Annual Campaign
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Each fall, the Parent Association and the Development Department coordinate an Annual Fund drive. Funds raised help cover the gap between tuition and the true cost of a UCDS education. This gap is approximately $2,000 per student. Annual fund resources are essential in support of the school's yearly operating budget. We invite each member of the UCDS community to participate at a level appropriate for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does UCDS need to raise money from Parents and Alumni?
UCDS is an independent school and operates without financial support from the federal or state government. As with most private schools, there is a gap in our annual operating budget between tuition revenue and the actual cost of providing UCDS education.
How much is the gap?
The gap is approximately $2,000 per student. UCDS tuition (plus some other revenue) covers 88% of the cost of educating a student.
Why don't you reduce costs?
Consider the unique, effective elements of a UCDS education: Individualized curricula. A student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1. Professional development to retain and support our exceptional teachers and specialists. A Resident Teacher Program that contributes to a consistent influx of innovative ideas and helps us to hire well-trained and dynamic teachers. Reducing these costs would reduce the quality of a UCDS education.
Why doesn't UCDS raise tuition and stop fund raising?
In our need-blind admissions process, we select children based solely on their potential to thrive at UCDS; we don‚t ask questions about families‚ financial resources prior to acceptance. Raising tuition by the gap amount would further restrict the number of families who can afford to pay full tuition without financial aid. Our endowment and auction fundraising are not large enough to support financial aid at that level. Increasing tuition by the gap would decrease our highly valued economic diversity at UCDS and undermine the school's commitment to making a UCDS education affordable to as many families as possible. Finally, a gift to the Annual Campaign is tax deductible. Tuition is not!
The Annual Campaign makes up how much of the gap?
About one third. Proceeds from the auction, the endowment fund and other fund raising efforts cover the balance.
Who gives to the UCDS Annual Campaign?
The broad UCDS community: Parents and grandparents of current students, parents and grandparents of alumni, alumni, teachers, staff, Board members, friends, and corporations/organizations (through matching gifts).
Are matching gifts meaningful?
Yes! Last year, matching gifts comprised almost 15% of the Annual Campaign proceeds.
What are the goals of the Annual Campaign?
We want to raise at least $215,000 and to reach 100% participation from current families.
How much should I give?
Please give what you can. No amount is too small. Every dollar helps. If you can afford to pay the amount of your child's gap ($2,000), we encourage it. Gifts range in size from $5 to $10,000.
We appreciate every donation!
