Annual Fund FAQs

What is the Annual Fund?

The Annual Fund is Grace’s philanthropic priority, making up part of the school’s yearly operating budget. It helps bridge the difference between tuition and the full cost of the Grace experience. The Annual Fund makes a robust curriculum possible; maintains and enhances our campuses; allows Grace to attract, retain, and hire faculty and staff of exceptional skill and character; ensures that students receiving financial assistance have access to the full breadth of the school’s co-curricular offerings; provides the resources to invest in vital technology upgrades; and helps ensure that the Grace community remains one in which everyone can find their place.
 
We ask the entire community—parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, faculty and staff, and friends of the school—to participate. We ask everyone in the community to participate and give as generously as they can to ensure that every student can experience the magic of Grace.

Is the Annual Fund the best way to support Grace?

Yes! The Annual Fund is part of the school’s yearly operating budget. Donations help ensure that our students receive the most comprehensive educational experience.

When should I make my gift?

We ask that you make your gift or pledge as early as possible. Because the Annual Fund is part of the school’s yearly operating expenses, and donations are spent in the year that they are received, giving early enables Grace to take advantage of every opportunity throughout the school year, maximizing Grace’s ability to continue providing the best education for every student.
 

What does the Annual Fund support?

The Annual Fund supports all aspects of educating our students and running the school. This includes: 

  • Developing new curricula
  • Technology and campus upgrades
  • Professional development opportunities for faculty and staff
  • Programming (ex: partnerships with leading cultural institutions and field trips, robust offerings in the arts and athletics)
  • Faculty and Staff salaries and benefits
  • And so much more!

How much should I give?

We ask that you make the Annual Fund your philanthropic priority and give at the level that you are comfortable, which will look different for everyone. Gifts have ranged in size from $5 to $100,000+.

Does my participation in the Annual Fund really matter?

Absolutely. The Annual Fund has a twofold goal: financial and participation. Every gift demonstrates a commitment to each other and the mission and values of Grace and shows prospective families and foundations the strength of the GCS community.

I receive Financial Aid. Will giving to the Annual Fund count against me? Wouldn’t my gift just give the school back the money it gives my family?

No, gifts to the Annual Fund do not affect financial aid packages. We ask every family to participate in the Annual Fund as this is a community effort.

Are donations to the Annual Fund tax-deductible?

Yes, Grace Church School is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization under the Federal IRS code. All contributions are tax deductible.

How do I make a donation?

We offer many ways to make your tax-deductible gift to Grace.
 
Online
Please click here to make your gift online.
 
Check
Gifts can be sent via check to:
Grace Church School Attn: Advancement Office
86 4th Avenue
New York, NY 10003
 
Stock and Wire Transfer
For stock and wire transfer instructions, please reach out to Leah Rosenbaum, Director of Annual Giving at (212) 475-5609 or via email at lrosenbaum@gcschool.org.
 
You may also contribute through a Donor Advised Fund/other foundation. Please contact the Advancement Office at (212) 475-5609 with any questions.

Can my employer match my gift to the Annual Fund?

Click here to find out if your employer has a matching gift program. Matching gifts effectively double the amount of a donation. Grace credits the donor for both their personal gift and the matching contribution.

Can I make a pledge now and pay later?

Yes, on our giving page, you will see an option to make a pledge.
 
You can also set up monthly giving (or other intervals). This is a great way to make your Annual Fund gift in installments, and allows you to “set it and forget it.” For assistance, please contact the Advancement Office at (212) 475-5609.


 
 
© 2022 Grace Church School
Grace Church School is a co-educational independent school in downtown Manhattan, New York City providing instruction for nearly 800 students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12.