The Annual Fund
Q: What is the Annual Fund?
A: The Annual Fund is the foundation of Catholic Memorial’s fundraising efforts. Annual Fund dollars are unrestricted funds which directly support the school’s current operating budget. Approximately 7% of Catholic Memorial’s budget is provided by gifts from alumni, parents, parents of alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff and friends.
Q: Why does CM need an Annual Fund?
A: A growing Annual Fund is critical to the financial health of the School. Tuition dollars do not fully support the actual cost of educating a CM student. Like every private school, CM needs unrestricted support from its constituents to close the gap between the income we receive from tuition and the actual cost of a Catholic Memorial education.
Q: Why is my participation important?
A: Catholic Memorial relies on your support of the Annual Fund each year. Your gift has an immediate impact on the educational experience on the 740 young men enrolled at CM. In addition, the participation of those closest to CM is an important indicator of the strength of our school to prospective families, other families and our peer schools.
Q: What does my Annual Fund gift support?
A: Every aspect of campus life at Catholic Memorial including
Classroom and Laboratory enhancements
Campus Ministry retreats
Blessed Edmund Rice Solidarity Initiative (BERSI)
Tuition Assistance
Fine Arts
Athletic uniforms and equipment
Faculty Professional Development
Catholic Memorial Television
Library Acquisitions
Q: Can I pledge now and make my payments over time?
A: Yes. The Catholic Memorial Annual Fund year ends on June 30 and pledges should be fulfilled before then. You can also elect to pay in installments. Remember, to gain maximum deduction for income tax purposes, payments must be received before December 31. All gifts to the Annual Fund are tax deductible.
Q: How much should I give to Catholic Memorial?
A: Given the importance of the Annual Fund to the pursuit of academic excellence at CM, we ask that you make as generous and meaningful contribution as possible. Gifts of any size can make a significant impact at Catholic Memorial and we hope you will consider making CM a priority in your charitable giving.
The unrestricted goal for the 2011-2012 Annual Fund is $405,000, an increase of 6% over the $382,908 raised last year. We are aggressively seeking 1,950 donors to all funds across all constituencies. Including restricted current use dollars and net proceeds from the CM Golf Tournament and the Fashion Show, the goal is $710,000.
