The JCDS Annual Fund
The Annual Fund is the cornerstone of our yearly fundraising efforts at Jacksonville Country Day School. Procceds are used for special campus-wide projects, professional development through continuing education, and support of the school's endowment. The goal of the Annual Fund each year is to have 100% participation.
Your participation is so important because:
- It enriches the education of all students.
- It enhances programming and facilities.
- It significantly improves the chance for foundation and corporate grants.
Please remember:
- All of the funds raised benefit each child at JCDS.
- Gifts of stock can be made to manage capital gains taxes.
- The 2011-2012 JCDS Annual Fund drive ends May 31, 2012.
- Many companies match your gifts to JCDS dollar-for-dollar.
- Your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Please download the 2011-2012 Annual Fund Brochure.
This Year's Plans
We're especially excited about the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program that helps prepare students today for the leadership and technology needed for the 21st century. It offers hands-on, age-appropriate involvement for all grade levels and benefits every child at JCDS. It's also worth noting that experts agree jobs in science and math will be in big demand in the future. STEM program supplies such as Lego's Creative Building sets and Duplo Tubes Experiment sets, Playdough, clay, magnets, lab stools, laptop computer batteries, starfish dissection kits, water testing kits and more will be purchased.
Other projects include:
- Resources to provide valuable professional development for faculty.
- Upgrading classrooms with new SmartBoard presentation projectors.
- An electronic curtain room divider that will allow the Smith Center to be divided into multiple classes.
- New drinking fountains throughout campus that will meet ADA guidelines.
Recent Projects
2010-2011
The "Dream...Plan...Succeed" campaign exceeded our expectations and paved the way for a pool and 4th grade wing shade system, a new and secure play area at the 2nd grade circle, an electronic message board, presentation monitors and a new projector in the Fine Arts Auditorium, a much-needed school-wide software program, and faculty enrichment.
2009-2010
During the campaign, funds were raised to renovate and build new restrooms on campus. Donations were also used for professional enrichment and an updated sound system in the gymnasium.
2007-2009
In 2007, JCDS began raising funds to replace the 35-year-old swimming pool. By the end of the campaign in 2009, the goal was met and the Aquatic Center officially opened on May 31 of that year. Donations were also used for faculty professional development and the school's endowment.
2006-2007
A new obstacle course was built on the athletic field and new audio/visual equipment was added in the Kelly Fine Arts Center. Protective window covering was installed in the art gallery. The remaining money was invested in professional development and the JCDS endowment.
2005-2006
Through generous donations, the Fletcher Library received over $65,000 in new books, plus a complete renovation including carpeting, lighting, shelving, screens, projectors, seating, paint, entryway doors, and ceiling tiles.
Questions and Answers
Q. Why does Jacksonville Country Day School have an annual fund?
A. The answer is simple. It supplements the budget of the school to provide a richer, value-added experience for all students. A tax-deductible gift to the annual fund allows the school to go beyond the basics. JCDS is a non-profit, 501 organization and unlike public schools we receive no government funding. Projects supported by annual giving include renovation of the art room, library, gymnasium, locker rooms, the addition of presentation televisions and VCR's in each classroom, renovation of the playground, addition of tennis to the physical education program, and most recently upgraded technology and security enhancements.
Q. Does JCDS have a long history of giving?
A. Definitely. In 1960, 25 Jacksonville families formed Southside Day School in the San Marco area. Within four years, the school was relocated to our current site through a generous donation of ten acres by two prominent Jacksonville families. These parents understood the need of a private, independent school and stepped forward to help. Many changes have taken place in the past 50 years because both former and current parents understood the need to sustain the quality education for their own and future students.
Q. Who is asked to give to the annual fund?
A. Each year in the fall we ask current parents, former parents, alumni, the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, administration, grandparents and friends to support our projects.
Q. I support the auction and volunteer lots of time to the school. Should I still give a gift to the annual fund?
A. Definitely. Participation is a significant factor in encouraging foundation and corporate support. These organizations consider the percentage of parents who give to the annual fund as an indication of the quality of JCDS's program.
Q. What are the goals of the annual fund at JCDS?
A. The annual giving program seeks gifts to provide the margin of excellence that parents should expect from a leading independent school. It is the expectation that 100 percent of our board, parents, faculty, staff and administration support the annual fund.
Q. How can we help?
A. Simply make your own gift or pledge to the campaign, check to see if your business has matching funds and then share your enthusiasm with others! Together we can continue to make Jacksonville Country Day School the place where students are prepared today to be leaders of tomorrow. It all starts here.
Q. How much should I give in order to make a difference?
A. We ask everyone to make a tax-deductible gift or pledge to the annual fund that best represents their giving ability. Every family is different; income fluctuates, family dynamics change, but we hope everyone can help in some way.
Please remember: The only gift too small is no gift.
