TMI Fund

List of 12 frequently asked questions.

• Q: Why does TMI need to raise money?

  Simply put, tuition does not cover the full cost of a TMI education. The difference between the school's operating cost and total tuition dollars must be met through fundraising for The TMI Fund and other appeals. Additionally, expenses such as construction and improvement of athletic fields and other assets are not funded by tuition.

• Q: I already pay tuition. Why should I participate in the TMI Fund?

  Again, tuition does not cover the cost of running TMI. The school depends on the generosity of families like yours to help meet our bottom line. Yes, raising tuition or cutting expenses would solve this issue, but TMI is committed to offering access to its outstanding education by keeping tuition as low as possible. Even a family that does not receive financial assistance benefits from the generosity of our parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends. It takes the entire TMI community to bridge the gap through Annual Giving.

• Q: What is the purpose of Annual Giving?

  The money donated to the TMI Fund is used within the fiscal year received and supports a portion of TMI's daily operational needs. But that's not all. You want more for your child and so do we. Tuition dollars only stretch so far, and we want our students to extra-curricular programs and opportunities that turn an excellent education into an outstanding one. Your generous tax-deductible annual gift provides direct funding to educational initiatives that tuition alone does not cover.

• Q: We buy items at Stars Over TMI. Isn't that the same as giving to the TMI Fund?

  Participating in Stars Over TMI (and the Annual Entrepreneur & Innovation Award Luncheon) is very important, but it is different from making a gift to The TMI Fund. Buying an auction item or purchasing a ticket to Stars is a quid pro quo transaction and it is not 100% tax deductible.

• Q: What's the TMI Fund goal for this year?

  We need to raise $450,000 to support scholarships, professional development, campus improvements, academic and extracurricular programs that make TMI great.

• Q: Is that the only goal?

  The dollar amount is important, but it's only part of the story. We also have a participation goal. TMI is a giving community, and you can help make this year even better than the last, with 100% participation.

• Q: Who else is asked to give?

  Everyone involved with the school. In addition to all the people who work here, donors include the alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, former faculty and staff, Board of Governors, Board of Trustees, volunteers, corporations, and other friends of TMI.

• Q: How much am I expected to contribute?

  Only you can determine the amount that’s appropriate. Your generosity will benefit your own child now and many other TMI students through the years. Gifts range from $100 to $100,000. All gifts to TMI enhance our programs. The only gift that is too small is the gift that is not made at all. If you gave last year (thank you!), please consider increasing your gift this year. Consider joining others at the next giving club level up.

• Q: Am I expected to give to both Annual Giving and Capital Campaigns?

  We hope families will support both. However, because The TMI Fund supports immediate expenses, we ask that Annual Giving be your first priority. Of course, the generosity of those who participate in both Annual Giving and Capital Giving is deeply appreciated and fully recognized by the School.

• Q: Can I pay monthly? By credit card? Online?

  You can pay by check or credit card, in one payment or installments, by electronic funds transfer, or even by transfer of appreciated stock.
  

• Q: Can I give anonymously?

  You can give anonymously to TMI by noting it on your donation form. We will honor your request. Why, then, do we list donors at all? There is no TMI without donors. Every gift makes a difference and should be acknowledged. We publicly thank TMI Fund contributors in donor honor rolls. These publications usually report giving by levels. Other lists may not mention the size of the gift. We like to thank our donors by name because we believe it honors their gifts, and establishes them as leaders in the TMI community. We also believe that publicly acknowledging the families who have participated in the TMI Fund encourages others to give.

• Q: Do I need to send money right now?

  You may make a pledge now and pay it before TMI’s giving year ends on May 31 to count toward this year's TMI Fund. Gifts received after May 31 will count toward next year's TMI Fund goal. Knowing your intent now helps the school budget better and take advantage of unexpected opportunities to serve students.