Annual Giving

Commitment to the Community

In a recent article from an National Association of Independent Schools Parent Series entitled, "Gifts that Give Back," frequently unasked questions, not unlike questions asked by many BCS families, were answered. The following includes answers to frequently asked questions regarding Bayshore Christian School's need for both tuition dollars and donations to the Annual Fund.

Q: My family is already paying tuition. How does my child benefit from my gift?

Your gift supports the people and the programs that make Bayshore Christian School such a special place-talented teachers, small classes, and resources for academic courses that many public schools simply can't afford and are eliminating. On a daily basis, your child receives personal attention, intellectual stimulation, challenges, and a level of freedom to take risks, dream dreams, and try things beyond the parameters of a rigid curriculum. As our Mission Statement implies, we are creating life-long learners, and this comes at a cost, and with an obligation.

Q: Bayshore Christian School has beautiful grounds and many other features. It does not appear as if the school needs money. Why should we give?

It is easy to look at the school and see the wonderful facilities that Eastern Shore Presbyterian provides to us.  We are a growing school however, and the current facilities here are limited. We must, as we grow begin to build school specific buildings and classrooms.  As we expand into the seventh grade next year, a building must be completed to handle the new classes and new students.

According to the NAIS statistics most day schools find that tuition covers approximately 80% of the cost of operating the school. Bayshore Christian School is, in fact, in line with this statistic, and tuition covers 84%. Dollars donated to the school's Annual Fund, as well as dollars received from ancillary service revenue, make up this difference. That is why it may be said that every BCS student attends the school on scholarship.

Q: But isn't this an inefficient business model. Can't BCS just charge the full cost and avoid asking us for gifts?

Any for-profit business whose mission is to make money would, in fact, run and operate following that model. Yet, our mission is to provide our children with the best education possible. This requires a different financial model. By nature, high-quality schools are labor-intensive and people-oriented. They cannot get more efficient by combining classrooms, reducing staff, facilities, or programs.

Likewise, there are students in our school, and prospective students in the community that could not attend Bayshore Christian School if they were charged the full tuition rates.  Bayshore does offer partial scholarships to those some students based on their need.

Q: How does financial aid fit into the fundraising picture?

Financial Aid is a line item in the BCS budget. It supports the mission of the school and thus deserves its place in our operating budget. But without enough donations to support and meet the operating expenses, more of the school's tuition revenue goes to operations and therefore impacts the availability of financial aid dollars which, in turn, may impact the number of students able to attend BCS. Again, in turn, tuition revenue availability and usage is impacted. The cycle and need never goes away.

Q: Are there more reasons to give?

When you give to Bayshore Christian School you demonstrate your educated support of the community. Many of you will enjoy being part of many of our fund-raising activities. Unlike tuition payments, gifts to Bayshore Christian School are tax deductible!

Q: How much of a difference can my gift make?

BCS is so unique and so cherished due to a number of things. It remains "small" by NAIS standards. Nevertheless, with this standard comes a reality. A small school means fewer possible gifts. The number of gifts is small but the need is large. Every gift counts! Your participation also shows a vote of confidence in the school, a sign that each constituency understands and invests in their child's educational experience. It is because of this understanding and because many families have found the joy of realizing that their dollar-every dollar-means so much, that they have made Bayshore Christian School their number one choice for philanthropic giving. Your gift keeps on giving when you have made a gift to the community.

Q: Are gifts to Annual Giving tax deductible?

Yes! Gifts are fully tax-deductible and you will receive an acknowledgment from the Office of Development for your tax records.

Q: Can I charge my gift?

YES! Your gift can be charged to Master Card, Discover, American Express or Visa. Just fill in your card numbers and expiration date on the Annual Giving card.

Q: Can I make a gift of stock?

Yes, please contact the Tom Jones for stock transfer directions.

Bayshore Christian School Community of Funds

Annual Fund - The school's checking account:

Money for the school's operating budget for that academic year. It is the money that makes up the difference between what tuition revenue produces and the cost of educating your child and running the school. Examples of what your dollars impact are teaching tools, technology and equipment, employee expenses, and facility expenses-from the grand to the simplest needs such as light bulbs.

Endowment Gifts - The school's savings account:

Gifts to this fund help continue BCS's plan for the future. When a school uses revenue from the Endowment, the principal is kept intact while a portion of the interest income may be used.  Endowments are in place for both a Scholarship Fund as well as a Building Fund.

Planned Giving - A retirement account:

A gift to the school through a trust, annuity, insurance policy, or, as is most commonly done, through a bequest.

Capital Campaigns - Funding the building of additions to our school:

Major gifts are designated to meet a specific need. Often the needs are for building or facility enhancements. These capital campaign gifts are frequently large in size and are donated over a period of several years.

Matching Gifts - A "buy one, get one free" opportunity for the school:

Over 500 American corporations who match or sometimes even triple their employees’ philanthropic gifts offer matching gifts. Check with your employer or visit our website at Employer Matching Gifts to determine whether your company participates in this wonderful giving opportunity. A matching gift form obtained from your employer may be sent to the Development Office for processing.

Gifts-in-kind-Donations to the school other than money, i.e., services or tangible items.

Not all gifts-in-kind are can be accepted. Please consult the school's gift policy (BCS Handbook) to avoid donating a gift that may not be put to good use or would cost the school too much to maintain or store. It is also recommended that donors of gifts-in-kind consult a tax expert before giving gifts of substantial value to assure proper value and credit.

Restricted and Unrestricted Gifts

Restricted gifts can be used only during the year in which they are given, and can be used only for the purpose the donor has specified, such as academic programs, financial aid, or certain facility improvements. Unrestricted gifts are allocated where the need is the greatest.

Participation

Many outside sources consider participation rates before contributing to the school. High participation rates are a vote of confidence in the school. While schools may vary as to their goals of participation for any year, all aim for 100%. Every gift matters!

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