1. Why is this fund called the Pinecrest Fund?

The fund once, called the Annual Fund, was renamed in 2010 as the Pinecrest Fund. The school chose to rename the fund to remind all of us where our charitable gifts are going - to our beloved school which is the extension of the home.

2. Why should I give more over and above tuition, to fund my child's education at Pinecrest?

Tuition does not cover it all. The cost of educating each child exceeds the amount in revenue received in tuition. Approximately 80% is covered by tuition. Supplemental funds raised through voluntary contributions to the Pinecrest Fund are essential if Pinecrest is to continue to provide students the best Catholic education possible.

3. How is my donation to the Pinecrest Fund spent?

A portion of your gift is used for basic operating expenses to help ensure the availability of a comprehensive curriculum, an outstanding faculty, small class sizes and campus ministry. Part of the contribution is used to provide classroom enhancements such as computers, software, multimedia equipment, library books, art supplies, and sports equipment. Your Pinecrest Fund dollars also help to keep tuition increases as small as possible and provide scholarships and tuition assistance.

4. Who gives to the Pinecrest Fund?

The Pinecrest Fund is supported by a variety of constituencies. Parents, grandparents, foundations, corporations, faculty and staff, and friends of the school all take part in the campaign.

5. How do Pinecrest Fund gifts differ from Capital and Endowment gifts?

The Pinecrest Fund campaign is ongoing. Since its inception, Pinecrest has appealed to the members of its extended family to make an investment on behalf of the school's present and future students with a gift to the Pinecrest Fund. By definition, Pinecrest Fund reserves are unrestricted and are used to fund current operations. The Pinecrest Fund is money the school lives by. The dollars can be allocated where they are needed. Endowment and Capital gifts are strategically important to the financial future and physical growth of the school. Capital gifts fund new facilities and are typically restricted to a specific project. Endowment gifts are invested and held for the long-term interest of the school.

6.  What is a matching gift?

Many corporations have a policy of matching the contributions of their employees to educational institutions. For example, if you work for a company with a matching gift program and you contribute $250 to the Pinecrest Fund, your company will match a percentage of your gift. Please inquire with your company's Human Resource Department if you are uncertain if they have a matching gifts program.

7. I can't give as much as I'd like. Should I just wait until next year when I can give more?

Please don't wait! Every gift of any size is important to Pinecrest and its students. Your contribution at any level demonstrates your support of Pinecrest's efforts on behalf of your children. The percentage of participation by our parents is critical factor in our ability to demonstrate broad-based support when foundations and corporations consider making a contribution to Pinecrest.

8. When and how do I make my pledge and/or payment?

Now is the time to make your pledge. Pinecrest Fund letters are mailed to families in the fall. Additional pledge cards are available from the front office and on line. Confirmation letters will be mailed acknowledging the pledge. Pledge payment reminders will be mailed throughout the school year.

9. Is there any special donor recognition which is part of the Pinecrest Fund?

Pinecrest Academy offers donor recognition at the following levels:

Co-Founders Society: Any family who donates a $2,000 or more will be members of the Co-Founders Society for that academic year and recognized at a special event in the following fall.

Platinum: $15,000 +
Gold: $8,000 - $14,999
Silver: $4,000 - $7,999
Bronze: $2,000 - $3,999

Other Gift Levels:
Patron: $500 - $1,999
Supporter: $250 - $499
Sponsor: $1 - $249