Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Congressional Fund?
The Congressional Fund supplements the school’s operating budget. While tuition covers only 89% of the cost of education each child, The Congressional Fund supports every aspect of student life, from classroom enhancements to athletic equipment, from faculty professional growth and development to resources for fine and performing arts, science and technology lab equipment, and much, much more. The Congressional Fund begins on September 1 of each year and ends on August 31 of the following year.
I pay tuition, so why is my giving necessary?
As an independent school, Congressional does not receive any federal or state aid, and tuition covers only 89% of the schools’ operating budget. The difference between tuition and the actual cost of each child’s education at The Congressional Schools of Virginia is on average between $2000 and $2500 per student. The Congressional Fund and other fundraising income help to bridge the gap and support the various program areas that benefit each and every student at the school.
Why doesn’t Congressional charge enough to cover the full amount of annual operating costs?
A tuition increase large enough to cover all operating costs would make the school less affordable and would therefore mean a significant drop in enrollment, resulting in a scaling back of the resources and programs that make Congressional so special.
Why does my participation matter?
Participation is important because many grant-making foundations will only fund schools that can demonstrate that they are widely supported by their own base. We are proud that for the past 3 years, 100% of our faculty and staff and 100% of the Board of Trustees have contributed to The Congressional Fund, an indication that those most intimately connected with the school know the impact and importance of the Congressional Fund and are committed to the school’s continued excellence. And . . . your participation is valuable to you since all gifts to The Congressional Fund are tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations!
What is an appropriate amount to give?
All our constituents are asked to contribute at a level that is personally generous. We hope parents of current students will make Congressional a philanthropic priority, and that grandparents, alumni, and parents of alumni will join them in their support. While gifts during the past year ranged from $10 to $10,000, the average gift from current parents was more than $700. However, no gift is too small . . . even a small amount has a big impact when combined with the collective generosity of all our supporters!
Where will my gift have the biggest impact?
The Congressional Fund is structured as a Family of Annual Funds with nine areas representing the most fundamental aspects of the schools’ programs. Whether you choose to direct your donation to the Area of Greatest Need to be used where it is needed most, or to one of the other areas in the Family of Funds, be assured that your gift with have an immediate impact supporting every aspect of school life.
How do I make a gift?
Gifts may be made in many ways, including cash, check, credit card, or securities. We also accept pledges payable in one or several installments throughout the year. Pledge payments are due by August 31, 2010. In addition, many members of our community are able to “double their dollars” through their employers matching gifts programs. Federal government employees can contribute through the Combined Federal Campaign (our ID #40837).
Are there other school fundraisers?
The Congressional Fund is the school’s primary fundraiser and contributions to this fund go directly to the operating budget, impacting every child’s experience at Congressional. Other fundraisers include the annual Gala and Auction in the spring which raises monies for specific initiatives, and various events hosted by the CSPO and the Colts Booster Club. We hope that you will make your Congressional Fund contribution in the fall and we encourage you to participate in other fundraising events as they occur throughout the year. We continue to welcome gifts to The Congressional Fund through August 31 each year.
How can I help Congressional with The Congressional Fund?
You can make your gift today! Contact Jayne Shedd at (703) 533-9711, ext. 306 for more information.