The Annual Fund is the fundraising campaign that lets Peter’s Place provide an affordable, high-quality education to a diverse population of families. It bridges the gap between tuition income and operational budget for our independent, community-supported preschool.

We seek 100 percent family participation to help cover our school’s education costs. Each and every gift, in any amount, makes a difference and is truly appreciated. If you are a parent, alumni or friend of Peter’s Place, we hope you will consider supporting our community.

What is the Annual Fund?                                                                                      

As an independent school, our community is solely responsible for the financial well-being of the school. Like most independent schools, tuition alone does not cover all of our expenses.  Money raised for the Annual Fund bridges the gap between our income from tuition and the total of our yearly operating expenses.

What is the money raised for the Annual Fund used for?

You may be surprised to learn that tuition only covers about three quarters of our operating budget.  Monies received for the Annual Fund cover a significant portion of the operating expenses of the school which tuition itself does not cover; for example, these include teacher and staff salaries, financial assistance for students, classroom supplies, insurance and maintenance.

What does the “gap” mean?

The amount of the operating budget not covered by tuition is referred to as the “gap”

Why should I contribute to the Annual Fund?

Independent schools rely upon fundraising to supplement the gap. Many schools have several yearly fundraising events which require the assistance of parents. At Peter’s Place, we have only one yearly fundraiser.  Through our Annual Giving Letter, we appeal to current parents, alumnae, friends of Peter’s Place and foundations to contribute to our Annual Fund. Without the Annual Fund, it would be necessary to create events requiring on-going parent participation. We understand this kind of time commitment will not be feasible for many of our parents.

Why doesn't the school raise the tuition or cut expenses in order to cover its costs?

The cost of living in the Bay Area is high.  We set our tuition lower than our expenses because we strive to make the school affordable to a wider range of families. 

We also want to continue to be able to attract highly qualified teachers, improve our facility and maintain the financial stability of our school. Cutting expenses would negatively affect the unique educational experience our community expects.

How much should I give?

The year’s Annual Giving Letter offers families a suggested amount based on the current gap total; however, it is up to each family to decide the amount that is best for them. By giving what you can, you are making a commitment to the mission of Peter’s Place and joining in solidarity with our entire school community.

Can grandparents or others donate to the Annual Fund?

We also encourage the participation of family members and the community at large to support the Annual Fund. There may be particular tax advantages for such donations.

Why is 100% participation so important?

Peter’s Place is a small community with fewer supporters than larger schools or charities, so every gift makes a difference.  Additionally, a high participation rate helps the school secure funding from alumnae, foundations, corporations and other individual donors.

What are matching gift programs?  Can I use employer matching funds?

Many corporations will match gifts by their employees to nonprofit organizations. 

We encourage you to see if this is available to you.

How can I make a donation?

There are several ways to contribute.  Please make your fully tax-deductible donation via the envelope enclosed with your Annual Giving Letter or at https://www.petersplace.org/donate.  You may contact our Business Manager, Christina Antipa, at admin@petersplace.org for payment details or information on payment options, including monthly installments, employer matching programs and stock in-kind donations. 

Who can I contact with additional questions?

Christina Antipa, at admin@petersplace.org, will be glad to assist you with any questions you may have about donations to the school.