The Meridian School is proud to state that we are a community that values and demonstrates what it means to live within a culture of philanthropy. We are grateful for our community of deeply committed parents and staff as well as invested trustees, alumni, grandparents, and friends, all of whom have regularly and voluntarily made an effort to take part in our school’s success. Each individual, each dollar, and each action make a difference.
As at all independent schools, tuition does not cover the true cost of educating each student; philanthropic contributions support these priorities and ultimately fulfill the mission and core values of the school. Expenses necessary for daily operations like dynamic and creative curriculum, competitive faculty compensation, enhanced professional development opportunities, well-maintained and safe learning spaces, and expanded access and opportunities for a diverse population of students are funded by a robust annual Monarch Fund, pre-event support for Night to Shine, and earned income from our endowments. To learn more, click on the tabs below.
Meridian is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—your contribution is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Our tax ID number is 91-1005629. To cancel your recurring gift, email us at development@meridianschool.edu. To learn more and ask questions, please reach out to:
Overview
The Monarch Fund is our most important annual fundraising initiative, and supports the people and programs that make Meridian so remarkable: inquisitive students, talented teachers, and a curriculum that provides a solid academic foundation. Students have access to many learning opportunities at Meridian that tuition does not cover. Philanthropic contributions make this possible.
How are gifts to The Monarch Fund spent each year?
The Meridian School Board of Trustees, supported by the Finance Committee, determines the school’s priorities in alignment with the school’s mission and strategic plan. Gifts raised through The Monarch Fund support these priorities and ultimately fulfill the mission and core values of the school: balance, contemplation, action, and community.
Why am I asked to give to The Monarch Fund on top of tuition?
As at all independent schools, tuition does not cover the true cost of educating each student. Monarch Fund gifts support the school’s dynamic and creative curriculum, competitive faculty compensation, enhanced professional development opportunities, well-maintained and safe learning spaces, and expanded access and opportunities for a diverse population of students.
Fall Campaign
Each fall we ask our community to support The Monarch Fund in a four-week campaign from mid-October to mid-November.
What is The Monarch Fund goal for the 2022–2023 school year?
This year we exceeded our goal of $250,000 in revenue, with 94% of parents contributing to The Monarch Fund and 100% of faculty, staff, and trustees making gifts. Thank you!
Who is asked to give to the campaign?
The entire Meridian community of families, trustees, faculty and staff, alumni, past parents/guardians, grandparents, and friends are invited and encouraged to contribute.
Giving
You can pledge or donate at https://www.meridianschool.edu/give-online/. It is quick and easy. If you prefer to make a donation by check, you can either mail it to The Meridian School or drop it off at the main office. Please be sure to write “2022–2023 Monarch Fund” on the memo line of the check.
How much should I give?
We hope that you consider Meridian as one of your top priorities for philanthropic support. We ask everyone in our community to participate, and to consider a gift that is meaningful to them, understanding that that looks different for every family. Every contribution truly makes a difference. The average gift to The Monarch Fund last year was $1,020, with gifts ranging from $25 to $15,000.
Can I break up my gift payments?
Yes. You can set up a recurring donation to be processed monthly or quarterly when making a gift online.
Can I restrict my Monarch Fund gift to a specific project?
Gifts to The Monarch Fund are unrestricted, meaning undesignated. This allows the school the flexibility to support a variety of programs and direct funds to the area of greatest need within the school.
Can I donate stock as my gift?
Yes! When gifting appreciated stock, donors typically do not pay capital gains tax, making this a desirable avenue for supporting a nonprofit. For more information, please contact Direct of Development Lauren Collette by phone or email.
Do our company’s or organization’s matching gifts count toward our Monarch Fund gift?
Yes! Matching gifts count toward your family’s Monarch Fund contribution and are a wonderful way to leverage your gift. Matching gifts accounted for more than $40,000 in additional contributions to Meridian last year. Visit your organization’s HR department and ask if they match charitable gifts.
How will my gift be acknowledged?
All Monarch Fund donors will be listed in the Annual Report by level. You can request anonymity if you would like.