Annual Fund
We ask each family to make a meaningful gift to our Annual Fund campaign. In addition, many of our friends in the community give generously to help enrich our program.

Proceeds from the Annual Fund help to:

• Attract and maintain top-notch faculty and specialists



• Develop and implement superior curriculum



• Provide for classroom materials



• Continue our commitment to need-based financial aid

If you would like further information or would like to make a gift to the Annual Fund, please contact our Development Office at 650.494.8200 ext. 107.

Annual Fund Q&A

What is the Annual Fund? What is the money used for?
The Annual Fund is one of the most important fundraising programs at any independent school. In independent schools, voluntary support is vital to the life of the institution. Hausner cannot function on revenue from tuition alone. We look to the Annual Fund above all other fundraising activities to "close the gap" between the cost of tuition and the true cost of a Hausner education and ensure that our operating budget is healthy and strong.

The Annual Fund is important because it demonstrates the support of our community. Widespread support of the school through the Annual Fund conveys a powerful statement reflecting the community's belief in and dedication to Hausner' goals and programs. Every gift is a vote of confidence in the school and how we deliver a high quality Jewish education to our students. Every gift – large or small – truly makes a difference.

How much should I donate to the Annual Fund and when?
We encourage parents to make Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School one of your highest philanthropic priorities while your child(ren) are enrolled here. The Annual Fund is the one activity in the year in which each family is expected to participate at whatever level possible. While a minimum of $2,300 per student is needed to achieve our fundraising needs this year, contributions have ranged from $10 to over $10,000. Every gift – regardless of amount – is a vote of confidence in the way we deliver a quality education to your child(ren). Annual Fund donations are tax-deductible.

We encourage families to make or commit their gift by December 31, 2007, and fulfill their pledge commitment by May 31, 2008.

Why is this year’s shortfall so much higher than last year?
After surveying similar Jewish day schools and other independent schools, the Board's 2006-07 Financial Philosophy Task Force recommended that we strengthen the school's reserves to protect against unforeseen challenges and provide the flexibility to respond to program opportunities that may arise. The $2,300 per student shortfall for 2007-08 not only accounts for annual operating expense increases, but also gives us a start toward meeting the Task Force's recommendation.

How much should I give?
Families are asked to support the Annual Fund to the best of their ability to give. In the past, gifts have ranged from $10 to more than $15,000. While large leadership gifts are crucial to Hausner’s financial stability, gifts of any size truly make a difference. The only gift that is too small is no gift at all.

How much of a difference can my gift make, really?
Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School is an independent school community with many fewer supporters than a university or a large charity. Because our population is relatively small compared with these other organizations, every gift truly impacts our ability to carry out our mission. In essence, your gift counts MORE. Your gift truly matters.

Why doesn't Hausner charge the full cost instead of raising funds each year?
Hausner believes that every child should be offered the opportunity for a quality Jewish education. The tuition that would be necessary to fund our current level of education would preclude many families from joining the Hausner community. This would limit enrollment which, in turn, could mean a cutback in programs and would undermine the school’s commitment to making a Jewish education affordable to as many families as possible. Rather than do this, we look to the generosity of our community to ensure that everyone has access to our rich program offerings.

What if I don't like something at Hausner and feel the only way to be heard is to withhold support from the Annual Fund?
Please don't use the Annual fund to "punish" the school; the ones who actually suffer are the students and teachers. If something is upsetting you, please contact the person involved or a school administrator. Hausner encourages open discussion and strives to communicate effectively with all members of the school community.

There are many foundations that support Jewish education; why don't you just ask them for operating support?
Many foundations that support Jewish education restrict their giving to specific time-limited projects and rarely make grants for operating support. Additionally, foundations look closely at an organization’s donor rolls to see if there is support for its mission among internal constituents before making a grant.

What are other funding sources for the school besides tuition and Annual Fund support?
We receive funding from the Jewish Federation, the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE) and several private foundations including the Koret Foundation.

Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes! As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, gifts to the school through the Annual Fund are tax-deductible. We recommend that you consult with a financial advisor regarding your particular tax circumstances.

What if I want to give stock?
Have at it! Gifts of appreciated securities are a win-win situation all-around: When you donate stock that has increased in value over the years, you do not pay capital gains tax. And there is an extra bonus - if you give a gift of stock or mutual fund shares to Hausner before the end of the year, you can take a deduction of the current fair market value of the stock on this year's tax return. Please call the Development Office at extension 107 or 156 and we'll e-mail transfer instructions to you or click here to view the Instructions for Stock Transfer & Fax Form.

Can I charge my gift? Absolutely! The response envelope that you received with the Annual Fund letter provides a space for you to fill out this information. Or, you can call the Development Office at extension 107 or 156, and we’ll get all the necessary information from you at that time.

How do I go about getting a matching gift from my employer?
Matching gifts are a great way to leverage your gifts to Hausner. To get started, contact your company's Human Resources Department to see if you have a matching gifts program and what paperwork you’ll need to initiate. Or you can contact us, and we’ll do some research to get you started.