Annual Fund

Annual Fund is a catch all term for a yearly campaign that seeks donations to support the school’s core needs and enhance the educational experience for all students. Contributions to the Annual Fund go directly toward essential resources like teacher salaries, classroom supplies, student programs, campus maintenance, and financial aid. This ongoing support is critical for the school’s ability to offer a high-quality education, attract and retain talented faculty, and provide diverse learning opportunities. By donating to the Annual Fund, parents, alumni, and community members help bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the actual cost of running the school, ensuring its long-term vitality and growth.

Annual Fund Week is a week-long fundraising event within our fiscal year where we approach the current parent community and board members for donations. Rather than asking for a specific donation amount, our Annual Fund goal is for 100% participation. We ask this community first because this is the group that sets the tone for Annual Fund giving for the rest of our Hilltop community and beyond.  Shouting from the rooftops that we have the support of our current families sends a very strong message that we’re worthy of support! We then proceed through the year to contact grandparents, alum, alum parents, friends, and businesses.

Hilltop works hard to keep tuition as affordable as possible for as many families as possible. The tuition income that we receive from parents does not cover the cost of each student, even if you pay at the 100% Indexed Tuition level. As a matter of fact:

• There is about a $2,500 gap between the average 100% Indexed Tuition level and the actual cost of educating a student at Hilltop. 
• Further, with the reduced Indexed Tuition levels, there is an average gap of almost $6,000 between what it costs to educate each student and the average Family Contribution that the school receives for each student. 

These gaps are covered in part by state funding we receive thanks to our participation in various state programs.  And a critical piece is from families, alumni, alumni families, grandparents, alumni grandparents and businesses, who help us close that gap by giving tax-deductible contributions in accordance with their financial ability.

Your gift benefits every student and every classroom. The Annual Fund supports:

• Salaries and benefits for our exceptional and dedicated teachers
• Music, Fitness, and Art enrichment programs, performances and supplies
• Quality learning materials and our inspiring classroom environments
• Field trips and community learning opportunities
• Visiting artists, authors, poets, and musicians
•  Books
• Maintenance of our beautiful 43-acre campus
• Technology, software, and computing resources for students and staff

The Annual Fund dollars are a crucial component of the school’s operating budget.

The higher the current family participation in the Annual Fund, the more likely we are to appeal to major donors. 

Here is a lovely quote from a major donor, from a year we had 100% participation, including our current parent group:

“100% participation in an Annual Fund is absolutely unprecedented!  Congratulations!!  That really shows the commitment your parents have to their children’s wonderful school.” 

When every family and board member participates, it strengthens our collective commitment to the school. Participation also demonstrates to external donors, grant-making organizations, and the wider community that Hilltop has the full support of its families, which can encourage further funding and resources.

That’s okay.

You can always make a pledge during Annual Fund week and pay later. You have until June 30th to make a contribution to the Annual Fund.  Also, keep in mind setting up monthly installments is always an option that helps contribute while managing family budgets.

That part is up to you! Last year, gifts from current parents ranged from $20 to $5,000 with an average gift of $300. Many families who felt strapped but wanted to give a little bit more, opted to pay a smaller amount automatically each month. $10 a month for nine months is an amazing gift! We’re asking families to stretch this year. Could you afford to give, say 10, 20 or even 50% more than you did last year? If you gave $20 last year, could you give $25 this year? 

We publicly acknowledge all our donors in a list of names published in the monthly newsletter and the Annual Report, but we will not share the specific dollar amount of contributions. Your gift may be completely anonymous if you would prefer – just let us know.

Contact Cristina Piergentili, Development Director, or stop by her office to discuss.

• Phone: 802 257 0500 ext 3
• Email: [email protected]

Yes! Please contact:

• Tamara Mount, Head of School, [email protected]
• Cristina Piergentili, Director of Development [email protected] 

• You can make your gift online.
• You can donate using our Venmo account #HMS1972 and indicate that it is for the Annual Fund.
• You can mail in a check to: Hilltop Montessori School, 99 Stafford Farm Hill, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
• You can drop off a check at the front desk.
• You can set up a monthly payment plan, either online or with a pledge card, which is a great way to maximize your gift. For example, one payment of $500 might be out of the question for your family, while 10 payments of $50 may be possible.