Fundraising at Sussex School
Sussex School is a private, independent school, and, as such, receives no federal or state financial support. We work hard to maintain an operating budget that is reasonable and affordable. Tuition, however, does not and cannot pay for everything we must offer in order to provide an exceptional, exciting learning environment. Tuition covers approximately 85% of our annual operating budget. Most of the remainder of our operating income comes from tax-deductible charitable donations. Without generous contributions from current families, alumni, alumni parents, and other Sussex friends, our tuition would be significantly higher. The more money we can raise through fundraising, the lower we are able to keep tuition costs.
Families and Fundraising
Over the course of the school year, Sussex sponsors a number of fundraising events. We believe it is important that families understand the role of fundraising, as well as charitable donations programs and events, in maintaining the fiscal health of the school. In addition, we strive to help families become aware of their own roles in Sussex fundraising efforts, and of the numerous opportunities for charitable giving available at the school.
Fundraising at Sussex succeeds only with significant family involvement. Families participate in fundraising by contributing to Sussex in a variety of ways (see below) and by working on the Fundraising Committee. Fundraising Committee members plan and execute fundraising activities, shape the fundraising vision, and help develop new fundraising activities. Every Sussex family is required to work at least six of their seventy-two parent hours on fundraising or public relations events.
Annual Fundraisers
Original Works: In October, parents can order a variety of items (e.g., t-shirts, calendars, mugs, and key chains) featuring your child's artwork. Sussex receives a percentage of the purchase price. Orders are shipped in time for the holidays.
Art Raffle/Auction (even years): This is a chance to win incredible art and help raise money to purchase art materials. Families are required to sell a minimum number of tickets.
Fact & Fiction and Barnes & Noble Book Sales: Sussex receives a percentage of sales at these stores on a designated day before the winter holiday.
Ecothon: The Ecothon is a combination fundraiser and community service. Students gather pledges from donors for a day of collecting trash and cleaning up various areas of Missoula. The the 4th - 8th grade students and their parents also work on six different community service projects. The projects have included a new neighborhood park, the native gardens at Fort Missoula, and the PEAS farm. The funds raised from the Ecothon go to the students’ annual spring field trips, the all-school camping trip in the fall, and the upkeep of the school bus.
Annual Fund Drive: The Annual Fund Drive is a letter campaign to raise tax-deductible contributions to the school. All Sussex families, alumni, alumni parents, and community friends receive solicitations in the fall. The Annual Fund Drive is our most substantial fundraising effort. Various creative arrangements can be made for contributions. These include automatic withdrawals from bank or credit card accounts, gifts of appreciated stocks, and gifts in kind.
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