The JCDS Annual Fund
The Annual Fund is the cornerstone of our yearly fundraising efforts at JCDS. It provides the opportunity for the school to improve the facilities, increase Professional Development or add to the endowment.
The main project funded by the 2009-2010 Annual Fund was the restroom renovations, which are on schedule to be completed by August 13, 2010. Thanks so much for all of the supporters who make JCDS an even better environment for learning.
WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT HELP THE STUDENTS?
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 49 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.
