FAQs

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

• What is an ideal supporter?

  The ideal supporter consistently donates to the Annual Fund, increasing his/her gift each year. If financial circumstances permit, a donor will consider a major contribution to the school in his/her lifetime, supporting the construction of new facilities or the general endowment. A model contributor will make a planned gift through a bequest, trust, or alternative option.

• Why is participation important?

  Parent participation is percentage of parents who give a gift of any size to PTS. All independent schools aim for 100% participation in the Annual Fund. High participation is a vote of confidence and a gauge of an institution’s stability. It is a sign that parents invest in their children’s welfare and support the school’s mission, even outside of tuition. This percentage can also have an impact on gifts from outside sources; most foundations consider parent participation rates before agreeing to donate funds to PTS.

• What is a gift-in-kind?

  Gifts in kind are donations of needed goods and services rather than money. These could be vehicles, computers, musical instruments, carpentry, printing services, or framed art. However, PTS must avoid accepting items that we are unable to make good use of, or that would cost too much to maintain or store. Also, because of the complicated rules and regulations about valuation and tax credits, you must be sure to consult with a tax expert before giving more expensive gifts-in-kind.

• What is the difference between restricted vs. unrestricted giving?

  Restricted gifts can be spent only for a specific purpose that you designate, such as financial aid or a particular academic program. Unrestricted gifts can be spent where the school believes the need is greatest. Unrestricted giving provides the Board and the Head of School the greatest flexibility. Unrestricted giving represents the highest form of philanthropy. It helps the school most because it gives the freedom to place money, in the trusteeship of the Board, which will serve the best purpose.

• What is a matching gift?

  As an employee benefit, more than 550 American corporations match their staff’s philanthropy. Matching gifts allow you to double or triple your gift to a school. The Development office holds the list of these companies, if interested. After confirming that your employer is indeed a matching gift corporation, obtain a matching gift form from the human resources department, fill it out, and send it to the school with your gift. The development office then submits the form to the company’s matching gift department, which sends the check directly to the school.

• How does PTS decide to allocate endowment income?

  Endowments are crucial elements in our school's financial plan for serving present and future generations of students and supporting faculty needs and goals. Palmer Trinity School, like comparable institutions, balances the need to pay for today’s programs with the need for appreciation in the fund’s principal value, which protects and enhances the fund’s future purchasing power. The school expects interest income from endowments to pay for direct and associated costs connected with endowed activities.

• How can I give to the endowment?

  • Write a check to the endowment.
  • Make a bequest in your will or living trust.
  • Assign title to real estate to the endowment.
  • Name the endowment as a beneficiary of your life insurance.
  • Establish a charitable remainder trust or other plan with lifetime income.

  The tax laws make philanthropy an attractive option. In some cases, for example, a gift to PTS now can increase current income. Charitable bequests at the time of death can reduce estate taxes. Attorneys and financial professionals can help you sort out these issues.

• Why contribute to the endowment fund?

  Giving to PTS is a joyful, grateful response to the gift of education provided to you or a loved one by the School. Your gift also helps preserve the mission and vision of Palmer Trinity School and its enviable position in the greater Miami community. Additionally, the endowment provides donors with an effective way of directing their assets to the school for the benefit of future generations.

• Why is fundraising so important at PTS?

  Your unflagging generosity reminds us that fundraising is at heart a joyful process that appeals to our highest instincts and enables us to be our best selves. When a volunteer, staff member, or student speaks on behalf of our school, he or she sows a seed of goodwill that ultimately yields more than gifts to the school; it grows and renews community. Contributions big and small – made by everyone who made a call, donated a gift, attended a meeting, voiced an idea, or wrote a thank-you note – all leads to our continued success.