The Allen Fund

The Allen Fund plays a prominent role in Allen Academy's financial stability. It is vital to the school's success in offering superior academic programs and competitive teaching salaries. Tuition revenues typically provide less than 80 percent of the school's operating budget and the Allen Fund, combined with income from other events, supplements the balance.

Like many leading independent schools across the country, Allen Academy supplements tuition revenues with tax-deductible contributions in an effort to keep tuition at a reasonable level. Since its inception in 2003, the Allen Fund has provided important revenue in unrestricted gifts for the school's operating needs.

Participation is critical to a successful campaign. A high level of participation from the school's Board, faculty, staff, parents, and grandparents has a major impact upon its ability to procure funding from outside of the school community. Foundations, corporations, and other major donors want to know that our parents believe in Allen Academy enough to contribute their charitable dollars. The frequently asked question, "What percent of parents have given?" is one that we must be able to answer with a very high percentage. If a family is not in a position to make a large gift, it is important that they understand that no gift is too small.

“I know that my gift supports the people and programs that make Allen special. It helps to pay for talented teachers and small class sizes, which are two of the things I most appreciate. I know that tuition costs are kept as low as possible so that more people can afford an Allen education, and I‟m happy that I am able to donate money to help keep it that way. There are many parents and friends of Allen who are extremely generous, and I understand that my children benefit from the generosity of others. I want to 'do my bit' even though I may not be able to give as much as perhaps some other families can. I have seen the amount of hard work and sacrifice that many people make to give my children a great educational experience, so I feel that giving in this way is our way of showing appreciation. I also like to give because I want my children to understand that giving is a gift to the giver as well as the receiver. I take pleasure in giving to the school, and I want my children to see and learn from that. The school is an integral part of our family, and I want to play a part in its continuing success.”

— Middle School Parent

“As a Lower School Parent, I am pleased to give to the Allen Fund because I understand that the funds are needed to help with the operations of the school. It is just one more way to help the school which is another extension of our family.”

— Lower School Parent

“Giving means several things to me: it means being part of the community, it means showing gratitude for my being able to give whatever we can afford and for what Allen does for all of its students, not just my children. Programs and facilities at Allen are possible because of the generosity of those who gave in the past and who give now, and I hope by my participating it will pay tribute to those who have made the school possible and build upon a strong foundation.”

— Trustee

Why does Allen Academy ask for a contribution in addition to my tuition?

Independent schools do not receive operational funding from local school districts or from state and federal agencies. This is a key reason why independent schools are “independent”. Independent schools depend upon donations such as the Allen Fund to balance the difference between the revenue generated by tuitions and the expenses required to operate the school. Giving to the Allen Fund helps the school balance its operating budget while allowing the donor to benefit from tax savings.

The goal of Allen Academy is to have 100% participation by parents and staff in giving to the Allen Fund. Not only does 100% participation build a sense of community and commitment to our common goal, but it enhances the school’s ability to seek and secure additional funding from outside organizations and grants. Although tuition is not tax-deductible, contributions to the Allen Fund may be deducted from your taxes. The size of the donations may vary, but all gifts are important. In the past, many Allen parents have elected to contribute to the Allen Fund at the Allen Friend (Blue) level of giving.

Why doesn’t the school simply raise the tuition to cover all operating expenses?

Increasing the tuition amount for the school would be another way to raise the additional revenue, but tuition increases add to the financial burden on the family without possible tax advantages gained through donations to the school. Allen Academy is a non-profit organization with 501(c)3 federal tax status thereby allowing donors the possibility of benefiting from tax deductions under current IRS regulations.

When will I be asked for a contribution to the Allen Fund?

This is going to be a busy year, so we begin the Allen Fund campaign as soon as school starts and try to complete our challenge of meeting our goal by early October.

So how much does Allen Academy expect me to give?

The Development Committee has established the yearly goal of raising at least 10 percent of our total operating budget through fund raising. The Allen Fund is a critical portion of that giving. The school expects each family to give according to their means, and we believe that every family can find a way to contribute. All families, regardless of any financial assistance they may receive, will be asked to donate to the Allen Fund. Each contribution makes a difference in the life of Allen Academy and to the future of every student attending Allen.