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 into 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 teacher salaries and our operating costs. But, we all know that those are not what makes FUMP such an attractive, highly acclaimed, and NAC accredited school with an extensive waiting list of prospective families. As a preschool, we keep tuition low in order 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 valuable resources at the individual class level. Our Annual Fund bridges this gap between tuition income and the total cost to educate our students.
FUMP operates on a $425,000 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 $14,000 this year.
100% of the money raised in the Annual Fund goes directly into this wonderful school and into your child’s school day throughout THIS current year, and it is tax deductible, as per IRS code.
How are the funds used?
Babies: The primary cost of the infant class is salaries. We maintain a 1:3 ratio of teachers to children. Other items are: art and sensory projects as the children grow, photo books of great moments of the babies throughout the year, parent gifts for holidays, and more.
Toddlers and Twos: The Fund covers such things as art projects, science curriculum, sensory play items, tasting/cooking experiences, 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 an even greater amount of classroom materials and equipment as they age (see above class descriptions). They also participate in enrichment classes, such as Stretch-N-Grow with Coach Bob. 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 that parents can complete their FUMP support in one easy fund drive.
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.
Champion Level: Over $1000
Partner Level: Over $500
Supporter Level: Over $300
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 tuition check on a monthly basis dedicated to this fund.
- Consider asking grandparents, godparents and others to donate in honor of a FUMP child. Additional brochures are available in the office.
- If your business or employer would like to contribute, please contact the FUMP office for more information.
- Your employer may MATCH your donation. Please check out our list of EMPLOYER MATCH COMPANIES
The Fall Drive ends October 18th; however, donations are accepted throughout the school year.
Thank you so much for your support of our preschool program.
Julie Ballato, FUMP Treasurer