List of 10 frequently asked questions.

• What is the Country Day Fund?

  LJCDS’ greatest needs campaign is called the Country Day Fund (CDF) and primarily occurs in the fall. Gifts to CDF benefit the school's greatest needs, allowing leadership the opportunity to direct funds when and where they are needed most.

• Why is my participation important?

  Every gift makes a difference. Tuition alone does not cover the cost of educating an LJCDS student. In fact, the delta between tuition and the cost is approximately $3,860 per student per year. 8% of the operating budget is funded through philanthropy.
  
  By making a CDF gift, you are demonstrating confidence in the school and inspiring others to join you. In addition, you are modeling philanthropy for our students, teaching them the importance of giving back to the people and places that have made a difference in their lives.

• What is the impact of my CDF gift?

  CDF dollars are greatest need dollars. As such, they are budget-relieving and therefore critical to executing LJCDS’ expert blend of traditional and progressive curriculum and instruction in the most timely and relevant way. This attribute of LJCDS’ financial model is shared by all independent schools. 
  
  In the truest sense of the word, greatest need gifts empower school leadership to be flexible in their decision-making. What these dollars fund can change from year to year. What does not change, however, is the process by which they are allocated. They flow into the school’s budgeting process to uplift all programs, benefiting every student from age three through Grade 12. 

• In lieu of giving, why not increase tuition?

  An LJCDS education requires both tuition and philanthropy. Together, they make our shared vision of preparing students to thrive in the world, while inspiring them to make the world a better place. Tuition only covers a portion of the total cost to educate an LJCDS student.
  
  Increases in tuition might make an LJCDS education inaccessible for many families and limit the diversity of the student body. Greatest need gifts allow the school to keep tuition increases to a minimum, while expanding the depth and breadth of programs and opportunities. 

• Is my gift tax-deductible?
  

  Yes, philanthropic contributions are tax-deductible. LJCDS is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with federal tax ID number 95-1875978. Please consult with your tax-advisor for more information.

• How is a gift to CDF different from a restricted gift (arts, athletics, Blue Bash)?

  LJCDS asks all families to consider two contributions each year—the Country Day Fund and Blue Bash. Gifts to CDF are unrestricted and provide leadership with the opportunity to support the initiatives that make LJCDS exceptional. We ask that families consider their annual gift to CDF before making other restricted contributions.
  
  Gifts with a restricted purpose may include donations to tuition assistance, Blue Bash, a specific athletic team or any other programmatic area.

• What is the average gift amount?

  In 2022-2023 the average parent/guardian contribution was $4,774 however, gifts range from $25 to more than $75,000.
  
  LJCDS asks all parents and grandparents of current students and alumni, as well as alumni to make a gift that is meaningful. 

• What is a meaningful gift?

  A "meaningful” philanthropic gift is intended to resonate as a level of giving that fits your circumstances and reflects a desire to make the world better by meeting a need, creating opportunity for growth and believing in education as a lifelong game-changer.
  
  A CDF gift is a philanthropic investment that does all of this, helping to position our students for personal and professional success and charitable works that will pay our world dividends for decades to come.

• Can I contribute anonymously?

  Yes! When making your contribution, please let us know that you would like your gift to be anonymous. You may also contact us at any time by emailing officeofphilanthropy@ljcds.org. Gifts are recognized by total giving in the annual report on giving.

• If I receive tuition assistance would I still contribute?

  We ask that all LJCDS families support the school's greatest needs with a meaningful gift. Your participation will further enhance our ability to secure valuable grants and attract larger donors who value a strong culture of giving.