2023-2024 Guide to Giving at the Wesley School
At the Wesley School, we have a vision for the future. These past few years have been an exciting time for growth. We’ve seen our campus expand and our community come closer together. We have seen an increasing number of applicants, thriving, innovative programs, and a deeper commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
As we look back on these accomplishments with pride, we must also look forward to the path ahead and what we are still looking to achieve, especially as we enter into our 25th Anniversary Year. Like most independent schools, tuition alone covers only part of the cost of providing a Wesley education and generous donations from our community make up the difference. In fact, currently, tuition and fees make up only 90% of this cost. Fundraising, therefore, is critical to our School’s financial health and to the educational experience of all our students.
It is vital that each family understands how important their philanthropic participation is to the fabric of the Wesley community. Our school’s philosophy is to focus on a few, ta t d f d i i ti iti we do our best not to ov
Introduction
Because of this, we ask for 100% participation from our families in The Wesley Fund Campaign.
We value our diverse, down-to-earth environment and community at Wesley. In nurturing this atmosphere, we rely on the principle of proportionate giving. Everyone steps forward and contributes a meaningful gift relative to their financial ability. Our fundraising program thrives on the range of talents and resources within our Wesley community.
In addition to the intentionally limited number of fundraisers from the Development Office and the coordinated programs benefiting the Parents' Association (PA), you will sometimes receive information about optional fundraising events or sales held to help raise money for grade-level projects or community service programs. These funds do not impact our school directly, but are part of our commitment to help the greater community and those in need. Later in this pamphlet, you will find a breakdown of the different fundraisers you will encounter at Wesley, including who runs them and what they support.
The Wesley Fund
25 DAYS TO HONOR 25 YEARS!
This year, we celebrate Wesley’s 25th Anniversary Year! Throughout these 2 days, we’re coming together as a communi to make a meaningful impact on our school and its future.
Our 25 Days of Giving Campaign will launch on Sunday, October 1st and close on Wednesday, October 25th. All gifts and pledges to The Wesley Fund should be made during this time frame in order to help us reach our goal of 100% parent participation.
Your contributions have a powerful and lasting impact on all of our students, whether they enable us to expand programs for our children, send our outstanding faculty to stimulating professional development conferences, or provide new technology throughout the grade levels.
As we welcome new families and begin the school year, it is essential that each family understands that it takes our entire community of parents, educators, trustees, alumni, grandparents, and friends to lead our students on their journey of transformative learning experiences. The rich personal discoveries our students make while here at Wesley are enhanced by the collective generosity of our community, and we thank you!
When making your annual contribution, you will have the opportunity to select an area of interest that matters most to you and your family.
To the right are a few of Wesley's top priorities. Check out some of the many ways that your gift can impact an area of interest and let us know what your top priority is when making a gift to The Wesley Fund this year.
Note:
Should an area of interest exceed a fund's budget limit, the school may redirect to the area of greatest need.
What Matters Most to You?
Academic Programs
Implementation of new lower school phonics and writing program, as well as a school-wide math curriculum update
Updated materials for new and existing programs
Arts
Production sets and costumes for performing arts
Supplies and materials for fine arts and music program
Buildings & Grounds
Maintenance and improvement of facilities
Safe and secure learning environments
DEIJ and Social & Emotional Learning
Student and parent educational seminars and speakers to further our DElJ mission
Dedicated counseling program to support the social and emotional needs of all students
Faculty & Staff Development
Recruitment and retention of exceptional faculty & staff with competitive compensation and benefits
Opportunities for professional development conferences and trainings
Financial Aid
Makes a Wesley education accessible to more students
Ensures that all students are able to learn in a culturally and socio-economically diverse community
Outdoor Learning, Play, and Experiences
Enhancing interactive outdoor play and creativity tools
Class trips and retreats that focus on personal reflection, commitments to service, and community building
Technology & Innovation
Infrastructure for 1:1 device program
Smart classroom and software upgrades
The Wesley Fund
Wesley's area of greatest need any given school year
Development Fundraisers
The Wesley Fund
Gifts made annually to The Wesley Fund support the day-to-day operations of Wesley and must be replenished each year. We strive for 100% participation from parents, employees, and board members. We also reach out to alumni families, grandparents, and foundations
Gala
The Gala occurs every other year and is both a fundraising opportunity and a community building event. Silent and Live Aucton purchases support the general operating budget of the school, and a “Fund a Need“ paddle raise supports a specific cause at Wesley.
Run for a Cause
Formerly known as the Jog-a-thon, students participate in this annual event by running and reaching out to family and friends in support of Wesley and a chosen charity It also helps by engaging new people with the Wesley community.
Capital Campaigns
Teacher Outings
Every Year, the Wesley teachers and staff plan outings which familiesbid on or purchase. Funds go the general operating budget
Capital Campaigns take place over defined time frames and fund larger scale capital improvements to Wesley‘s campus and programmatic offerings, such as construction of a new building or renovation of an existing space Capital projects are guided by the long-term vision and master plan for Wesley
Party Book
Throughout the year, parents can host parties for adults or students and sell tickets to raise money for the PA
Wesley Rewards
Wesley partners with companies like Menchie’s, Ralphs, and many others to give back some of what you spend to the PA.
Parents’ Association FUNraisers
Special Events
Unique opportunities for the community to connect and celebrate together.
Holiday Boutique
The PA puts on a shop in the social hall where the kids can buy holiday gifts for their families
Operation
Santa Claus
The Wesley community provides toys for children in need in partnership with the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry
Food Pantry
The Student Council organizes an ongoing drive to donate cans to the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry
Relay for Life
Led by the Student Council, the Wesley Warriors team walks in the relay and raises money every year for the American Cancer Society
CODI Cooking Series
Wesley families host virtual cooking parties featuring cultural dishes Funds go to the Community of Diversity and Inclusivity to support DEIJ initiatives at the school
Book Fair
Funds go the Wesley Library
Other Fundraisers
A Q A
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t tuition cover the entire cost of a Wesley education?
In setting each year’s tuition, the Board of Trustees weighs many factors such as curriculum enhancements, recruitment and retention of exceptional faculty and staff through competitive salaries, technology updates, and most importantly, continuing its ongoing commitment to make a Wesley education affordable to a culturally and economically diverse community. Additionally, your Annual Fund donation to Wesley is tax deductible; tuition is not. Many employers even have matching gift programs that allow you to double or triple your support to the Wesley School at no extra cost to you. By relying on charitable contributions, we ensure that your dollars have a greater impact and that our school community achieves our goals of educational excellence and increased social awareness and responsibility.
What is the most important fundraising initiative at Wesley?
The Wesley Fund campaign is Wesley’s largest and most important fundraiser. Contributions to the Wesley Fund are unrestricted gifts made on a yearly basis that support all aspects of a Wesley education. We ask that all parents participate by making a meaningful gift as a monetary contribution or a pledge and to do so by the end of our 25 Days of Giving campaign (October 25, 2023). All pledges must be paid by the end of the school year.
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What is the difference between the annual fund and the Wesley Fund?
The Wesley Fund is a new rebranding initiative for what was formerly known as the Annual Fund. The Wesley Fund is still comprised of unrestricted gifts that are given annually within the school's fiscal year. These gifts feed into the operating budget and support all aspects of a Wesley education. The Wesley Fund will also now allow you to choose an area of interest within the school that means the most to you and your family.
What is an area of interest and how does that impact my giving?
An area of interest consists of several categories that are considered some of Wesley's top priorities. In each area, there are a few examples of the many ways that your gift could be utilized in a given school year. Each year, The Wesley Fund automatically supports these various areas of interest at our School. By selecting what matters most to you and your preferred area of interest, it allows us to survey and see what segments the Wesley community would like to focus on the most. If by chance an area of interest exceeds a fund's budget limit, the school may redirect to Wesley's area of greatest need.
How long is The Wesley Fund Campaign?
The Wesley fundraising program runs on a fiscal school year from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. The Wesley Fund Campaign takes place during our 25 Days of Giving, which will launch on Sunday, October 1, 2023 and ends on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
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What are Wesley's Giving Levels?
We recognize the generosity of our donors with the following giving levels in our Annual Report each year: Up to $999 - Community Circle
$1,000 - $2,999 - Lions Circle
$3,000 - $4,999 - Leadership Circle
$5,000 - $9,999 - Head of School Circle
$10,000 - $14,999 - Visionary Circle
$15,000+ - Founders Circle
Those who contribute $3,000 or more annually will receive an invitation to our Leadership Donor Appreciation event.
Are families who receive financial aid asked to contribute to the The Wesley Fund Campaign?
Yes. Everyone in the Wesley community is asked to participate at a level that is meaningful to them. All gifts, no matter the size, make a direct impact on our school and demonstrate support for Wesley's mission and commitment to educating our students.
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What is the difference between the Development Office fundraisers and the Parents' Association (PA) FUNraisers?
The Development Office is managed by Wesley employees who are responsible for overall fundraising for the Wesley School operating budget. The PA is a parentled volunteer group that works with school administration to coordinate many activities around campus, community building events, and FUNraisers. Money raised from admission to PA events and profits made from selling items and activities are NOT part of the Wesley operating budget. The PA relies on these revenues to subsidize and enhance the many on and off campus activities and events that foster the sense of community that defines Wesley. The PA budget has to be replenished each year and any money left over is donated back to the school as a gift.
When does the Gala take place and how can I participate?
Wesley hosts an in-person Gala every other year. Our next one is planned for Saturday, March 2, 2024 to celebrate our 25th Anniversary Year. When the time comes, we strongly encourage all parents to join in on the fun and attend this wonderful evening of community celebration and support! Support of this event should be considered in addition to your Wesley Fund contribution.
Who can I reach out to if I still have additional questions about Philanthropy at Wesley?
Tammy Rodriguez
Kevin Elbo Director of Development Development Associate trodriguez@wesleyschool org
ext. 2551. 818-508-4542 ext. 2552 Q
kelbo@wesleyschool org 818-508-4542
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How Can I Give?
CARD: You can make a gift in one or more installments by credit card by going to wesleyschool.org/give.
CASH/CHECK: If you would like to give by cash or check, you can bring it in to the school office made out to "The Wesley Fund.”
STOCK: If you would like to make a gift via stock, reach out to the Development office at development@wesleyschool.org for transfer information.
PLEDGE: If you would like to make a pledge to be paid before the end of the school year, email development@wesleyschool.org.
Matching Gifts
Many employers will match gifts that their employees make to nonprofit organizations like Wesley. Some will match double or even triple what you gave. This is a fantastic way to increase your impact at the school, and matching gifts count toward your giving level and for invitations to the Leadership Donor Appreciation Event. Check with your employer's HR department or go to wesleyschool.org/match to see if they will match your gift, and if you need any help, reach out to development@wesleyschool.org
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