Annual Fund

• What is it, and why do you ask me to make a gift every year?

Idyllwild Arts, like all independent schools, can't charge in tuition the true cost of education. In effect, every student is subsidized. It will cost about $10,836,000 to run the school this year. Tuition covers only 74% of that. Other revenue sources, such as restricted gifts, endowment income, and the bookstore, bring in another 15%. Which leaves us 11% or $1,236,000 short - the budgeted goal for this year's Annual Fund.

• Then why not cut costs?

We have and do. Bill Lowman runs a tight ship. There is no fat in the budget. With full classes and full teaching loads our faculty cannot do more than they do already. An excellent arts and academic education is expensive.

• Okay, then why not raise tuition and reduce the emphasis on fundraising?

This sounds like the easiest solution. But, it's a catch-22. Many families are already making considerable sacrifices to send their children here, and we are committed to providing financial aid for talented students with limited financial resources. Raising tuition to meet the cost would mean that more families would require financial aid which would mean more need for fundraising.

• So, Annual Fund will always be here, and I'll always be asked to make a gift?

Yes. Consider yourself a crucial component of 7,000 parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, and friends who we ask to share their resources with the school each and every year. What you and others accomplish with your Annual Fund gift is to raise $1,236,000 which helps balance the operating budget, supporting faculty salaries, the arts, academics, financial aid, and all programs, and enriching the opportunities for all Idyllwild Arts students.

• I'm usually asked to increase my gift. Why is that?

Annual operating costs at Idyllwild Arts increase just like food and gasoline prices. As a result, tuition goes up each year, and so does the Annual Fund goal.

• How much should I give?

The important thing is that you do give. Every gift is important. It really depends on how much you choose to stretch your own resources to make a gift. Whether your gift is $10, $25 or $20,000, the most important consideration is that you choose to make a difference at Idyllwild Arts. (When we seek funding from foundations, they ask what percentage of our Idyllwild Arts family is participating in the Annual Fund.)

• What level of gift qualifies me as a leadership donor?

Leadership gifts are vital to the success of our Annual Fund program. Last year 89% of the Annual Fund, $774,753, was given by 18% of our donors with leadership gifts of $1,000 or more. This circumstance is not unique to Idyllwild Arts, rather it follows the pattern of giving established at most independent schools.

 

Leadership Gift Opportunities

Conservatory Circle
$10,000 and above

Governors' Circle
$5,000–$9,999

Trustees' Circle
$2,500–$4,999

Founders' Circle
$1,000–$2,499

• Does my gift have to be in cash?

No. Although gifts are usually in the form of checks, giving appreciated securities can be a tax-wise alternative. If you have stocks or bonds that have appreciated in value (and that you have held for at least a year), you can give them to Idyllwild Artsand save taxes twice. Take a charitable deduction for their full market value and save the capital gains tax that you would incur if you sold them. Please call the school's development office for details on the best way to make this type of gift.

• What if I want to restrict my gift to a specific part of the operating budget, say the summer theatre program, the visual arts department, or financial aid... Can I do that?

Absolutely. Just include a note to that effect when you send in your gift.

• When does my gift have to arrive at Idyllwild Arts?

Our Annual Fund year starts on July 1 and ends on June 30. So it really doesn't have to reach us until June 30. But since IA counts on a set goal every year for operating expenses, the sooner it arrives the better. Also, sending your gift sooner will save us the costs of follow-up mailings and phonathons, and you may want to get it in before December 31 for income tax purposes. Gifts to non-profit institutions are one of the few deductions (if you itemize) that still remain after tax reform.

• How can I find out if my employer (or my spouse's) matches gifts to independent schools, thus doubling or tripling my gift to Idyllwild Arts?

Check with your personnel office. They can tell you if they have a matching gift program and will provide you with the appropriate form to include with your gift.

• What more do I need to know?

Only this. You need to know how grateful the students, faculty, and trustees are for your support of Idyllwild Arts. Your gift does make a difference.

Whether your gift is $10, $25 or $20,000, the most important consideration is that you choose to make a difference at Idyllwild Arts.