Frequently Asked Questions about the Charger Annual Fund
Q: What is the Charger Fund? A: Each year, the Charger Fund enhances student learning and development environments with special items or programs that would not be possible without increasing tuition. Today’s students continue to benefit from the generosity of previous families who made significant investments in the campus and school resources.
Q: Why do we need an annual fund? A: Unlike public schools, independent schools operate without any financial support from the local tax base or from state or national governments. CCS relies on tuition income, interest income and annual contributions to provide the most comprehensive educational environment possible.
Q: Who can give? A: Anyone who believes in excellence in Christian education! Parents, grandparents, and other family members give to show support for the school and a comprehensive learning environment. Alumni (students, parents, and faculty/staff) give to provide for those who follow in their footsteps. Community members invest in the fruit of a CCS education – godly, educated young people who exhibit personal and group leadership, citizens our world desperately needs.
Q: How much should I give? A: We believe the stewardship of personal resources God has entrusted you with is a matter to be prayerfully considered. We ask that, after your church, you make the educational ministry of Community Christian School a priority in your giving. God uses all gifts both great and small to impact each student.
Q: How and when do I give? A: Gifts usually come in the form of gifts and pledges (which can be paid all at once or spread over the year). Because CCS’ fiscal year ends on June 30, we ask that all pledges be paid by June 15. Easy, secure donations may be made online or to CCS by check or credit card. The Business Office will gladly help donors establish recurring donations and payment reminders.
Q: How can I increase my gift through my employer? A: Ask your employer if they have a matching gift program, which will match your gift with company funds. Please contact Anne Munson, Director of Institutional Development, if your employer will match your gift.
Q: Is an annual fund a common practice among other schools? A: Yes. Most independent and Christian schools have annual fund programs, as do colleges and universities.
Q: Will my gift be tax-deductible? A: Yes. Community Christian School is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization and all Charger Fund gifts are tax-deductible.
Q: Why not just increase tuition to cover these enhancements? A: To make a CCS education accessible to as many students as possible, we strive to keep tuition affordable. In addition, a gift to the school is tax deductible, whereas tuition is not. This gives each family the opportunity to write off a portion of their child’s education.
Q: If I can only make a small gift, does it make an impact? A: Many small gifts, when combined, become powerful. There is strength in numbers, and the collective generosity of our donors can make a huge impact.
Q: Why is 100% participation so important? A: Though not everyone has been blessed with the same resources, everyone can share in the effort. This supports our philosophy that as a community we must all work together to provide our children with the best possible education. Also, high annual fund participation is a benchmark used by donors and outside funders when deciding which of the many worthwhile schools will receive their financial support.
Q: Do parents who donate their time to CCS support the Charger Fund? A: CCS is truly grateful to the many volunteers who contribute their time, energy, advice, and talent. Many CCS programs would not be possible without the dedication of our parents. However, financial donations are a separate and essential method of support.
Q: What is the difference between the Charger Fund and a comprehensive campaign? A: Gifts to a comprehensive campaign build facilities and add programs – such gifts are restricted to the specific purpose of the associated campaign. Charger Fund gifts meet CCS greatest and immediate needs as determined by school leadership.
Q: Does CCS have an endowment? A: The 2015-2016 Board approved the creation of a $3 million endowment, a pool of invested funds that produces a permanent flow of interest income to support the school. An endowment guarantees the school’s long-term sustainability and ensures accessibility for families seeking a CCS education but who cannot afford it alone. To donate cash, securities, stock, life insurance, real estate/personal property, or through your will/estate, contact Anne Munson, Director of Institutional Development.
Matthew 6: 20-21 English Standard Version (ESV) 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
