Giving

Annual Fund

Cultivating Excellence in Education: The Weiss School Annual Fund

Dear Weiss School Families:

We hope you and your child(ren) have had a fantastic experience during the first quarter of the school year! This is the perfect opportunity to thank you for contributing to our fundraising efforts last school year, as we raised $183,000 from our Annual Fund, helping to offset some of our operating costs.  Our goal for the Annual Fund this year is $200,000.
 
Like all private and independent schools, the tuition at The Weiss School does not cover the entirety of our annual operating costs. According to our September monthly financials, tuition revenue currently covers 87% of our operating costs.  We work diligently to keep our tuition costs down, to offer our families the highest quality education program, and to make every day a special experience for your child(ren).  To accomplish these goals, we must count on your financial support. Your contributions to our annual fund will allow us to continue funding our efforts to improve school safety and security (i.e., full-time police officer and full-time nurse), and the increasing cost of maintaining our virtual options daily for students in 3rd-8th grade, and EC-8th for emergency closures.
 
We understand that each family has a unique giving capacity, and each donation, regardless of amount, is welcome and meaningful. We thoughtfully ask your family to support The Weiss School Annual Fund by contributing a minimum of $1,500 per student for the 2024-2025 school year. While all contributions are appreciated, we are deeply grateful to our families who can, and do, give beyond the minimum request. The Annual Fund is also a fantastic way for grandparents to invest in their grandchild(ren)’s educational journey. This year’s theme is “Thankful for our Families,” because we are so thankful for our amazing students and alumni, generous current and past parents, and supportive families and we hope to create forever memories with your children.  Please consider making The Weiss School your top philanthropic priority and giving to the best of your ability. Remember, The Weiss School is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. 
 
You can review your 2024-2025 Annual Fund pledge form for ways to give. You can drop off your donation during the car line or make your contribution online via the Donate Now link on our Annual Fund page. You can also use your camera to access the QR code below to go to the Annual Fund page on our website. All credit card fees are waived for all Annual Fund donations for the 2024-2025 school year. We ask that you please make your contribution or pledge by Friday, November 22, 2024. 
 
There may also be a way for you to double your contribution to The Weiss School’s Annual Fund! Many companies offer to match donations that their employees make to non-profit organizations. Please visit the following website to determine if your company is one of those that match employee contributions: www.doublethedonation.com/weissschool. If you have questions or want additional information, please email Mrs. Brittany Theimer at btheimer@weissschool.org or Dr. Tammy Ferguson at tferguson@weissschool.org.

Qr codeDescription automatically generatedOn behalf of the entire Weiss School community, we are THANKFUL FOR OUR FAMILIES! We appreciate your continued generosity and commitment to The Weiss School.
 
-Your Weiss School 2024-2025 Annual Fund Committee

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. Why an Annual Fund?

    As is typical for most independent schools, The Weiss School relies on its Annual Fund as an important component of its operating budget. Tuition covers approximately 87% of the annual operating budget. The remaining 13% is comprised of Annual Fund gifts, fundraising activities, corporate gifts, and other non-tuition income received from outside sources.

  • Q. Why does the school fundraise?

    The Weiss School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Unlike public and charter schools, The Weiss School receives no local, state, or federal government funding. Tuition alone does not cover everything we have come to expect in our exemplary gifted educational program. The Board of Trustees approves a budget that relies on philanthropic support as one way to keep tuition as affordable as possible. Furthermore, philanthropic contributions provide an opportunity for donors to receive tax benefits while also supporting The Weiss School.

  • Q. How are Annual Fund dollars used?

    Annual Fund dollars are used to support Weiss School academic and extracurricular programs, facility enhancements, and unique school projects.

    Your contributions to our annual fund will also allow us to continue funding our efforts to improve school safety and security (i.e., full-time police officer and full-time nurse), and the increasing cost of maintaining our virtual options daily for students in 3rd-8th grade, and EC-8th for emergency closures.

  • Q. What is the goal of the Annual Fund?

    We ask all families to consider The Weiss School a philanthropic priority and the Annual Fund is the first and most important fundraising initiative each year. The goal of the Annual Fund is to raise $1,500 per student.

  • Q. What is the appropriate amount to give?

    We realize that all family circumstances are unique. Families are asked to give to the best of their ability and we understand that means different things at different times. Some families are able to give a substantial amount while others are only able to give more modestly. What matters most is the act of giving and that every family contributes what they can to support The Weiss School. Our history has shown that when everyone gives as generously as possible, we are able to ensure that The Weiss School programs remain excellent for gifted students.

  • Q. Are families receiving tuition assistance expected to participate?

    Yes. Gifts commensurate with each family's financial means are welcome and honored.

  • Q. Are gifts tax-deductible?

    Yes. The Weiss School is a nonprofit organization so all gifts and contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS. Donors are always advised to seek guidance from their tax preparer to determine tax deductibility questions. The Weiss School Development Office provides donation acknowledgements for tax purposes for all gifts regardless of the amount of the donation.

  • Q. Can we make a pledge?

    Absolutely. Some families choose to make a one-time gift while other families make a pledge to make a contribution in the future. If you do indicate you are making a pledge, please fulfill your pledge commitment by April.

Questions?

If you have any questions or need guidance about the type and amount of gift you would like to make to The Weiss School, please contact Dr. Tammy Ferguson, at (561) 627-0740 or via email at tferguson@weissschool.org.

The Weiss School

4176 Burns Road
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410
Phone: 561-627-0740
Fax: 561-775-7794
info@weissschool.org
The Weiss School is a co-ed private school that serves gifted students in PreK-3 through 8th grade in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. A Weiss School education prepares students to think analytically and creatively, act socially responsible, live vigorously, and create imaginatively in a warm and supportive educational environment.