Support
Frequently Asked Questions
The Most Commonly Asked Questions
About Giving to The Parish School
How does The Parish School raise money?
The Parish School’s primary fundraising activities are The Parish Fund annual campaign, the Giving Voice to Children Luncheon, the annual Gala and auction and initiatives carried out through parent organizations such as the PTO.
What is The Parish Fund?
Since our inception in 1983, The Parish School has been a beacon of hope for children aged 2-12 facing communication delays and learning differences. At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to empower every child and every family, nurturing them through personalized education, innovative therapy, and immersion in nature.
Our innovative curriculum and therapy programs are individualized to address each child’s unique needs, fostering growth and development in communication, social skills, independence and the arts. This education is not just interventions; it is a pathway to unlocking each child’s full potential, propelling them into the next stages of their lives with confidence and capability.
Our program is unique in Houston with master level speech-language pathologists leading classrooms in the Early Childhood program and providing up to 7 hours a week of group language therapy in the Elementary program.
The Parish Fund is our annual fund program that directly supports the mission of The Parish School and supports our students and faculty in the current academic year through the school’s operating budget. Through a gift to The Parish Fund, you’re transforming lives!
Who gives to The Parish Fund – just parents?
The Parish Fund is supported by a variety of constituencies, including alumni, grandparents, alumni parents, board members, foundations, friends and staff as well as current parents. We are particularly proud of the fact that 100% of The Parish School staff demonstrates their commitment to the school by supporting The Parish Fund each year.
When and how will I be asked to make a contribution?
Every Parish family and former donors will receive a letter in the mail in the fall that will describe the needs of The Parish Fund and will include a general information brochure. You will also receive follow up emails and/or texts from the Advancement Office throughout the year.
How soon will I be expected to pay my pledge?
You may “pledge now, pay later.” In order to count your pledge, the school must have written (electronic or hard copy) confirmation of the amount you plan to give. Pledges can be made online or by emailing advancement@parishschool.org. You may pay your pledge at any time prior to July 31, which marks the end of the school’s fiscal year. Only those contributions paid by July 31st will be recognized in our annual donor’s report. Payment may be made in installments. Some families find that when they budget in a monthly gift to be sent to the school, by the end of the year, their cumulative giving is usually larger than if they sent in a one-time contribution. Reminder notices will be sent according to the donor’s instructions.
Do I have to pay cash or a check?
No! You may pay your pledge through MasterCard, VISA and American Express (and receive miles. points, etc. too!!) The Parish School also encourages gifts of securities and can accept electronic transfers; please contact us for more information if you would like to give this way.
I have a special interest in a particular program within the school. Can I direct my contribution to that program?
Yes, you may designate your gift to one of the categories on your pledge card – Where the Need is Greatest, Financial Assistance, Early Childhood, Elementary, Facilities and the Faculty Fund. The Parish Fund supports our students and faculty in the current academic year through the school’s operating budget. Contributions exceeding a designation’s budgeted need will be directed to the area of greatest need.
Can I dedicate my donation to someone?
Yes. If you would like to make a donation in honor or memory of someone, please let us know by adding a comment in the “Additional Notes” box online or by writing it on the memo line of your check. If a gift is made in honor of someone, we are happy to inform the honoree and/or their family of the tribute.
Can I set up a recurring gift?
Yes. You can set up a recurring monthly gift online.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes. The Parish School is a 501(c)(3) institution. Gifts to The Parish School are tax deductible as allowable by law.
Will I receive a receipt?
Yes. A receipt will be mailed for every gift. If you ever need a copy of your receipt, email us at advancement@parishschool.org.
Can my company match my gift?
Some companies have a policy of matching the contributions of their employees to educational institutions. For example, if you or your spouse work for a company with a matching gift program and you contribute $250 to The Parish Fund, your company will “match” your contribution by donating an additional $250 to $500 to the campaign. Taking advantage of such a program could double or even triple the impact of your gift. You would be recognized for the total amount contributed, your gift plus the match. (Matching gift program guidelines vary from company to company. Please check with your company’s human resources department for details.)
What is #givingTuesday?
#givingTuesday is the global day of philanthropy held on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The school encourages gifts on this day as employers historically increase their matching gifts for this one day.
What is a QCD?
A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from an individual retirement account (IRA) is a well-established and popular way to give. If you are 70½ or older, this option allows you to make a charitable gift and satisfy your annual required minimum distribution (if one is due) without paying taxes. Contact us for more information.
Can I make a donation using my Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?
Yes, charitable donations to The Parish School can be made through a DAF to the extent that no tangible goods, services or anything more than incidental private benefits are received by the donor in return. Any Fair Market Value of goods or services (event tickets, event sponsorships) must be paid separately by the donor. For example: If the donation is for an event or gala, the DAF does not pay for tickets or any goods purchased at auction.
Are there any special recognition programs which are a part of The Parish Fund?
Recognizing that each family’s circumstances and resources are different, The Parish School offers donor recognition at the following levels:
Giant Redwood ($50,000+)* Cypress ($1,983-$2,499)*
Mighty Oak ($25,000-$49,999)* Sapling ($1,000-$1,982)
Evergreen ($10,000-$24,999)* Acorn ($500-$999)
Black Walnut ($5,000-$9,999)* Sprout ($1-$499)
Sycamore ($2,500-$4,999)*
*The 1983 Society has been created to honor the founding of our school by Robbin Parish. Society membership is comprised of The Parish School’s most generous donors who are willing to make a significant personal investment to support the school’s mission to transform lives! The 1983 Society recognizes cumulative giving from individual and families who donate $1,983 or more annually to The Parish School through all fundraising endeavors. Society members will be celebrated once a year at an exclusive event for donors and will receive special recognition on our annual report.
I can’t give as much as I like to – should I wait until next year’s fund drive to make a gift?
No! Every gift of every size is important to The Parish School and its students. During the last school year, we received 231 Parish Fund gifts ranging from $2 to $50,000. Participation is the most important way you can show your support for the school and your belief in the importance of our mission. Whether or not you participate in special events or other revenue generating projects, we ask you to first plan on making a meaningful gift to The Parish Fund. “Meaningful” is defined as commensurate with your family’s financial ability. The only gift that’s too small is no gift at all!
In addition, grant making foundations and other major gift donors often look at a school’s parent participation – regardless of gift size – upon deciding whether or not to support a school like ours with grant money. Your participation matters because it can generate additional gifts.
Why does the school also host fundraising events like Luncheon and Gala in addition to the annual fund campaign?
The school hosts two fundraising events each year – Giving Voice to Children Luncheon in October and our annual Gala and auction in February. The money raised from these events fund specific items like financial assistance and professional development for staff. Our events aim to include local corporate supporters, industry professionals and family and friends of our families who might not otherwise be involved with Parish. Both events offer enticing sponsorship opportunities and are fun time for our community to come together. For more information, please contact us at advancement@parishschool.org.
I want to add The Parish School to my will. What language should I use in my will or trust?
The official bequest language for The Parish School is: “I, [name], of [city, state, ZIP], give, devise and bequeath to The Parish School (EIN 76-0049432) of 11001 Hammerly Blvd, Houston, TX 77043 [written amount or percentage of the estate or description of property] for its unrestricted use and purpose.”
For more information on types of gifts that can be made through a bequest, contact us at advancement@parishschool.org.
Do foundations support Parish?
Yes. The Parish School is grateful to have strong support from several charitable foundations in Houston and around the country. If you are connected with a charitable foundation that is interested in supporting Parish, please contact us at advancement@parishschool.org.
What is Parish’s federal tax ID number?
The Parish School Tax ID / EIN #76-0049432
I have more questions. With whom can I talk?
We would love to hear from you. You can reach Director of Advancement Holly Wilbourn at hwilbourn@parishschool.org or by phone at 713-467-4696.