FAQs

High levels of alumni and parent participation are a hallmark of a healthy independent school. Foundations also review alumni and parent participation rate when considering grants to schools. Some of the largest gifts MFS receives are from foundations. Strong alumni and parent participation rates are also a clear vote of confidence in the school’s mission by those who have experienced it firsthand.

Yes. Thanks to the Annual Fund, income from the school’s endowment and rentals, each child receives a tuition discount of more than $1,800.

Yes! Debit and credit card contributions can be made online, through our secure server, at giving.mfriends.org.

Yes! Contact the Development Office or visit mfriends.org/recurring.

MFS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Consult with your financial advisor to determine the impact of philanthropic gifts on your specific circumstances.

Many employers will match gifts to independent schools. To find out, check with your Human Resources Department. Obtain the proper form and send it to the Development Office along with your gift. If your company’s matching gift process is online, please notify Director of Development Steve Zakroff of the gift. In crediting your donation to MFS, your employer’s matching gift will be included as part of your total donation.

Each year, parents, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, faculty, and staff are asked to contribute. The Development Office manages the solicitation of the school community. 100% of trustees give to the Annual Fund. For the nine out of the last ten years, 100% of the faculty and staff have given as well.

The Annual Fund solicitation kicks off in October as Leadership Circle Volunteers attempt to connect with all MFS families to invite them to give. Once a family makes a commitment to the Annual Fund, they are not solicited again for the Annual Fund in that school year; although pledge reminder notices will be sent until pledges are completed.

We hope each family can find a way to participate, consistent with their means. Every gift makes a difference to MFS. Giving is also an active endorsement of the MFS educational experience.

The Annual Fund appeal occurs every year and it supports current operations. A capital campaign is a separate fundraising initiative and gifts are generally larger (often made over a three- to five-year period)  to support construction or endowments. Capital campaigns do not happen every year.

The Voluntary 5% Program has been aspecial fundraising tradition at MFS since the 1970s. Gifts to the Voluntary 5% Program directly support the school’s contribution toward faculty retirement investments. Parents who would like to contribute to the Voluntary 5% Program must “opt in” to have this donation, 5% of their tuition charge, added to their bill. Please contact Bookkeeper Jaime Baker at jbaker@mfriends.org to set up a charitable gift to the Voluntary 5% Program.