follow-up regarding the annual fund letters that are sent early each fall. These parents can answer any questions that you may have about the annual fund. Beyond our parent community, alumni, grandparents, former trustees and parents of alumni are welcome to take an active volunteer role on behalf of the Graland Annual Fund as well. Contact Jessica Goski.

• How does annual giving differ from capital and endowment giving?

  The Graland Annual Fund supports operational expenses for the current school year. Additional campaigns are conducted periodically when significant funds are needed for growth. Examples are construction, renovation of facilities and endowment to support faculty salaries or financial aid.
  
  Pledges to capital campaigns and the endowment vary according to the financial means of the donor and can be paid over multiple years. Because the Graland Annual Fund covers immediate operating expenses, we kindly ask that you make it your first priority followed by any capital and endowment contributions.