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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Annual Campaign?

Each year, Rashi must raise enough private support to close the gap between tuition charged and the real cost of educating our students. The 2010-2011 goal is $ 960,000. Unrestricted gifts, including the net proceeds of our fundraising events goes towards meeting this goal.

Learn more about the Annual Campaign.

Why not just raise tuition so that it fully covers costs?

Maintaining tuition as steady as possible enables more families to take advantage of a Rashi education for their children. In addition, gifts to the Annual Campaign are fully tax-deductible and tuition is not. Many people enjoy this benefit.

How can I give to the Annual Campaign?

You may extend your support through an outright gift* and/or supporting a fundraising event.

  • The winter fundraiser is a fun event attended primarily by parents. Proceeds benefit the Annual Campaign.
  • The spring Gala, a more traditional fundraiser held in the spring, is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Rashi to the larger community.

The best case for Rashi would be if everyone could make an outright gift or pledge as early in the school year as possible and also buy tickets to attend our fundraising events. However, we understand that not everyone is financially able to do this. In that case, please choose to make an outright gift to the Campaign or to support the Campaign by buying tickets when you receive an invitation to an event.

* Outright gifts offer the greatest value to both Rashi and our donors; Rashi is able to allocate the entire contribution towards fulfilling its mission and you may claim the entire amount for tax purposes.

May I restrict my gift for a particular purpose?

Of course. Please understand that unrestricted gifts give us the most flexibility, enabling the school to respond to unanticipated expenses or take advantage of unforeseen opportunities. Still, you may restrict your gift for a particular purpose or program. Please have a conversation with a member of the Development staff as you make your gift to insure proper crediting.

When should we make our gift?

Rashi operates on a fiscal year that runs from July 1 through June 30. For obvious reasons, it helps the School for you to make your gift as early in the fiscal year as possible. Many people choose to pay their pledges before December 31 to take advantage of the tax deduction. If you cannot pay your pledge in the fall, please consider making a pledge as early in the fiscal year as possible, to help the school with planning. All pledges should be paid before June 30.

How do matching gift programs work?

As a benefit to you, your employer may match your charitable giving. Details of this program are available in your company’s human resources management office. You complete very simple forms, send them to Rashi, and we take it from there. Matching gifts could double or triple the value of your gift!

What is the Campaign for Rashi?

The Campaign for Rashi was organized to raise $30 million in private support to build a new, permanent home for the school in Dedham.

Learn more about the Campaign for Rashi.

What is an endowment and endowed funds?

Endowments are funds intended to be kept permanently and invested to provide income for continued support of the Rashi School. The Rashi Board of Trustees oversees the investment strategy and makes decisions as to how the income available will be spent. In part, the endowment is a collection of permanent “named funds” that may support specific purposes like financial aid, faculty professional development, technology, library resources or other objectives.

Learn more about endowment gifts.

Can I make a gift to Rashi using appreciated stock?

Yes. Making a gift in this way may have very significant tax advantages.

Learn more about using stock to make a gift to Rashi.

I just can’t give a lot – why is a small gift so important?

We understand that the amount that may be given to Rashi varies widely. The reason that we encourage everyone to give is because of the power of that message. We are always trying to increase the number of people who support Rashi – particularly throughout the greater Boston Jewish community. When we near 100% participation by parents, grandparents, and alumni – those who are arguably closest to Rashi – we send a powerful message to others that this is an institution worth supporting.

I want to give anonymously. How is this handled?

We respect the wishes of all donors. Please have a confidential conversation with Matt King, Head of School (617-969-4444). Your inquiry will be held in strict confidence.