Tuition isn’t always enough. Here’s how you can help your school raise funds

Think your child’s private school runs on tuition payments alone? Think again. Private schools and the students they serve have an abundance of needs that would often go unmet without additional sources of revenue. So how, as a parent, can you help ensure that your child’s private school has enough to make ends meet?  Here are a few good ways to start:

Make a personal donation.

Giving to your school may be as simple as writing a check or choosing them as your charity on AmazonSmile. You may be able to give through specific, established fundraisers or just as an end-of-year gift. Many private schools are highly dependent upon charitable donations, and personal donations from you, friends, family, and others can help fund everything from daily activities to special building projects.

If you’re looking for ways to make a major gift, talk to your school about their available options for giving. Some schools may even offer the chance to give through annuities by way of an intermediary insurance company.

If it’s your desire to give a major gift to your child’s school, but you don’t have the liquid funds available right now, consider adding the institution as a beneficiary of your estate. These sorts of large donations can make an incredible impact on your school and its students. Talk to your school about whether they have an endowment and how your gift might be helpful.

Help with fundraising.

Check with your school’s administration to join—or help establish—a fundraising committee. Besides traditional fundraisers like bake sales, car washes, and gift catalogues, a fundraising committee might help set-up silent auctions, recruit local businesses to sponsor events, or plan other, specialized fundraising events.

Think creatively about how you can best use your skills, connections, and time to help your private school raise funds.

Advocate for your school.

While it’s critically important for parents to be engaged and supportive of their child’s private school to help raise funds, rest assured you’re not the only one focusing on this important task. If you’re so inclined, partner with your school to see if you can assist with securing government funding or private grants. Speak well of your school and offer to help with recruitment efforts. And be an advocate for school choice policies that would allow tax dollars to follow students to the school of their choice—making private school an option for more children.

Volunteering your own financial resources or time to help with fundraising will, no doubt, be appreciated by your school. Private schools are one of the hallmarks of American education, and by helping your child’s private school raise funds, you can contribute to the longevity of the school. This, in turn, will help to ensure more children benefit from the same private education.