FAQ

Some frequently asked questions about giving to Penn Charter:

Q: Tuitions are rising every year – why doesn’t that cover the costs?
A: A first-rate education is expensive, and Penn Charter, like most other independent schools, is not able to cover total costs through tuition alone. In fact, the gap between tuition revenue and expense can be significant – last year it was more than $3,000 per student. This gap is covered by contributions from the Annual Fund and endowment income. Tuition increases are inevitable but can be controlled through the budget-relieving support that the Annual Fund provides. We could charge an additional $3,000 in tuition, but it is essential that we keep tuition at a competitive level in order to maintain the wide range of socioeconomic diversity at Penn Charter. Also, charitable donations to Penn Charter are tax deductible; tuition is not.

Q: What is the Annual Fund?
A: The Annual Fund provides unrestricted dollars that the school can designate where they are needed most. Money raised during one academic year is funneled directly into supporting the education programs for the next academic year, including but not limited to: curriculum development, technology, faculty salaries, student activities, athletics, art supplies, even lighting and grounds maintenance. In a nutshell, it supports everything we do.

Q: What are the difference between Annual Fund and endowment fund gifts?
A: The Annual Fund allows for an immediate and flexible response to the school’s needs and builds up the school’s "checking account" of expendable monies – and allows the school to preserve its "savings account" (endowment) for the future sustainability of Penn Charter for generations to come. Annual Fund resources are used on a yearly basis and have an immediate impact on the daily life of the school. It would take an additional $20 million dollars in endowment principal to raise the amount of interest income that the Annual Fund provides every year.

Q: What are leadership gifts?
A: Leadership level gifts begin at $1,000. Leadership gifts are crucial to the success of Penn Charter’s Annual Fund program. Typically gifts at this level represent more than 85 percent of the total money raised through annual giving. Donors who make gifts at these levels are recognized yearly by leadership category in the annual Report of Gifts

Q: I am not in a position to make a Leadership Gift.  If I can only make a small gift, does it really make an impact?
A: Yes! The variation in the level of gifts is representative of the diversity of our community. Gifts to the Annual Fund last year ranged from $25 to $25,000.  In no way do we ask that every family give an equal gift, but rather make an equal sacrifice. We hope families will think seriously about the level of support they can repeat on a yearly basis, i.e., annual giving. 

Q: Why does my participation matter?
A: Participation matters because it shows a dedication to Penn Charter’s educational mission and vision. We want to show other schools that our alumni, parents, and faculty and staff are supportive of Penn Charter across the board. Your gift is a demonstration of your commitment to the school and a sign of Penn Charter’s strength of community.