Annual Fund

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The dream of starting a Christian school has always been on the hearts of the founders of LIVING WORD BAPTIST CHURCH. Recently, members put this dream into action, and the school became a reality.  LIVING WORD ACADEMY was founded in 2012 as a ministry of the church.  The supporters of this school are dedicated to providing a Christ-centered education and helping students develop a Christian worldview.  This year, Living Word Academy has instituted the Annual Fund where we make an appeal to all parents, other family members, church members, and friends of the school to support this vision.  With your partnership, a gift to the Annual Fund provides for the operating budget for the fiscal year. Your giving also enhances the school’s resources and affords opportunities in the areas of academics, athletics, and the arts for Living Word Academy students that they would not have otherwise.

Why is our Annual Fund campaign necessary? For the past years, Living Word Academy has operated solely on registration and tuition fees and through the loving generosity of Living Word Baptist Church.  This income primarily serves to fund teacher salaries, curriculum materials, and administrative costs.  However, the full cost of providing an LWA education exceeds the tuition that we bring in, and we depend on generous contributions of others to help bridge that gap.

Using "traditional" fundraising in which children sell items such as fruit, candy bars, or popcorn, schools receive only a small portion of the sales income. Instead of sending our children door to door, we believe that they should be about the business of learning. With the Annual Fund, we are ensuring that 100% of your contribution goes directly to the school.   

The Annual Fund drive begins each August and runs through the end of the school year.  While gifts are voluntary, we hope that everyone will take his/ her part in advancing the school's mission by giving to the Annual Fund.  Parent participation expresses a commitment to the quality educational experience of our students. Whether you are able to give $5 or $5,000, pledges at all levels will be received with gratefulness and will help us reach our goal.  We hope you will join us in our mission and will prayerfully consider supporting Living Word Academy in this endeavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Annual Fund

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Since enrollment is tuition-based, why is it also necessary to raise funds?

To broaden enrollment accessibility, Living Word Academy tuition does not cover the cost of educating each student. The school relies on the Annual Fund to bridge the gap between tuition income and operating expenses. Although our host church, Living Word Baptist Church, considers LWA a ministry and supports this ministry faithfully, we must encourage parents to partner with the church and to absorb some of the costs such as utilities, supplies, maintenance, bookkeeping, etc. These are "normal" costs to have a school in any setting.

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Why is independent education so expensive?

The qualities we value most about a Living Word Academy education - a Christ-centered, dedicated, well-trained faculty; high academic standards; individual attention; low student/teacher ratio; accessible facilities - are costly.

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Why not just raise tuition?

While we will have to raise tuition at times and using increments, our goal is to keep tuition affordable. Simply raising tuition to cover all our expenses would prohibit some parents from affording an LWA education for their children. Additionally, it would take away the opportunity to bless the school above and beyond what increased tuition would provide.

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Why not do more fundraisers?

Traditional fundraisers result in much smaller percentages that Living Word Academy actually receives. However, with the Annual Fund, the school receives 100% of any gift. The middleman is eliminated when you give to the Annual Fund. PTO and other groups within the school may host events to raise funds for a targeted purpose, but no fundraisers are hosted that benefit the general school program.

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Can I give to a specific program?

Gifts to the Annual Fund are generally unrestricted so they can be used wherever the need is greatest. Annual Fund dollars are at work throughout the campus, benefiting every student.

  

How much am I required to give?

Giving to the Annual Fund is a gift; it is not mandatory. The Lord instructs us to be cheerful givers and to not give under compulsion.  In order for the school to operate completely successfully, 100% participation from our families is the goal. Living Word Academy respectfully requests that you prayerfully consider how God would have you give.

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What is the typical gift to the Annual Fund?

As with any giving opportunity, the gift varies with the givers. Every gift of every size is a blessing.

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What is a matching gift?

Matching gifts are often available from employers' matching gift programs. Please take the time to ask your Human Resources Office if your employer offers this opportunity.

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What about gifts of goods or services beyond a cash donation?

There are always a variety of items on our wish list needed to continue maintaining and improving our campus, facilities, and resources. Living Word Academy graciously accepts a variety of gifts and would love to talk with you. Simply contact one of our administrators to discuss your ideas for additional support.

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If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at livingwordlwa2012@gmail.com, or call at 770.725.2837.