Giving Opportunities : Annual Giving Campaign : FAQFAQ
Q: What is the Annual Giving Campaign?
A: The Annual Giving Campaign represents the combined tax-deductible contributions made by current parents, grandparents, staff, alumni, matching gift companies, foundations, and friends of Evergreen in support of the day-to-day operations of the school. Gifts are unrestricted and go to the operating budget to help pay for items such as faculty salaries, the ever-rising costs of benefits like health insurance, professional development, facility upkeep, enhanced curriculum, and materials. Furthermore, these gifts provide a means to keep tuition increases to a minimum. As Evergreen School is 501(c)(3) charitable organization, your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by tax laws. Contact your tax advisor for further details.
Q: Why is it so important?
A: As an independent school, Evergreen relies primarily on tuition fees and proceeds from fundraising to meet operating expenses. Tuition alone does not cover operating costs. The gap must be bridged by Annual Giving and fundraising activities.
Q: Why not raise tuition?
A: Evergreen strives to keep tuition increases to a minimum to keep us competitive with other schools in the area, but more importantly, helps to foster diversity in our school. We feel that promoting and embracing racial, cultural, and economic diversity is vital to fulfilling our mission.
Q: Why is participation important?
A: Each year, we strive to achieve 100% participation in the Annual Giving Campaign. Full participation demonstrates solidarity within the Evergreen community. It also indicates to outside donors, such as corporations, foundations, and friends, that those who are most connected to the School are indeed committed to it and are involved in the School’s future well-being. Therefore, all gifts, no matter what size, are tremendously important and benefit us all.
Q: Who should contribute?
A: Everybody who cares about Evergreen School and our students, our mission, and our future should make a contribution to our Annual Giving Campaign. Current parents, faculty, grandparents, board members, alumni, and special friends of Evergreen are asked to contribute.
Q: How much should we donate?
A: No gift is too large. No gift is too small. Evergreen appreciates gifts from every giver. We hope that each donor gives as generously as possible within his or her means.
Q: How do we donate? What are the payment options?
A: Simply complete the Annual Giving donation form located on our website.
There are many methods to make your donation that are indicated on the donation form, such as cash, checks, credit cards (Visa or Mastercard only), company matching gift programs, securities, or a pledge. Pledge amounts should be indicated on the form and all pledges must be fulfilled by March 1. Please send in your payments, and the donation form to the School, attention Development Director. You may also email us a copy of your form, so we know to expect your gift. Please list your name exactly as you wish it to be printed in our Annual Report. All donors will be listed according to our Leadership Giving Societies, which are:
| Head of School Circle | $3,000 and above |
| Founder’s Society | $1,500-$2,999 |
| Evergreen Association | $1,000-$1,499 |
| Evergreen Club | $500-$999 |
| Evergreen Sustainer | $250-$499 |
| Friend of Evergreen | up to $249 |
We participate in a charitable giving program called Maryland Charities. Our School number is 12847. We are listed as Children’s House, Inc. Please contact our Development Director with any specific questions regarding donation methods.
Q: When does my donation need to be received?
A: Please complete the donation form and send your donation as soon as possible in order for the Development Office to start tracking our success. The Annual Giving Campaign closes on March 1, so all donations need to be received by then.