Giving to MHS Giving to MHS Annual Fund Capital     Efforts Endowments Giving Progress Frequently     Asked     Questions Ways to Give Online Giving     Link Frequently Asked Questions What exactly is the Annual Fund? What is the Parent Partnership Program? Why is parent participation in the Annual Fund so important? How often will I be contacted to donate to the school? Can I restrict my gift to a particular area of interest? Are there plans to expand the school’s facilities or renovate existing buildings? Besides parent support, how else is Maranatha funding its operational expenses? If I have more questions, who should I speak with? Q: What exactly is the Annual Fund? A: The Annual Fund is the most important fund at Maranatha High School and is critical to Maranatha's fiscal health. Tax-deductible donations are used to close the gap between tuition income and the actual cost of educating students at Maranatha. The 2010-11 gap is approximately $2,200 per student. Annual Fund proceeds are used for need-based scholarships, innovative academic programs that enhance scholarly pursuits, faculty development that inspires creative instructional strategies, athletics which cultivate character in the caldron of competition, arts that encourage imaginative thinking, and spiritual life to deepen our roots in Christ. It is essential from a budgetary standpoint that Maranatha reach its Annual Fund goal each year. The 2010-11 Annual Fund goal is $435,000 and 100% parent participation. Q: What is the Parent Partnership Program? A: The Parent Partnership Program facilitates the Annual Fund. This program gives our parents an opportunity to partner with Maranatha to help "close the gap" between what the school charges in tuition and the actual cost to operate the school. For the 2010-11 school year, the gap is $2,200 per student. All parents are asked to make a pledge to the Annual Fund (in the gap amount if possible), which is renewed each year the student attends MHS, to help the school close the gap. Without a successful Annual Fund, the school would need to charge tuition and fees in excess of what is currently charged. Q: Why is parent participation in the Annual Fund so important? A: Record growth in Annual Fund parent participation has a significant impact on the school. As parent participation in the school’s Annual Fund increases, local foundations are taking note. Parent participation in the Annual Fund is currently at a record high of 75%; we hope to increase that level in the 2010-11 school year. Q: How often will I be contacted to donate to the school? A: Each year, every Maranatha family is not only encouraged but expected to participate in the school's Annual Fund. The school encourages donors to make (or pledge) their charitable giving to Maranatha at the beginning of the school year. Parents who make a gift to the Annual Fund each school year will generally not be asked for additional gifts throughout the school year. Of course, donor initiated gifts are always welcome and appreciated. All families will receive development mailings from time to time to update our community on the status of development efforts. Q: Can I restrict my gift to a particular area of interest? A: Absolutely! The school allows for and appreciates gifts that are designated to a specific area that is close to the donor’s heart. Q: Are there plans to expand the school’s facilities or renovate existing buildings? A: With record student growth over the past four years, the School Board is exploring avenues to ensure that our facilities and programs grow along with our student body. Much of the 2008-09 school year was dedicated to completing a strategic plan for the school’s immediate future (1-3 years) in the areas of faculty life, academic curriculum/college counseling, student life, admissions and school operations. The yearlong strategic plan discussions included an analysis of school facilities and building growth, enrollment projections, refinements to curriculum, programmatic needs, spiritual life enhancements, staffing, finances, athletic programs and needs, performing arts opportunities, maintenance and security. The recently completed strategic plan will drive the school’s master planning process, and together both initiatives will dictate future capital efforts needed for our students on this campus. Q: Besides parent support, how else is Maranatha funding its operational expenses? A: Maranatha is actively seeking financial support from alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, corporations and friends, as well as from local foundations. Our entire Maranatha community is needed to help Maranatha succeed. Q: If I have more questions, who should I speak with? A: Please contact the school's Development Office with any questions at (626) 817-4071.