Annual Fund FAQs
What is the Annual Fund?
The Hyla Annual Fund happens every fall to raise critical funds for our operating budget. The Annual Fund brings in unrestricted dollars that have a direct and immediate impact and help us sustain our program year to year. The Annual Fund is a collaborative endeavor. It’s our chance to act on our core values, like cooperation, service, and inclusion. Everyone is invited to participate, every gift matters, and every dollar makes a difference. We receive gifts from current parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, faculty and staff, trustees, and friends in the community.
Why does Hyla need an Annual Fund when parents already pay tuition?
Tuition alone is not enough to sustain the Hyla program. We rely on additional revenue, such as Annual Fund contributions and Auction proceeds, to meet our operating costs. Inclusion and diversity are core values at Hyla and philanthropy allows us to keep our tuition as low as possible so that our school is an option for a broader range of families.
Is giving to the Annual Fund typical for an independent school?
Most independent schools do not meet operating expenses through tuition alone and rely on annual giving to sustain their academic quality, affordability, and financial health. As a nonprofit, Hyla relies on philanthropy and generosity from our community.
What is the goal for the Annual Fund? What are we expected to give?
We ask everyone to give at a personally significant level. All gifts, large and small, are needed and deeply appreciated. Every gift is important and makes a difference. If you would like to discuss your gift, please contact Head of School, Suzanne Messinger.
Can I pledge now and give later?
Yes, you can pledge now (preferably by December 31st and make a payment before the end of our fiscal year, June 30, 2024). Since donations are tax deductible, many donors prefer to give before the end of December.
I’ve heard about matching funds - how does that work?
Many employers offer a gift matching program and will honor their employees’ personal donations with a matching gift of the same amount. It's an incredible way to double the impact of your giving. Every year employer matches make up an important percentage of our Annual Fund. Please check with your employer’s Human Resources department to see if they offer a matching gift program. The process is typically very simple. We are happy to help facilitate this process, so please reach out if you would like to arrange an employer match.
Can I donate stock?
Every year, many people take advantage of the simplicity and income tax advantages of donating shares of stock as a charitable gift. Please contact us to arrange a stock donation.
We receive Tuition Assistance – why are we asked to give to the Annual Fund?
The entire Hyla community is asked to participate and give to the Annual Fund. Gifts of all sizes make a difference and are important. In addition to providing revenue, Annual Fund gifts are also symbolic and demonstrate support for the Hyla program, mission, and philosophy.
As a current family, are we expected to give to the Annual Fund if we plan to participate in the auction?
Yes. The Annual Fund and the Hyla Auction are two separate sources of revenue and both are critical to our operating budget. We rely on both year to year.
Can my gift be anonymous?
Absolutely. If you would like to remain anonymous, simply check that box on the pledge form and we will not print your name in our Annual Report.