Giving

Whitefield Fund FAQs


Q: What is the Whitefield Fund?
A: The Whitefield Fund covers the gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating a student at Whitefield. Tuition covers about 90% of our expenses. The balance of our needed income comes from other sources, including our endowment and the Whitefield fund, which provides the largest source of that income.
Q: Why doesn’t tuition cover the full cost of educating each student?
A: To cover the actual cost of educating a student would require a significant tuition increase. Such an increase would violate one of Whitefield Academy’s core values; enrollment reflecting the racial, ethnic, and economic diversity within the body of Christ. Whitefield, like other private schools, generates its funding from a variety of sources. These include tuition, private grants, and fundraising from parents, alumni, and other community members. Tax-deductible donations to the Whitefield Fund directly offset the current year’s operating budget, thus reducing each student’s annual tuition cost and encouraging a diverse student body.
Q: Why don’t we do fundraisers instead of the Whitefield Fund?
A: Instead of asking students to become “salespersons” in their neighborhoods, Whitefield seeks voluntary gifts to our Whitefield Fund. Families support Whitefield because they believe in the mission of Whitefield as a diverse, Christ-centered, college preparatory school. The amount contributed through our Whitefield Fund is far greater than a school would ever raise selling products.
Q: How is the goal for the Whitefield Fund determined?
A: Based on enrollment and budget, the “gap” determines our Whitefield Fund goal after taking into account all of our sources of revenue. Enrollment and tuition revenue goals determine the potential operating costs for the new school year. Once school begins, actual enrollment and tuition revenue plus an estimate of other income establishes the expected revenues. This budget process sets our goal for the Whitefield fund to bridge the gap between expected revenues and budgeted operating costs.
Q: How much am I expected to give?
A: Every. Gift. Matters. Your contribution should be a prayerful decision from your family. We would like 100% participation from our parents as well as Faculty/Staff and Board of Trustees so any and all gifts are welcomed and encouraged.
Q: Will a small gift make a difference?
A: Yes! Whitefield needs your participation. While the dollar goal is very important to meeting the annual budget, high participation rates (at any level) help Whitefield receive foundation grants for capital campaigns. In the last capital campaign, $3.5 million came from Atlanta area foundations that cited Whitefield’s high participation among parents and grandparents as a factor in making the grant.
Q: How do I make my gift?
A: The Whitefield Fund offers donors a number of giving opportunities, including cash gifts, online giving, matching gifts, and stock transfers. Click here to give online via credit card. If giving by check, mail contributions to Whitefield Academy, Attn: Development, 1 Whitefield Drive, Smyrna, GA 30126.
Q: Can I designate my gift to a specific area at Whitefield?
A: We ask that Whitefield Fund gifts be undesignated. Faculty and coaches have already identified their needs and wants through the budget, therefore we are obligated to help fund those first. However, there are requests that are above and beyond what is budgeted. If you have a specific idea that you would like to explore, please contact Lauren Race at by email or at 678-305-3042.
Q: What is the matching gift program?
A: Many employers have matching gift programs which will match your gift with company funds. The Whitefield Fund qualifies for these matches as an educational institution. Check with your employer or click here to see if your company participates in this program.
Q: Will my gift be tax-deductible?
A: Yes. Whitefield is a 501(c) 3 not-for profit organization and all gifts are tax-deductible.
Q: What is Whitefield’s tax ID number?
A: Whitefield’s tax identification number is 58-1224983
Q: What is the difference between Whitefield Fund, capital campaign, and endowment?
A: Gifts to a capital campaign allow us to build facilities, add programs, and strengthen our endowment. Capital campaign gifts are restricted to the specific purpose of the associated campaign. Whitefield fund gifts by definition are unrestricted, and fund the intentional gap between actual costs and tuition for each school year. Whitefield recognizes the long-term benefits of an endowment. Whitefield’s current endowment is designated to benefit low-income families through tuition assistance and facility maintenance. All capital campaigns for new facilities include an endowed amount for perpetual facility maintenance.
Q: When should I give?
A: While the Whitefield Fund accepts gifts throughout the year, your early gift or pledge helps the school with its budgeting and cash flow. We ask families to indicate their commitment by December 31. Payment on Whitefield fund pledges is due by June 30.
Q: How is my Whitefield Fund gift used?
A: The chart below illustrates how your Whitefield fund gift is used. In many cases, like the Whitefield Parent’s Association and Student Activity Fund, the final decision regarding the specific use of those funds is decided by those budget owners.
Q: Does the Goal scholarship tax credit count as my Whitefield Fund gift?
A: No. The program provides a dollar-for-dollar tax credit to people or corporations who donate to scholarship funds earmarked for use by a specific private school. The Georgia Private School Tax Credit Program restricts the use of these funds. Whitefield must use the money to offer tuition aid to a public school student seeking enrollment. Whitefield Fund gifts, by definition, are unrestricted. Click here for more information about the Georgia Goal Scholarship Program.
Q: Why aren’t activity fees and booster club membership dues considered Whitefield Fund gifts?
A: Items such as activity fees and booster club dues do not meet IRS guidelines for 501(c)(3) tax deductibility due to the direct value received in return. Gifts to the Whitefield Fund are tax-deductible and they are used to minimize the fees and expenses associated with our students’ extra-curricular activities.