Annual Fund
The AVS Annual Fund is the cornerstone of AVS’s yearly fundraising efforts. A gift to the AVS Annual Fund provides opportunities for learning and discovery, as well as the ability to be responsive to emerging opportunities and challenges.
The Annual Fund kicks off in September and runs through December each year to support the people and programs that make AVS so special:
- STEAM Education Initiatives: Enhancing our STEAM-focused, experiential, and “whole child” approach by investing in both curricular and after-school programs that spark curiosity and drive innovation.
- Professional Development for Faculty and Staff: Supporting the lifelong learning of our educators and support staff, enabling flourishing classrooms and teaching teams year after year.
- Financial Aid: Fostering socioeconomic diversity among our students and building a vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates shared values and promotes a strong sense of belonging.
Gifts are necessary because tuition doesn’t cover all the opportunities we want our students and staff to receive. It allows AVS to be an extraordinary place of education, collaboration, and innovation for students today and in years to come.
We hope you will make Alta Vista School and our students’ education your charitable priority. Whatever the size of your gift, you make a difference in the lives of our students, teachers, faculty, and our community. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Noa Mendelevitch, our Director of Advancement, at noa.mendelevitch@altavistaschool.org.
Frequently asked questions
I’m a current parent. Why is it important that I give to the school’s fundraising efforts?
Because the AVS Annual Fund supports current programs, every family is encouraged to contribute at whatever level they are able. Each year, we strive for 100% parent participation—a powerful expression of shared commitment to our students, teachers, and mission. We also expect 100% participation from trustees, reflecting their leadership and dedication to the school.
If independent schools were run more like businesses, couldn’t they avoid asking for gifts?
A for-profit business’s mission is to make money. A school’s mission is to provide students with the best possible education. By nature, high-quality schools are labor-intensive and people-centered—at AVS, salaries and benefits account for approximately 78% of our annual budget.
Your tuition and gifts go directly toward supporting our educational mission—fueling inspired teaching, hands-on learning, and a vibrant community where every child can thrive.
What is a matching gift?
Many companies will match charitable contributions made by their employees—sometimes doubling or even tripling the impact of your gift. By asking your employer to match your donation, you can maximize your contribution while your company helps to support a worthy cause.
Many AVS parents work for matching gift companies. Please check with your Human Resources or Benefits Department to see if your company participates. You can also search for your employer using our Matching Gift Finder below.
Are there giving levels this year?
Yes. The AVS Annual Fund includes several giving levels, which are referenced in many of our appeal letters.
Can You Double Your Donation with Matching Gifts? Check Below!
Many employers sponsor matching gift programs that can double - or even triple - your contribution. Corporate matches are processed by your employer or their matching-gift vendor and may take 8–12 weeks (sometimes longer) before AVS receives the funds. After you submit your request, please email the Advancement Office at advancement@altavistaschool.org with your pending match details (employer, original gift date/amount, and expected match amount).
Double your donation!
