Parent Giving FAQ
What is the difference between the Webb Fund and the W.S.P.A. Auction?
In addition to Webb Fund gifts from individual parents, the Webb School Parents' Association raises funds through the annual W.S.P.A. Auction. Proceeds from this event provide Christmas bonuses through a generous gift in the fall, and remaining funds support teacher appreciation activities in the Spring.
Individual parent gifts to the Webb Fund count as parent participation in giving, and also allow parents to direct their gifts to support the school program or activity of particular interest to them.
For more information, please contact Matt Wilson, Director of Annual Giving mwilson@webbschool.com
"Why should I give to The Webb Fund? Isn't tuition enough?"
Every student, regardless of whether they receive financial aid or a named scholarship, receives $5,000 in "hidden scholarship" each year -- the gap that tuition doesn't cover. Some of that aid is supplied by the endowment and the remainder comes from Annual Giving. A gift of any amount demonstrates your appreciation and willingness to invest in The Webb School's storied history, present success, and future potential to positively influence the lives of young leaders.
More importantly, your participation with a gift of any amount is a gesture that signals to other potential donors and private foundations that The Webb School deserves their support, too!
"Why does Webb rely on sources of income other than tuition?"
Because Webb is an independent school, and does not receive public funding for its programs. Therefore, Webb seeks philanthropic support from alumni, parents, grandparents, friends, corporations, and foundations each year to meet the needs of a top 21st-Century College Preparatory education.
The Webb School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit independent school. As such, and like other independent schools, approximately 25% of operating revenue comes from Webb's endowment and annual gifts to The Webb Fund from trustees, parents, grandparents, alumni, and other friends of Webb.
"How do gifts to The Webb Fund affect the quality of each student's Webb education?"
Quite simply, Webb can not operate or compensate its teachers fairly without the consistent generosity of parents, alumni, grandparents, past parents, and friends.
Some examples of areas supported by The Webb Fund include:Academic Programs - teacher salaries and benefits; software and online service subscriptions; models, tools and equipment for labs; maps and other lesson-specific supplies for classrooms.
Fine Arts Programs - teacher salaries and benefits; sheet music, art supplies, instrument tuning, field trips, costumes and makeup for theatre productions.
Athletic Programs - uniforms, equipment, travel, league membership and officials.
Library - books, magazine and software subscriptions, special projects.
Physical plant needs - utilities, routine repairs and maintenance, vehicle maintenance, fuel.
World-class faculty - general faculty salaries, benefits, and professional development.
Special Programs and events - awards, parents and grandparents' days, registration.
Scholarships - Up to 40 percent of the student body (120 students) receive more than $1 Million in need- and merit-based financial aid each year.
"Where does my gift go each year?"
Gifts to the Annual Fund can be unrestricted or restricted based on the donor's wishes. The Annual Fund is the only source of immediately available, flexible funds other than tuition. Unrestricted gifts are used to fund current operations, meeting needs such as faculty and staff support, campus maintenance and utilities, student life activities, transportation, and many other programs. Gifts can also be restricted by the donor to fund a specific use.
"How can I make sure that my gift makes a difference?"
Every gift, no matter the amount, makes a difference. The Development Office takes pride in reporting how gifts impact The Webb School's mission each year. You can restrict your gift to support a particular area of interest. If you would like your gift to support a specific school need or a specific department, please contact the Director of Annual Giving, Matt Wilson, via email at:
mwilson@webbschool.com. There are many very specific and critical needs which your gifts can make possible.