What is the Annual Fund and why is it important?
Tuition covers 95% of an MCS student’s education, as we seek to keep MCS affordable for as many Orange County Christian families as possible. Annual Fund donations fill in the gap! Annual Fund contributions are a critical part of the MCS operating budget, ensuring that students receive the highest caliber of academic and spiritual preparation possible. Funds help pay for technology upgrades, high quality professional development, competitive salaries to attract and retain our remarkable teachers, scholarships and financial aid, new curriculum adoptions, dynamic enrichment programming, and much more.
The Annual Fund benefits every MCS student, every day, within key areas that support academic excellence and spiritual transformation. Every contribution matters, no matter the size, as God transforms your gift into educational opportunities that stem from our core values:
Annual Fund FAQs
Annual Fund FAQs
Your investment in the Annual Fund supports all areas of the school: academic programs, teacher salaries, technology, facilities, etc. It also allows us to respond to our budgetary priorities and any unforeseen needs, developments, or opportunities that may arise.
- Technology upgrades within our 21st century learning environment
- High quality professional development
- Competitive salaries to attract and retain our remarkable teachers
- New curriculum adoptions
- Whole child program additions (arts, athletics, STEM, and more!)
- Financial aid/scholarships for qualified Christian families
- Capital and programmatic enhancements
- …And all programs operated by MCS
The Annual Fund week runs for one week in November. Our goal is to receive all donations by December 31st, to ensure immediate impact within the current school year, and for you to receive tax benefits for this calendar year. However, the MCS fiscal year runs through the end of June, so your support is welcome any time!
Everyone in the MCS community: parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty and staff, and friends of the school.
Recent examples of projects and initiatives funded by Annual Fund donations include:
Financial Aid/Scholarships to deserving families who desire a Christian education for their children and otherwise would not have the opportunity
Expansion of STEM through the creation of a dynamic, K-8th grade Maker Education program
New flexible classroom seating to support individualized learning
New high-level Literacy initiative in K-8th grades
Fantastic professional development opportunities for teachers
Expansion of iPad program to promote individual academic ownership
Technology infrastructure to support growing needs of our digital learners
Campus upgrades to continue strengthening a 21st Century learning environment
We believe the Lord will move in the hearts of the MCS community and each will give as they are compelled by Him. What you give is entirely up to you, and we trust that you will make a gift that is meaningful to your family. Every gift, regardless of size, is important and appreciated and brings us closer to reaching our fundraising goal. Gifts of any size inspire more people to give; they are a vote of confidence in our school and our community. Last year, the average gift size was $1500, with gifts ranging from $25 to $50,000.
Many companies will match charitable contributions by their employees. The company helps to support worthy causes and the employee can maximize the amount donated to the charity. Many MCS parents work for matching gift companies—please check with your human resources department or your employer to see if they will match your gift.
There is strength in numbers! Our goal for 100% family participation will help MCS accomplish strategic improvements for the benefit of students today and into the future. In addition, a strong participation rate demonstrates to the local community that our families are “100%” unified in mission and purpose. When foundation donors are considering their support of MCS, a key influencing factor is community participation.
Yes! MCS is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible, as permissible by law. Our tax ID number is 33-0225468. All contributions are acknowledged with a charitable receipt.
Generally speaking, unrestricted donations are of the greatest value to MCS, as they provide the most flexibility within our budget. However, we understand that some donors have a passion for a particular program or initiative and prefer to designate their donation as such. This is completely acceptable, as long as the designation aligns with the mission and vision of MCS.
MCS is grateful for all donations!
The Annual Fund helps keep tuition as low as possible. Like almost all independent schools, tuition does not cover the full cost of an MCS education. Funds raised through the Annual Fund bridge the 5% gap between tuition revenue and the cost of running the school.
Although we hope that everyone will participate in other fundraising initiatives, if you have one gift to make, it should be to the Annual Fund. The need to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of a student’s education is an ongoing yearly challenge and your donation ensures the sustainability of MCS.
Our Advancement staff is here to serve you and your family. Please contact our Advancement Department for assistance at any time!