Giving FAQ: Why We Fundraise

An Annual Fund is an annual fundraising campaign that supports the school’s operating budget — helping bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the full cost of educating students. Tuition alone does not cover the costs of maintaining our high standards. Cobb’s Annual Fund fills this gap and allows us to offer diverse, enriching experiences for our students.

Donations to the Annual Fund support every area of school life, from enhancing classroom materials and funding enrichment programs to maintaining our facilities and supporting teacher development. Your contribution has a direct impact on the student experience.

The Annual Fund supports the school’s operating budget each year, helping to bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the true cost of providing a high-quality Montessori education. Because these needs recur annually, community support through the Annual Fund is essential every year.

Tuition is intentionally set at a level to keep our education accessible to more families, but it doesn’t cover the full cost of providing our programs and facilities. The Cobb Annual Fund helps bridge this gap, allowing us to offer an enriched Montessori education without relying solely on tuition increases.

The Annual Fund supports immediate needs across the school year, like classroom materials, teacher training, and student programs. Other initiatives, such as capital campaigns or endowment funds, support long-term projects, building improvements, and financial stability.

Our Giving Day Challenge (and the activities associated with it) also go to support the Cobb Annual Fund.

Cobb receives limited support from grants and endowment funds. These resources are used carefully and do not replace the need for annual fundraising, which supports the school’s ongoing operating expenses and current students. Higher participation from our parents, grandparents, Trustees, and staff helps us to make a stronger case for grant appeals.

Participation is an important indicator of community support. Many foundations, grant-makers, and business sponsors look not only at dollars raised, but at how many families choose to participate. High participation signals shared commitment and strengthens the school’s ability to secure matching gifts, grants, and other external funding that benefits all students.

Every gift matters, regardless of size, and we encourage families to give at a level that feels meaningful to them. Contributions of all sizes combine to make a significant impact. Additionally,  the percentage participation of our community is a strong signal of approval and support when we apply for external grants from organizations and businesses. So your support, in any amount, benefits the school in many ways. We hope you consider making Cobb a top philanthropic priority.

We understand that families’ circumstances change. While financial contributions are important, there are many ways to support the school, including volunteering, attending events, and helping build community connection. Staying engaged and involved continues to make a meaningful difference.

Cobb School Montessori accepts gifts year-round. Our financial year runs from July 1 through June 30.  Donations may be made online, by mailing a check, through a donor-advised fund (DAF), or during school-wide efforts such as the Annual Giving Challenge. Many families also choose to give monthly or take advantage of employer matching gift programs. Every gift helps support the school’s operating needs and educational programs.

Many employers offer matching gift programs that can double or even triple your contribution to Cobb School Montessori. Contact your HR department to see if your employer matches charitable donations, and submit any necessary forms with your gift.

Yes, making a gift in honor or memory of someone special is a wonderful way to celebrate them. Just let us know on the donation form, and we will send an acknowledgment card to the honoree or their family if desired.

While all donations to the Annual Fund are unrestricted to meet the school’s greatest needs, you can let us know if you’re particularly passionate about a specific area, like arts, outdoor education, or classroom resources. We welcome your input but reserve the right to apply funds where they’re needed if an area becomes over prescribed.

Yes. Many families choose to give through monthly or recurring gifts, which can make giving more manageable and provide the school with steady, predictable support throughout the year. In fact, a regularly occurring gift, even a small one, helps the school with its financial planning.

Yes. Cobb School Montessori is a nonprofit organization, and gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. A receipt acknowledging your donation will be provided for your records. Our EIN is 06-0964699. You may request an additional tax receipt at any time by contacting development@cobbschool.com.

Yes, we recognize all donors in our Annual Report, unless you request to remain anonymous. We honor every gift, and each contribution makes a meaningful difference in our community.

Thank you for your support! Beyond financial contributions, you can help by sharing our mission with others, volunteering, or joining our community events. Every form of support strengthens Cobb School Montessori!