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| Q: |
What is the HKIS Annual Fund? |
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| A: |
The Annual Fund is the cornerstone of the school’s fundraising efforts. Contributions go toward the operating budget of each division and support the cost of faculty salaries, professional development, academic and co-curricular programs, and school infrastructure maintenance beyond what tuition alone could provide. Everyone in the HKIS community – parents, alumni, faculty and staff – are encouraged to contribute to the Annual Fund each year. In 2010-2011, the response was over HKD 10,000,000. |
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| Q: |
Why does HKIS have an Annual Fund?
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| A: |
HKIS is a non-profit school and is governed by an independent Board of Managers. Like many independent schools, HKIS sets its tuition at less than the full cost of educating its students. With funding from various sources including tuition, contributions to the Annual Fund and interest income from the endowment, HKIS is able to bridge this gap.
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| Q: |
Why not raise tuition to cover the cost of educating a student? |
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| A: |
Many HKIS parents pay their own tuition. Raising tuition to the full cost of educating a student would be prohibitive. Contributions to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible, both in the United States and Hong Kong. Without this charitable support, HKIS would not be able to sustain the breadth and quality of programs that currently exist. |
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| Q: |
If we have an Annual Fund, why does HKIS need to increase tuition?
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| A: |
Tuition increases are necessary to offset the impact of inflation. The Annual Fund ensures that tuition increases, when necessary, are as minimal as possible. Past increases have been reflective of fluctuations in the Hong Kong economy and have been lower than those announced by peer schools. |
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| Q: |
Who gives to the Annual Fund? |
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Everyone in the HKIS community – parents, alumni, faculty and staff – is encouraged to contribute to the Annual Fund each year. Further support is provided by corporations, trustees and friends.
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| Q: |
If we have an Annual Fund, why does HKIS need to increase tuition?
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| A: |
Tuition increases are necessary to offset the impact of general inflation. The Annual Fund helps keep tuition increases as low as possible. Past increases have been consistent with the overall growth of the Hong Kong economy and lower than increases announced by peer schools.
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| Q: |
How and when can I contribute?
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HKIS gratefully welcomes your gift any time during the school year. Donations can be made by check or credit card or wire, in either HK dollars or US dollars. Everyone is encouraged to contribute, no matter the size of the gift. High levels of participation in the Annual Fund demonstrate commitment and support of the school’s Mission and Student Learning Results. Further, broad participation is a key factor when securing grants from corporations and foundations.
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| Q: |
How much should I donate?
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| A: |
Our goal is 100 percent participation. Donations to the Annual Fund range from HKD 5 to more than HKD 500,000. Gifts of any amount are gratefully accepted. High levels of participation in the Annual Fund demonstrate commitment and support of the school’s Mission and Student Learning Results. Further, broad participation is a key factor when securing grants from corporations and foundations.
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| Q: |
Can I get tax benefits for my donation?
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| A: |
Yes. Gifts made to the HKIS Annual Fund are tax-deductible in both the United States and Hong Kong. For US tax deduction, please make your check payable to “Friends of Hong Kong Charities Inc.” and ensure that nothing is written on the lower left hand corner of the check. You must be a US citizen or resident and your check should be for HK$800 (approximately US$100) or more. Checks may be denominated in either US dollars or HK dollars. Each quarter, the Friends of Hong Kong Charities, Inc. issues receipts that support tax deductions in both the United States and Hong Kong. For Hong Kong Tax Deduction, please make your check payable to “Hong Kong International School” or “HKIS.” Only HK Dollar checks are accepted and tax receipts will be issued exclusively for Hong Kong tax deduction.
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| Q: |
Where should I send in my gift?
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Please send your gift to:
HKIS Advancement
Hong Kong International School
1 Red Hill Road
Tai Tam, Hong Kong.
Alternatively, you may make an on-line donation at www.hkis.edu.hk/giving.
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| Q: |
How is my gift recognized? Can my gift be designated “Anonymous”?
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| A: |
Each year the school publishes a Report of Giving, which acknowledges all our Annual Fund donors. Your name will be listed in the appropriate gift level category (your specific dollar amount will not be listed). Yes, your gift may be designated \"Anonymous\" if you desire.
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| Q: |
Does HKIS accept matching gifts?
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| A: |
Yes, matching gifts are gratefully accepted. Corporate support makes a significant contribution as it can double or triple the size of your gift. Please contact your employer’s human resources department to obtain the appropriate forms to make a matching gift. The Advancement Office is pleased to assist with this process.
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| Q: |
Who can I contact for more information on the Annual Fund?
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| A: |
Please contact:
Karen Kalsi Chapman, Manager of Annual Giving in the Advancement Office on +852 3149 7814 or kchapman@hkis.edu.hk |
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