This year Mill Springs will embark on a capital campaign to build a permanent PreUpper School and athletic facilities.  However, it’s important that each family continue to support the Annual Fund in addition to making a pledge to the Capital Campaign.  The following is a quick overview of the difference between Annual and Capital giving and the importance in giving to both.  

Q.  What is the difference between Annual gifts and Capital gifts?

A.   To MSA, the Annual Fund is similar to your own checking account and is used for general operating expenses such as heating and lighting.  The Annual Fund is also used to enhance our schools curriculum (i.e. our Fine Arts and programs) and enables the school to attract outstanding teachers and slow the rate of tuition growth.  Each year, the funds collected are used during the school-year in which they were donated and are critical to maintaining the daily operations of the school.

      In contrast, Capital gifts are similar to your savings account and are used for special building projects which do not fall into the annual budget (i.e. the building of classroom facilities or other major expenses such as the need for a new roof).  Typically, capital gifts are significantly larger in amount than annual fund donations and most often involve consulting one’s spouse, accountant, or financial planner.  Due to the size of capital gifts, they are usually paid out over a period of three to five years.    

 Q. Is my gift important? 

A.   Yes. Participation in MSA’s Annual Fund as well as periodic Capital Campaigns is critical.  Due to the economic diversity of our school family, we promote a “fair share” giving approach: we place equal emphasis on donor participation but ask those who can, to give more.

 Foundations and individuals making large donations or giving ongoing financial support look to see that 100% of our school family supports our Annual Fund and Capital projects.  This year, we are asking every family to make a gift to the Capital Campaign as well as to the Annual Fund.  Gifts to the capital campaign can be pledged and paid out over a three-year period.  Gifts to the Annual Fund need to be paid in full by June 30, 2006. 

 Q. How often will I be asked to give?

A.   Each year, every member of the MSA family (parents, teachers, alumni, grandparents, Board of Trustees, etc.) are asked to make a gift to the Annual Fund.  It is the regularity and the consistency of these gifts that makes them so important to the bottom line of Mill Springs Academy.

 Capital Campaigns are held less frequently.  Contributors may make a one-time gift or may make a pledge to be fulfilled as they wish over a three to five year period.   

Q.  What are MSA’s Annual Fund and Capital Campaign Goals?

A.   The goal for our 2005-2006 Annual Fund is $150,000, as well as 100% participation from our School Family (Parents, Faculty/Staff, and Board of Trustees).      

The minimum goal for our Capital Campaign to build the PreUpper School is $2 million.   Funds raised in addition to that will go toward constructing much-needed athletic facilities for our students.  We are asking every family to reach as far as possible in making their gift or pledge.

 However please know that gifts of any size are welcome and greatly appreciated. We must have 100% participation to be successful.