About Giving to The Winston School
As an independent school, Winston depends on contributions of time, talent and treasure from all members of the School's family. Fundraising and "friendraising" activities that are held throughout the year help to strengthen ties and raise Winston's visibility within New Jersey, while also raising essential funds to support and enrich Winston's "custom-fit" learning program.
Annual Fund
Like most independent schools, the tuition that Winston parents pay covers only about 75% of the cost of educating each student. The Board of Trustees purposely sets tuition below actual cost in order to maintain a fee that is competitive and affordable to a larger number of families. As a result, the School must depend on other sources of income, namely charitable contributions, to meet all expenses and operational needs.
The Annual Fund is a yearly fundraising program that provides an essential 12 - 15% of the operating budget. Each year, all members of the Winston community-trustees, parents, parents of graduates, alumni, friends, and staff-are asked to share in the vision and spirit of this effort by making a contribution. Gifts to the Annual Fund provide immediate and visible benefits to each student by enabling Winston to:
- attract and retain an exceptional faculty certified and qualified to provide individualized and curricular instruction;
- integrate technology into almost all areas of the curriculum;
- offer social, cultural, and athletic experiences to enhance classroom lessons;
- provide a comprehensive arts program.
Contributions to the Annual Fund range in size from $25 to $25,000, and are tax-deductible. Every gift is important and indicates that everyone is sharing the expense of providing the best possible education for Winston students. It also sends a positive message to major donors, whether they be individuals, foundations, or corporations. These donors are often inspired to contribute significantly to the School when Annual Fund participation within the Winston community is strong.
If you are interested in learning more about Winston's Annual Fund, please call the School office at 973-379-4114.
Winston Pops
The Winston Pops is an annual event that brings together hundreds of supporters for a special evening of dining and dancing. Proceeds from the Pops, which exceeded $130,000 in 2007, go directly into the operating budget to support the day-to-day expenses of running The Winston School.
There are many ways to support the Winston Pops, from soliciting or donating auction items, to purchasing or selling raffle tickets, to taking out an ad in the Pops journal. Each year, the Pops Committee also seeks underwritings support from individual and corporate sponsors for costs associated with the presentation of the Pops, such as entertainment, decorations, printing, and postage.
Tribute Gifts
Tribute gifts offer donors a special way to celebrate or honor important life passages. These gifts are included in Winston's Annual Fund and help the School to provide the finest possible education.
If you are interested in donating a gift in honor or memory of a loved one, please contact the School office at 973-379-4114.
Ways to Give to Winston
Cash
Cash gifts have an immediate impact on The Winston School and provide donors with a charitable tax deduction. Checks may be payable to The Winston School and mailed to:
The Winston School
100 East Lane
Short Hills, NJ 07078
Securities
Gifts of appreciated securities offer essential support to Winston while also providing donors with a charitable tax deduction and a capital gains savings. To make a gift of securities by electronic transfer, please call the School office for instructions. When calling, please provide the name and number of shares of the security being gifted.
Matching Gifts
Hundreds of corporations in the United States will match employees' annual donations to independent schools. Corporate mating gifts can double and sometimes even triple a contribution, allowing donors to be recognized at a higher donor level while also providing Winston with essential operating support.
Contact your employer's personnel office to inquire about your company's matching gift program and giving guidelines.
Gifts-in-Kind
Gifts-in-Kind represent non-monetary donations to Winston that improve the quality of the School's facility, enhance the learning program, or offer a service to the School community. For further information on making a Gift-in-Kind, please contact the Winston office at 973-379-4114.
Volunteering at Winston
Join our team! Each year, over 100 volunteers share an extraordinary amount of time, energy and expertise with The Winston School. Their generous support allows Winston to accomplish many important activities and events in the life of the School. Volunteers are needed to assist with:
For further information on volunteering at The Winston School, please call the School office at 973-379-4114 or e-mail
Pamela Bloom.