MAKE YOUR PLEDGE HERE: ANNUAL FUND PLEDGE FORM
MAKE AN ONLINE PAYMENT HERE: ONLINE GIVING. Use fund 055, other designated funds, with “Preschool” in the memo.
The FUMP Administration and Preschool Board has worked hard to streamline financial tasks and fundraising to make it as hassle-free as possible for our FUMP families! The Annual Fund is one simple, consolidated fundraising drive to raise money for First United Methodist Preschool. 100% of the money raised in the Annual Fund goes directly into this wonderful school and your child’s school day throughout THIS current year.
Did you know that each monthly tuition check you write to FUMP is not enough to cover all of our expenses throughout this year?
Your tuition check helps to pay teachers’ salaries and our operating costs, and yet schools are run differently than businesses. We want to keep tuition low to maintain economic and geographic diversity in our classes. However, to maintain our high quality of staff and teachers, we must offer competitive salaries and invest in additional resources at the individual class level. Our Annual Fund bridges this gap between tuition income and the total cost of educating our students.
FUMP operates on a $770,000 annual budget and receives no direct financial support from the church. In fact, the preschool contributes to FUMC each month. Our classroom materials, enrichment fund, and teacher Christmas bonus needs are $16,000 this year.
100% of the money raised in the Annual Fund goes directly into the preschool and your child’s school day throughout THIS current year, and it is tax deductible, as per IRS code.
How are the funds used?
Toddlers and Twos: The Fund covers such things as art projects, science curriculum, sensory play items, tasting/cooking experiences, books, and more. It also allows us to upgrade or replace equipment and furniture as needed. (Most equipment purchases are from commercial education companies that build durable, long-lasting classroom items.) Music class for all ages is funded through the Annual Fund.
Threes and Prekindergarten: These children use more classroom materials and equipment as they age. They also participate in enrichment classes like Stretch-N-Grow with Coach Bob and Music. The Annual Fund also pays for class visitors, such as the Austin Nature Center, field trips to local plays, and more.
Teacher Recognition: We incorporate the Teacher Christmas Bonus Fund into our suggested donation amount so families can complete their FUMP support in one easy fund drive.
Why doesn’t FUMP charge the full tuition necessary to cover its expenses?
We keep tuition low to maintain economic and geographic diversity. Your tuition check helps to pay teacher salaries and our operating costs. However, to support our high-quality staff and teachers, we must offer competitive wages and invest valuable resources at the individual class level. Our Annual Fund bridges this gap between tuition income and the total cost of educating our students.
We need each family to donate an average of $300.
Every gift, no matter the size, is welcomed. If you can give a little more to offset someone who may need to give a little less, that would help us reach our goal. We are excited to introduce a new way to give this year. We have added sponsoring levels for those families who wish to make a sizable contribution. Each donor will receive name recognition throughout preschool publications and on our website.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
Champion Level: $500 and up
Partner Level: $300 and up
Supporter Level: $150 and up
Friend Level: $100 and up
There are several ways to contribute to the Annual Fund.
- Write a check to FUMP in one lump sum.
- Add a specified amount to each monthly tuition check dedicated to this fund.
- Consider asking grandparents, godparents, and others to donate in honor of a FUMP child. Additional flyers are available in the office.
- If your business or employer would like to contribute, please get in touch with the FUMP office for more information.
- Your employer may MATCH your donation. Please check out a list of EMPLOYER DONATION MATCHING COMPANIES or contact your employer directly.
The Fall Drive ends October 9th; however, donations are accepted throughout the school year.
Thank you so much for supporting our preschool program and continuing the tradition of excellence in early childhood education.
MAKE YOUR PLEDGE HERE: ANNUAL FUND PLEDGE FORM
Ellen Springer, FUMP Treasurer