Charging Forward . . . Honoring the past and preparing for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions . . . and Answers

Question: If the true cost of educating a child is over $6000, why don't we just charge this instead of asking for more money?

Answer: The school understands the financial burden that Catholic education places on many of our families and our goal is to keep tuition increases to a minimum.  This allows us to remain competitive.  Moreover, the school would like to provide parents and friends with a tax-deductible alternative to fund items beyond the core curriculum.

Question: What exactly will you do with the new funds from this campaign?

Answer: Funds raised in this year's Charging Forward Annual Fund Campaign will go to cover the cost of Language Arts textbooks and classroom desks, as well as other enhancements to the school environment.

Question: Aren't the proceeds from the Thrift Store supposed to help keep the costs of our tuition down?

Answer: The Thrift Store raises a substantial amount of supplemental income each year.  These funds subsidize approximately 3 to 4.5% of participating families’ tuition.

Question: How is it that St. Justin holds so many different fundraisers throughout the year . . . Murder Mystery Night, Wrapping Paper, Jog-A-Thon, etc. and now we have to have another one?

Answer: Fundraising provides 3% of the schools budgeted revenue. These fundraisers along with the Thrift Store have been part of our budget for many years.  Many families benefit from the resulting lower tuition.  Families who prefer to opt out of the fundraisers can choose to pay a higher rate and not participate in the fundraising efforts.   The goal of the Charging Forward Annual Fund Campaign is to increase reserves and provide for school enhancements.

Question: How exactly can my family benefit from giving to the Charging Forward Annual Fund Campaign?

Answer: Gifts to the campaign are tax deductible because they are separate from tuition. For example, a family that pledges $230 would receive a tax savings of $80 based on a 35% marginal tax rate.  Thus, the net cost to the family would be $150.  As always, the tax benefit from deductible contributions to St. Justin School varies depending on your individual tax rates.  Please consult a tax professional to determine your actual tax savings.
 

Question: Does St. Justin accept corporate matching gifts?

Answer:      Yes. Many corporations are now willing to support private education by matching your gift, often as much as two or three times your contribution. Your employer can advise you if your company has a matching gift program.
 

Question:  Does St. Justin accept securities/stock gifts?

Answer:  Yes. The best stocks to donate are those that have increased greatly in value, particularly those producing a low yield. If you donate property that has increased in value and that you've held for more than one year, you pay no capital gains tax on the transaction. You can also take an income tax deduction for the full fair market value of the stock.  If you have stock losses, sell the stock yourself to realize the loss and take the deduction for tax purposes. Then generate a charitable contribution deduction by donating the cash proceeds of the sale to us. Contact  Holly Maguire at development@stjustinschool.org (408)248-1080 for the Stock Transfer Instructions and for more information on fully tax deductible matching gifts, and other ways you can support this initiative.