Our goal is for 100% participation from our families, faculty and Board. We all share the responsibility for the well being, fiscal and otherwise, of our school. Every constituency of the community from the Board, parents and faculty to grandparents and alumni are asked to contribute as generously as possible. Gifts are tax-deductible and directly impact every child's Pen Ryn experience. It's all about our children!
 

If you would like to contribute to the Pen Ryn Fund, please contact Erica Foraker, Director of Development at (215) 547-1800, Ext. 17. or click here for email.
 

 

Why doesn't Pen Ryn charge enough to cover operating costs?

If tuition was increased to cover the actual cost of all of its programs, many families could not afford to send their children to independent schools. Tuition increases at all independent schools would be dramatic. This could mean a drop in enrollment, resulting in a cut back of programs and steeper tuition increases in order to fund operations, all of which would affect your child's education. Additionally, charitable gifts would be even more difficult to obtain given the increased cost of sending a child to the school. This would preclude our ability to finance many of the important academic programs and improvements made possible by charitable support.

 

What is Annual Giving?

The Pen Ryn Annual Giving Fund is charitable contributions made by trustees, faculty, staff, administration, parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, vendors, and friends of Pen Ryn in order to subsidize tuition income each year. It is the amount projected by the Board of Trustees in the current operating budget which permits the school to enhance student programs. One hundred percent of the money raised for Annual Giving goes directly into the operating budget. The Annual Giving drive begins July 1 of each year with letters and continues with brochures and reminder letters to all the Pen Ryn constituents and concludes June 30 of each year. Donations can be made at anytime during the current school year.
 

Is giving to Annual Giving unique to The Pen Ryn School?

No. Independent schools have always had to rely on the generosity and loyalty of their constituencies for their advancement. Very few, if any, private, independent schools, colleges or universities meet their full operational costs with tuition alone.
 

May we make a contribution of something other than cash?

Yes. There are many ways to make a contribution to the school. The Development Office can help you determine what type of gift is most appropriate for your circumstances and Pen Ryn's need.

Essentially, there are three ways to make a gift to the school: 

 

1. an outright gift of cash, securities, real estate and personal property, undivided interest, closely held stock, or insurance policies;
2. an estate gift or deferred gift through a will; or
3. a deferred gift that will produce current income tax savings as well as estate tax savings and will provide other lifetime benefits to the donor and his beneficiaries.
 

Can we restrict our gift to a specific purpose?

Certainly. Although Annual Giving requests unrestricted funds which may be used where ever necessary, if there is a project that you would like to fund, please let the Development Office know. We also offer the following gift designations: Pen Ryn School's Most Appropriate Need, Scholarship Fund, Technology, Faculty Development, and Educational Program. Just check off where you would like your gift directed on the giving envelope.
 

Does the Pen Ryn ask local, state, and national foundations, corporations, and businesses for support?

Yes, we do. The school's development efforts include soliciting foundations, corporations, and businesses. However, these prospective donors often want to see initial support from the constituents before they will commit to the effort. High trustee, parent, alumni, and even faculty participation is vitally important in the grant-seeking process.
 

Is there any chance that our gift could be made anonymously?

Yes. When you send your contribution, be sure to let us know that you would like for it to be anonymous, and we will be happy to honor your request. Otherwise, your name will be listed in the appropriate gift category with our other distinguished donors.
 

My company offers a Matching Gift Program. Would Pen Ryn be interested in this program?

Absolutely! More than 1,600 American companies match their staff's contributions. Matching gifts allow you to double or even triple your gift to Pen Ryn... After confirming that your employer is indeed a matching gift corporation, get a matching gift form (usually from the human resources department), fill it out, and send it in to the Development Office with your gift. The development office then submits the form to the company's matching gift department, which sends the check directly to the school.
 

Would we be expected to give to all of the fundraisers held throughout the year?

We would hope that all parents and friends of Pen Ryn would support the fundraising efforts that are of interest to them. Each of these fundraising efforts focuses on important areas of growth for the future of Pen Ryn and our children. There is, however, no obligation to give to any of these fundraising activities. This information is meant to give you an overview of what you will be asked to support.

How much should we give?
Only you can decide. We ask that you remember that your contributions, along with those of all of our donors, will directly enhance our children's education. We hope that every member of our school community will participate.

The giving categories for The Pen Ryn Fund include:

Friends	Up to $99
Patrons	$100 - $249
Blue and Gold	$250 - $499
Pen Ryn Spirit	$500 - $999
Headmaster's Associate	$1,000 - $2,499
Benefactor	$2,500 - $4,999
Founder	$5,000 - $9,999
Leadership	$10,000 or more

 

How much have others given?

As you look around Pen Ryn, practically everything you see is the result of previous gifts from friends of the school. As these previous donors have provided for our current student population, we must also provide for future generations. The only gift too small is no gift at all!

Can I pay a pledge in installments?
Yes. Indicate on your return giving envelope your pledge total and a payment schedule that meets your specific needs. You will have until June 30th of the current school year to complete your pledge. Any monies received after that time will be credited to the following year's Annual Giving Fund drive.

Is our gift tax-deductible?
Yes! All contributions to the school are fully tax-deductible according to IRS regulations. We are a not for profit 501(c)3 corporation.

How can I get more information?
If you have any questions about the Annual Giving program or other types of giving to the school, please feel free to contact Erica Foraker in the Development Office at (215) 547-1800, Ext. 17. or click here for email.