The Norwood Fund

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

• MY FAMILY IS ALREADY PAYING TUITION . . . WHAT DOES MY CHILD GET WHEN WE MAKE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO NORWOOD?

  Your financial contribution to The Norwood Fund supports the people and programs that make Norwood the great school that it is: talented teachers, small classes, library and instructional resources, technology advancements, enriching arts and athletics programs. Each year, approximately 6% of the operating budget comes from contributions that directly support every aspect of school life. Norwood relies on a combination of tuition income, charitable donations, income from auxiliary programs, and interest income to balance its annual budget.

   

  Could Norwood operate on tuition alone? Not without looking significantly different. The School would be less innovative in our approach to education. Essentials like low student-to-teacher ratios, faculty and curriculum development, state-of-the-art technology, a rich arts program, and athletic equipment – all integral components to our rich and robust program would be compromised. Charitable gifts are a necessary part of every independent school’s healthy financial profile.

• IF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS WERE RUN MORE LIKE BIG BUSINESS, COULDN’T THEY CHARGE THE FULL COST AND AVOID HAVING TO ASK FOR GIFTS?

  Norwood School is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit institution. Unlike a for-profit business, which aims to make money, Norwood aims to provide our students with the very best education. By nature, high-quality schools are labor-intensive and people-oriented. In order to provide the best programs and competitive compensation to our outstanding faculty and staff, we continually evaluate and assess tuition increases, auxiliary programs like camp, and effective fundraising initiatives.

   

  And unlike tuition, contributions to The Norwood Fund are fully tax-deductible and allow each family to give at a meaningful level to which they are able.

• HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE TO THE ANNUAL FUND AND HOW MUCH OF A DIFFERENCE CAN MY GIFT REALLY MAKE?

  Ideally, current parents identify Norwood School as one of their top philanthropic priorities and recognize that their contributions make a significant impact. Gifts to The Norwood Fund range from $20 to over $20,000. We encourage families to consider giving at the Leadership Gift Level (Hilltop Circle) of $5,000 or more, if they are able. Leadership gifts ensure that we raise the necessary additional funds for our students above and beyond what tuition covers to support our program, faculty, and facilities.

   

  Our pre-K-8 school has fewer supporters than larger K-12 independent schools or universities, and therefore it is even more critical to have a higher percentage of supporters. Your contribution, when added to those of hundreds of other supporters, can have a large impact. Your participation encourages others to give and sends a message to our community that Norwood makes a difference. Every gift counts! Be counted!

• SHOULD I GIVE IF I RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID?

  Yes. Even though many families make financial sacrifices to pay their tuition, it is still important for every member of our community to participate in The Norwood Fund at some level.

• WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT: THE NORWOOD FUND OR THE AUCTION?

  They are both important, and they serve different purposes. The Norwood Fund supports the general operating budget while the Auction proceeds are specifically designated to need-based financial aid. The Auction helps extend our ability to service a wide range of students and families and makes us a better school and stronger community. Norwood hopes everyone will consider supporting both of these important initiatives each year.

• WHEN SHOULD I MAKE MY GIFT OR PLEDGE TO THE NORWOOD FUND?

  The earlier we receive your gift, the earlier we can put it to work for all our students. We encourage all families to make their pledges by December 31, though payments are accepted until June 30.

• IS NORWOOD ELIGIBLE FOR EMPLOYER MATCHING GIFTS?

  Yes! Norwood is grateful to the many corporations that support the School through generous matching gift programs. Please ask your employer about Matching Gift Programs that support pre-K-12 schools. This is a great way to double and sometimes triple your gift to Norwood.

• HOW IS THE NORWOOD FUND DIFFERENT FROM THE ENDOWMENT?

  The Norwood Fund enhances the current year’s operating budget, while a school’s endowment is its long-term savings account. A large endowment, well invested, can provide financial stability and a source of income beyond tuition and annual gifts. At present, Norwood has an endowment of approximately $9 million.