Guide to Giving. Involved

Transcription

1 KENT DENVER SCHOOL Guide to Giving AND Getting Involved SCHOLARS STUDENTS ATHLETES ARTISTS LEADERS FRIENDS

2 OPPORTUNITY

3 Dear Parents, AlumNI and Families, Your participation in Kent Denver School is critical in helping us accomplish our mission of excellence in scholarship and character. We are thankful for the support of our parents and alumni who make extraordinary things happen each and every day and I personally invite your engagement with our school. The pages that follow serve as a guide for the many different ways that you can support the Kent Denver community. At Kent Denver, our primary commitment is to help your children achieve academic and personal success. In our ever-changing world, success requires a deep level of engagement across a diverse range of opportunities. We invite your support and involvement in this important cause. Quality academic, athletic, extracurricular, community and global service opportunities are made possible by the philanthropy of parents, grandparents, alumni and friends. I encourage you to read this guide and visit our website, to learn more about our school community. The Support Kent Denver section of our website features ways to become involved in the future of Kent Denver. Your support makes a difference, not only for your student(s) but also for our entire school community. Thank you in advance for your active interest in the life of Kent Denver School. Sincerely Yours, Randal R. Harrington, Ph.D. Head of School

4 THE KENT DENVER FUND FAQS Why give? Great schools happen when three key elements - exceptional people, world-class programs and outstanding facilities - converge and thrive. They come together year after year at Kent Denver, thanks to the generosity and support of those who invest in the very best for our school. Since our founding we have relied upon and benefited from the unwavering financial support of parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends who make up the Kent Denver community. Giving has become part of our culture, and your contributions support our mission and enable Kent Denver to flourish as a leading independent school, now and into the future. Kent Denver Fund Giving Circles Leadership Gifts Mary Bogue & Andrews Black Society: $25,000+ Herbert B. Moore Society: $15,000-$24,999 President s Circle: $10,000-$14,999 Founders Circle: $5,000-$9,999 Head of School Council: $2,500-$4,999 Patrons Circle: $1,000-$2,499 Friends Circle: gifts up to $99 What is the Kent Denver Fund? The Kent Denver Fund is our annual appeal that raises funds to support the annual operating expenses of the school. The Kent Denver Fund is the first and most important philanthropic request we make each year and helps make the following possible for our students: Exceptional academic experience through small class sizes, an exceptionally talented faculty and state-ofthe-art educational facilities World-class visual arts, music and drama programs to enrich students learning experiences A wide offering of individual and team-based athletic opportunities, many of which regularly perform at the championship level A diverse student body thanks to financial assistance to nearly 23% of our students The Kent Denver Fund also supports programs that allow us to continue serving our alumni by offering networking opportunities and maintaining a special bond with graduates after commencement.

5 SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL

6 YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A MEANINGFUL DIFFERENCE

7 Doesn t my tuition payment cover costs? No, tuition alone does not cover the cost of educating a child. Each year there is a gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating each KDS student (for the gap is $3,040). Why not simply raise tuition to cover the gap? Bridging the gap through gifts to the Kent Denver Fund allows us to keep tuition at competitive levels, encourages a greater level of diversity among the student body, and provides all members of our community an opportunity to experience the personal satisfaction that comes from making a charitable contribution that benefits our community. Who gives? It is our hope (and has been our experience) that all members of our community will share this responsibility and choose to support the Kent Denver Fund. Why is participation important? The Kent Denver Fund unites the entire school community behind the common goal of supporting our students. The higher the participation, the more we can achieve for our school. In addition, foundations and other outside organizations to whom we appeal for support expect the highest levels of participation from our current constituents when considering gifts and grants. What is an appropriate Kent Denver Fund contribution? Every gift, regardless of size, makes a difference. We ask that you give a gift that is truly meaningful to you and your family. Please remember that every gift counts and is spent on programming for the current year. Doesn t Kent Denver already have enough money? We are extremely fortunate to operate with a solid balance sheet and sizeable endowment, made possible by both prudent financial management and the extraordinary generosity of our community. That said, the world-class educational experience we deliver requires the combination of tuition, endowment income and robust Kent Denver Fund giving each year. How do I make a gift to the Kent Denver Fund? There are several ways to support Kent Denver School through giving. Gifts may be given in the form of cash, check, credit card or stock. We welcome pledges and gifts anytime, payable by June 30th. To visit our secure online giving site, visit Or call the Development Office at

8 When should I make my Kent Denver Fund gift? We encourage early participation, but you can make a gift at any time. Kent Denver School operates on a fiscal year which begins on July 1st and ends on June 30th. Many donors choose to make their gifts closer to the end of the calendar year, in order to take advantage of the IRS tax benefit in that year. When can I expect to be asked for a contribution to the Kent Denver Fund? We will send you detailed information in September, which will describe in greater detail how contributions are used to augment your child s educational experience. Volunteer parents give their time, talent and commitment to the Kent Denver Fund, by making follow up phone calls to answer questions you may have and to encourage participation. The parent volunteers are critical to the success of this effort and can be a great resource in helping you understand and make decisions about your level of giving. Will I be recognized for my gift? Your name will be listed alphabetically within giving levels in the Annual Report. Alumni donors will be listed alphabetically within class year. You also have the option to remain anonymous. We will acknowledge your donation with a thank you letter and receipt for tax purposes. Most importantly, you will have the gratitude of the entire Kent Denver community! What is the matching gift program? Matching gifts are a wonderful way to double, sometimes triple the impact of your gift, with 1 in 10 gifts being match eligible. Many companies will match the philanthropic contributions of their employees, some matching the gifts of spouses and/or retirees. Check with your company s personnel office to see if your company participates in such a program and obtain the appropriate forms or visit our website at www. kentdenver.org/matchinggifts. Is my gift tax-deductible? Gifts to the Kent Denver Fund are 100% tax-deductible. Once we receive your gift, you will receive a receipt verifying your gift. Can I give online? Yes! Credit card contributions and pledges can be made over a secure server at or by clicking on the Make a Gift button on the homepage. Can I donate something other than cash? In addition to cash (via check or credit card) we are happy to accept gifts of stock. Please contact Sara Lawrence, Gift Records Administrator, at x 285 for details regarding a gift of stock.

9 TAKE PART IN THE TRADITION OF GIVING

10 EVERY CONTRIBUTION COUNTS

11 How does annual giving differ from capital giving? The Kent Denver Fund supports operational expenses for the current school year. Capital campaigns are conducted periodically to provide significant funds for growth, such as construction and renovation of facilities, endowment, faculty salaries, and financial aid. Pledges to capital campaigns vary according to the financial means of the donor and can be paid over several years. We encourage you to contribute to the best of your ability. Because the Kent Denver Fund covers immediate operating expenses, we suggest that you make it your first giving priority and that capital and endowment benefits be made in addition to your annual gift. The generosity of those who contribute will be recognized in the Annual Report. Am I expected to give to both? We encourage you to contribute to the best of your ability. Successful schools require both sustained annual gifts to operations as well as major capital support. By your continued support of the Kent Denver Fund and your gift to capital campaigns, you are making a difference both in the immediate and long-term need of our school. The generosity of those who contribute will be recognized in the Annual Report. Questions? Call, or stop by: Kent Denver Fund: Libby Felchle Director of Annual Giving lfelchle@kentdenver.org or (303) ext. 252 Sara Lawrence Gift Records Administrator slawrence@kentdenver.org or (303) ext. 285 Phil Klein Director of Development pklein@kentdenver.org or (303) ext. 526

12 THE KENT DENVER SCHOOL PARENTS ASSOCIATION Do you want to get involved in your child s life at school? Looking for a way to meet other parents at Kent Denver? The Parents Association is your gateway to the fun-filled activities that do just that! Being a part of this integral association at Kent Denver offers the unique opportunity to get to know your fellow parents in a fun and purposeful way as well as providing an excellent link between parents and the school s administration. What does the Parents Association do? It allows for parents to make a difference in the school s functioning through a multitude of inviting, social, educational and fun gatherings and events. Some of these activities raise funds for faculty and staff appreciation gifts as well as various projects that benefit the Kent Denver students and the school while others represent the very epitome of inclusivity. We usually meet once a month on Wednesday mornings at 8:45am in the Schaden Dining Hall. We have social time and coffee followed by informative speakers. As a direct response to parent requests, we also offer a couple of parent seminar evenings that take the place of the morning meetings. Activities The Parents Association plans Kaleidoscope Events which bring together parents in a way that is both fun and meaningful and raise money for the association. Some of these Kaleidoscope Events include: The Back-to-School Party An Evening with the Heads of School Parents of Recent Grads Gathering Mom s Night Out Ladies Nordic Adventure The Sun Devil Dash An Auction, Held Biannually The Parents Association is involved in various other community building, educational, fundraising and appreciation showing events: Welcome Back Coffee Homecoming Spirit Wear Grocery Card Program Holiday Luncheon Grade Representatives Springfest Luncheon After-Prom Inclusivity is an important factor in the Kent Denver community; the PA tries to embody this ideal by hosting a variety of events: Ambassador Program Fitness Events Annual Clothing Drive/Community Service Efforts One Book/Parent Education Global/Cultural Events Where can I learn more about the Kent Denver Parents Association? You can access the Parents Association Portal through the Kent Denver School s website The dates and times of meetings are printed

13 in the school s online calendar and are announced in the school s weekly electronic newsletter, The Connection, which is ed to all families. The Connection is the best way to stay informed of activities happening throughout the school year. Don t forget to read it each week! How can I get involved with the Kent Denver Parents Association? All Parents with enrolled children at Kent Denver School are automatically members of the Parents Association! Each parent and/or family member is welcome and even encouraged to volunteer in whatever capacity they choose. There is no time requirement or limitation. You may volunteer at any point throughout the school year just by completing the online volunteer form or contacting the committee chairperson (listed in the online school directory). VOLUNTEER

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15 BREAKTHROUGH KENT DENVER As a private school serving the public good, Kent Denver believes strongly in the mission of Breakthrough Kent Denver and is proud to have the program as part of our community. The mission of Breakthrough Kent Denver is two-fold: 1st to increase the educational and social opportunities of motivated, under-resourced, urban middle school students through a quality year-round program, and 2nd to motivate and train talented high school and college students for careers in education. Breakthrough Kent Denver is a six-year, tuition free, educational non-profit program that provides students and teachers the tools and support necessary to facilitate their highest level of achievement. Breakthrough s objective for the middle school students we serve is to measure academic success by achieving near one hundred percent high-school graduation rates and college enrollment, a statistic that far exceeds our students peer group. Additionally, Breakthrough s intention in training college age students in teaching methodology is to create a pipeline leading to careers in education, following college graduation. In 2013, 100% of Breakthrough seniors graduated from high school, 91% went on to pursue a college degree and 100% of Breakthrough teachers who graduated in 2013 are pursuing careers in education. Aided by generous in-kind support from both Kent Denver School and Denver Public Schools, Breakthrough Kent Denver raises its own operating budget each year. The program relies on the generosity of the community to help meet the needs of deserving students and young faculty.

16 KENT DENVER SCHOOL 4000 East Quincy Avenue Englewood, CO (303)