Annual Giving FAQs

Q: When does the campaign start?

A:  Although Annual Giving gifts will be accepted anytime during the year, the 2024-2025 campaign year begins July 1, 2024 and ends June 30, 2025.

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Q: I thought AMPA raised money for the school.  How is this different from AMPA’s fundraisers?                 

A: AMPA does, in fact, raise funds for American Martyrs School. The difference between AMPA’s fundraisers and the Annual Giving Campaign is that AMPA’s fundraisers are community building activities in which the AMS community participates. These include the Mustang Main Event, Scrip, 5K, and dine-out fundraisers.


Q: I would like to donate to the AMS Scholarship Fund for tuition assistance. How do I donate?       
         

A: On the Annual Giving campaign website, please select “Scholarship Fund” and your donation will be directed to tuition assistance for families with a demonstrated need. Last year AMS provided approximately $285,000 financial support to about 62 students and 40 families. 

 

Q:  How much should I give?

A:  The Annual Giving Campaign helps bridge the gap between the tuition charged and the actual cost to educate a student at AMS. The gap last year was $903. We encourage each family to consider a gift of $900 per child. No matter how much you decide to give, each gift truly makes a difference to our monetary total; an investment in the faculty, staff and facilities at AMS is an investment in the future of our children. 

 

Q: Why doesn’t the school charge a tuition amount that covers the total needed to fulfill the annual budget rather than ask for gifts through an Annual Giving Campaign? 

A: If tuition were raised to the actual cost of educating each student, it would place too large of a burden on many families, thereby making it difficult for their children to attend AMS. The school is committed to serving our Parish families, and this necessitates containing tuition costs and making available financial aid to those who have demonstrated need. In addition, donations to AMS through the Annual Giving Campaign are 100% tax deductible, and many donations to the Annual Giving Campaign can be matched through employer Matching Gift Programs.

 

Q: Why is 100% participation so important?
A: School-wide participation in the Annual Giving Campaign is a testament to the community’s strong commitment to the mission of the school and to the goals of a Catholic education. Achieving 100% participation builds community, identifies solidarity, and often inspires significant additional gifts. All Annual Giving Campaign gifts make a collective impact which benefits each and every student.

 

Q: How do I make a gift to the Annual Giving Campaign?

A:    Here are options for making a donation:

  1. Click here to make a secure credit card donation through the AMS website.
  2. Send a check made out to “American Martyrs School” to

                        American Martyrs School

                        ℅ Advancement

                        1701 Laurel Avenue

                        Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

  1. Click here to use our matching gift lookup program or check with your employer to determine whether they are a Matching Gift participant. 
  2. Provide a gift of Stock or Securities.

For more details about matching gifts or giving a gift of stock or securities, please email the Advancement Department at [email protected] or call the school office at (310) 545-8559.

 

Q: Is my gift tax-deductible?

 A: Yes, unlike tuition payments, your gift to the Annual Giving Campaign is 100% tax deductible. A letter will arrive shortly after your donation is received acknowledging your gift and providing a receipt for tax purposes.  American Martyrs School is a 501©(3) non-profit organization - Tax ID#:  95-2276946