A: The annual fund covers the gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating a student at IWS. Tuition covers about 80% of our expenses. The balance of our needed income comes primarily from the annual fund.
A: To cover the actual cost of educating a student would require a significant tuition increase. Such an increase would violate one of IWS’s core values of affordability. IWS, like other private schools of higher education, generates its funding from a variety of sources. These include tuition, private grants, and fundraising from stakeholders. Tax-deductible donations to The IWS Fund directly offset the current year’s operating budget, thus reducing each student’s annual tuition cost and encouraging a diverse student body.
A: Stakeholders support IWS because they believe in the mission of IWS as a world-wide center of worship renewal. Our stakeholders are located around the globe, making localized fundraisers difficult to do. The amount contributed through our annual fund is greater than a school would typically raise in a fund-raising event.
A: Based on enrollment and budget, the “gap” determines our annual fund goal after taking into account all of our sources of revenue. Enrollment and tuition revenue goals determine the potential operating costs for the new school year. This budget process sets our goal for the annual fund to bridge the gap of the expected revenues and budgeted operating costs.
A: As you are able. Many donors contribute monthly to the annual fund. Annual fund gifts range from $25 up to our Leader level gifts of $10-20,000 and above. If everyone gives as they are able, we can always reach our goal.
A: Yes! IWS needs your participation. While the dollar goal is very important to meeting the annual budget, the participation levels help IWS receive foundation grants for projects and campaigns.
A: You can make your gift by mail, or you can make your pledge or gift by credit card online or by phone. Click here for details on how you can make your gift.
A: We ask that annual fund gifts be undesignated. Faculty and staff have already identified their needs and wants through the budget, therefore we are obligated to help fund those first. However, there are times when exceptions can be made for time sensitive opportunities. Please call IWS president Jim Hart to discuss at 904-264-2172.
A: Many employers have matching gift programs which will match your gift with company funds. The IWS Fund qualifies for these matches as an educational institution. Check with your employer or call the office at 904-264-2172 to see if your company participates in this program.
A: Yes. IWS is a 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization and all gifts are tax-deductible.
A: IWS’ tax identification number is 59-3576254
A: Gifts to a capital campaign allow us to build facilities, add programs, and strengthen our endowment. Capital campaign gifts are restricted to the specific purpose of the associated campaign. Annual fund gifts by definition are unrestricted, and fund the intentional gap between actual costs and tuition for each school year. IWS recognizes the long-term benefits of an endowment. IWS’ current endowment is very low, but it will grow over time through planned gifts and capital campaigns.
A: While the IWS Fund accepts gifts throughout the year, your early gift or pledge reduces the cost of mailings and helps the school with its budgeting and cash flow. We ask donors to indicate their commitment by December 31 if possible. Payment on annual fund pledges is due by the end of the fiscal year, June 30.
A: You will be contacted as often as necessary to secure your participation. In addition to the financial goal, there is also a goal of 100% alumni participation to help us with our foundation grant requests. The IWS Fund is staffed with volunteers, so the best gift you can make is an early commitment.
A: The annual fund provides the funds needed to sustain an exceptional IWS educational experience.
