Giving Priorities

List of 12 frequently asked questions.

• Q. What is The Shorecrest Fund?

  The Shorecrest Fund is our main fundraising priority. Gifts to the Shorecrest Fund are designed to help cover the current year’s anticipated operating expenses, while also providing for immediate needs and new opportunities as they arise.

• Q. What is the difference between The Shorecrest Fund and Capital Giving?

  The Shorecrest Fund supports the schools programmatic needs, whereas Capital Giving funds building of new facilities and renovation of current spaces.
  
  Gifts to the Shorecrest Fund are unrestricted - which allows the School the flexibility to spend in areas we need it most.
  
  Capital Gifts are often restricted to a specific project or purpose within a given campaign.
  
  The average gift to the Shorecrest Fund is $500 whereas the average gift to our most recent campaign is $30,000.

• Q. What costs are NOT covered by tuition?

  Costs not covered by tuition include plant replacement, renewal and special maintenance, new/enhanced technology, updated equipment, replacement furniture and fixtures, upgrades to infrastructure, new facilities, and interest on debt and leases. If tuition were required to cover the entire cost of operating the school, tuition would need to be 12% higher per child. That gap is covered by philanthropic giving and revenue from auxiliary programs.

• Q. When will I be asked to participate in the Shorecrest Fund, and how will I be asked?

  In the fall community members will receive a brochure and emails explaining how to give to the Shorecrest Fund. Also in the fall, parent volunteers make personal phone calls to answer questions and inspire philanthropic support.
  
  The five giving days, including the Phonathon, are a great opportunity to show your support to Shorecrest. These dates include:

  Shorecrest Fund Phonathon: October 15

  Athletics: November 12

  Academics: Jan 21

  Community Day: March 18

  Arts and Service: April 15 

• Q. Can I restrict my gift to a specific program or purpose?

  Gifts to the Shorecrest Fund are all unrestricted. This year, you can give in celebration of the program(s) that inspired your philanthropic support. Throughout the year, there will be five giving days highlighting the School's programmatic needs:
  

  • October 15 - Academic Excellence
  • November 12 - Athletics
  • January 21 - Innovation and Technology
  • March 18 - Visual and Performing Arts
  • April 15 - Community and Service Learning

  If you are interested in discussing other restricted gift options, please contact Michael Gillis.

• Q. Why does Shorecrest ask for philanthropic support instead of increasing tuition?

  As is the case with most independent schools, tuition does not cover the full cost of educating each student. Philanthropic gifts to the Shorecrest Fund cover the difference and allow the school to:
  

  • Keep tuition rates low while providing donors ways to receive a deduction on their income tax to full extent of the law.
  • Offer the financial aid that supports a diverse student body.
  • Provide students the best educational opportunities possible.

  Your philanthropic support is more important than ever before. Our ability to quickly transition to flexible learning, provide essential technology, offer professional development to our teachers and provide additional financial aid for families are all supported by the Shorecrest Fund.

• Q. How do I make a gift to Shorecrest?

  Learn more about ways to give to Shorecrest here.

• Q. Can my employer match my gift?

  Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees. Matching gifts can sometimes double, or even triple, the impact your gift makes to the Shorecrest Fund!
  
  Please contact your employer's Human Resources department for more information and to receive matching gift forms.

• Q. What is the status of our current Capital Campaign?

  The Shorecrest Board of Trustees has approved the plans to move forward with the completion of the second floor of Charger Commons and construction of the Weiss Family Pavilion, an outdoor meeting/performance venue in the Greenspace of Charger Commons. These projects are made possible by generous support from our community - thank you!  

• Q. How are financial service and endowed scholarships awarded? 

  Shorecrest awards tuition assistance based on the family’s estimated need as determined by a third party administrator (School & Student Services), the school’s current financial aid budget, and the overall enrollment of the school. Families may apply online at https://sssbynais.force.com/familyportal/FamilyLogin by completing the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS). You will need your 2018 tax return and 2019 W-2. Click here for a guide through the application process.

• Q. Did Shorecrest apply for or receive any relief funds provided by the CARES Act?

  Yes. Shorecrest applied for and received $1.88 million in funds from the Small Business Administration per the CARES Act. These funds will be used for the sole purpose of paying faculty and staff, thus preserving jobs in the face of the uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shorecrest is 88% tuition driven. Changes in enrollment will have a direct impact on the faculty and staff at Shorecrest.

• Q. What has been the impact of COVID-19 on Shorecrest?

  Shorecrest has experienced uncertainty in the school’s finances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The school has lost revenue for after school clubs, extended day programs, and summer camps as well as refunding families for field trips and other events that did not occur due to the Governor’s order to close the campus. There has been an increased need for financial assistance. There has been a decline in contributions and fundraising has been put on pause. The school has had increased costs for cleaning and safety supplies, as well as the need to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for faculty and staff. The costs for cleaning services are expected to be much greater in the coming year to meet health and safety standards. Cash collections have declined and accounts receivable have increased compared to the prior year. Enrollment, due to the current economic conditions, is uncertain and enrollment drives the budget.