Annual Fund

The school’s yearly operating budget is supported by tuition, income from our endowment, revenue from Summer at Independence and other programs, and donations from our generous community. Philanthropic gifts to the Annual Fund, as well as proceeds from the annual auction, make up the difference between the actual cost of delivering an exceptional Independence education and the income received through tuition and the endowment.

Like most independent schools, tuition at Independence only covers approximately 87 percent of the actual cost of educating a student. The school simply could not charge the full cost without limiting the number of qualified students who could afford to attend. We seek to make Independence as affordable as possible for as many families as possible. This helps optimize enrollment and maintain a diverse student body that remains an important part of our community culture and the Independence experience. In addition, donations to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible and, therefore, benefit families more than simply raising tuition.

We ask all families to contribute to the Annual Fund at any amount that is appropriate for them. A gift of any size to the Annual Fund makes a difference in the lives of our students. Your participation represents a vote of confidence in our school and sends a message to the community and other donors that you believe in the success of Independence.

We encourage individuals and families to pledge and make gifts early in the school year (between September and December). Early donations translate into lower administrative and communications costs per dollar raised. Annual Fund contributions directly affect our operating budget. By letting us know in the fall that we can count on your support this year, we can budget accordingly and ensure that all of our programs and activities are fully funded. You may, however, give at any time during our fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30 each year.

The Annual Fund drive is concentrated in the fall and then again in the spring. However, we encourage everyone to make a gift or pledge prior to Dec. 31. A pledge can be paid any time prior to the end of our fiscal year on June 30.

In addition to the Annual Fund, Independence requests donations and your attendance at the annual auction in the spring. All proceeds from the auction directly benefit the school.

The Independence Parents’ Association (IPA) raises money to benefit all students, and it holds fundraisers throughout the year, such as Family Bingo Night. Proceeds from these events are given back to the school at the end of the year and used to purchase yearbooks for each student, grade-level field trips and cultural experiences such as bringing in guest authors and speakers.

There are many ways for you to make an investment in The Independence School:

• By mail
• Secure gift online via credit card
• Appreciated securities and bonds - call the Advancement Office at 302-234-9715 for more information.
• By phone - call the Advancement Office with your credit card information.
• You are always welcome to stop by the Advancement Office with your gift.
• Increase your gift with a matching gift from an employer-sponsored program. Contact your HR representative to find out if your company has a matching gift program and ask him or her to provide you with the necessary form, which you may complete, sign and send to the school with your gift.