What is the ONEGillispie Annual Giving Fund, and why are we asked to contribute when we already pay tuition?

The ONEGillispie Annual Giving Fund is money for the School’s current-year operating expenses. Tuition does not cover what it actually costs, per student, to provide a Gillispie School education. Every student at Gillispie is subsidized, even students who do not receive financial assistance. The remaining amount required comes from your giving. Our Annual Giving Fund is designed to help bridge this gap (approximately $3,000 per student) and keep tuition increases down. Unlike tuition, gifts to the ONEGillispie Annual Giving Fund are 100% tax-deductible.

Why doesn’t the school charge enough in tuition to cover operating costs?

The School works hard to offer an education of the highest quality to its students. If tuition were raised to cover operating costs, a Gillispie education would become unattainable for many families.

Do other independent schools have an Annual Giving Fund?

Yes, the Annual Giving Fund is not unique to Gillispie School. Independent schools all over the country fundraise to bridge this gap.

Who is asked to support the ONEGillispie Annual Giving Fund?

Gillispie is a pacesetter in the arena of participation for this yearly campaign. We are proud to have consistently high levels of participation from our Board of Trustees and the entire parent body. In addition, grandparents, alumni, community friends, and staff and faculty contribute significantly to the total income raised each year.

How much should I give?

The amount is personal to your financial situation, but we do ask our families to make Gillispie their philanthropic priority.

A gift of $3,000 per child covers the “gap” between what it costs to educate each student and what is covered by tuition. Gifts beyond $3,000 per child help bridge the gap for families that cannot afford to contribute the gap amount, and fund enhancements to programs, professional development for faculty, and financial aid at the School. Gifts of ANY size are honored and appreciated.

Best of all, unlike tuition, your gift is completely tax-deductible, and you have all school year to pay. Many employers offer matching gift programs. Please check to see if yours does!

How many times will I be asked to give?

Families are asked to support Gillispie twice a year. First, during the ONEGillispie Annual Giving Drive, which runs October – November, each family is asked to make a gift. We aspire to 100% participation.

In the second half of the year, families are asked to support a special fundraising event. Underwriting gifts, auction donations, corporate support, ticket sales, as well as purchasing items in the online and live auctions, raise essential funds for the School.

I want to maximize my gift to the School by getting involved in the ONEGillispie Annual Giving Drive – how can I help?

Email [email protected]. Volunteers team up with the Advancement Office to encourage parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni and friends to support the School. This is a fantastic way to give back to Gillispie – with your time and energy!