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Two - Time US Department of Education High Performing National Blue Ribbon School - 2015 & 2022!

The Fund for MAA

Leadership Societies

The Fund for MAA

Mount Alvernia Academy relies on annual gifts of all sizes from our parents, grandparents, alumni, Board of Directors, faculty, staff, and community members to bridge the gap between what tuition covers and the cost of a quality independent Franciscan Catholic education. The Fund for MAA ensures that our educational programs and careful investments in faculty and facilities are maintained and strengthened for years to come.

 
Many have questions about the Fund for MAA. Before making your donation, please read through these questions and answers and let us know if there is any additional information you need to help make a more educated donation.
 
Easy ways to donate:
  • Send your donation to MAA
  • Give online through Greater Giving
  • Give online via PayPal
  • Give a gift of stock or securities - See the attached files for more information
  • Make a Pledge - single or multi-year
 
WHY DO WE HAVE THE FUND FOR MAA?
 
Along with the Starry Night Spring Gala & Auction and our Golf Tournament, the Fund for MAA is a significant component of Mount Alvernia Academy’s Annual Giving campaign. Full tuition at MAA only covers roughly 85% of the cost of educating each student, leaving a deficit of $1800 per student. Donations received from The Fund for MAA are the school’s most important source of revenue other than student tuition. They are a vital part of the operating budget, funding classroom resources, supplies, salaries, and faculty professional development. The Fund for MAA gifts enables us to attract and retain the best teachers, provide quality materials, and offer our students a wide variety of diverse experiences. In brief, these funds are used to run the school.

 

WHY NOT JUST RAISE TUITION?
 
If MAA relied solely on tuition income, we would price ourselves beyond the means of many families. In addition, gifts to the Fund for MAA are tax-deductible, while tuition is not. Unrestricted annual monetary gifts enable MAA to maintain high-quality programs and facilities, attract and retain top-notch teachers, and help keep tuition affordable. Through annual giving, every student is subsidized through the generosity of our larger community.   

 

IS MY GIFT TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?
 
Yes. MAA is a non-profit (501c3) organization. All gifts made to the school are tax-deductible. The MAA Tax ID Number is 04-2488987.

 

ARE ANNUAL FUNDS COMMON?
 
Yes. Annual Giving Funds are a common practice among independent schools to compensate for expenses not covered by tuition. 90% of independent schools operate on a tuition gap basis where the tuition is 10-25% less than total expenses. These schools depend entirely upon these funds to cover the gap for budgeted expenses.

 

WHY DO WE REQUEST ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY TO MAKE A DONATION?
 
Outside funding sources and individuals are much more willing to consider supporting MAA if it is demonstrated that those who know the school best have generously given to support it. MAA community participation is crucial as we seek funds from outside sources, such as grants, foundations, matching programs, gifts from trusts, and individuals.

 

HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?
 
Gifts of every size are gratefully appreciated. Only you can determine the amount that is right for you, and participation is more important than the amount. We ask that you please give as generously as you can. An investment in MAA is one that will pay lifetime dividends for your children, your community, and future generations. Every gift matters.

 

WHO ORGANIZES THE ANNUAL FUND?
 
This effort is entirely staff and volunteer-driven. Our class giving representatives makes calls, sends mailings, solicits gifts, and works in collaboration with the administration and board, ensuring that 100% of all gifts received go directly to the school.

 

HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE?
 
There are many ways to support MAA. You can donate by cash, check, credit card, or online through Greater Giving or PayPal. You may also donate stocks or consider making a gift in someone else’s honor or in memory of a loved one. Also, many donors take advantage of their employer's matching gift program, which may double their gift to the school. Click HERE to learn more about your company's matching gift program.

 

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
If you have any questions, please ask! Feel free to contact Mary Walsh, Director of Institutional Advancement, at [email protected] or 617-379-5792.