SIJCC Fundraising
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why does SIJCC fundraise?
Like all small nonprofits, SIJCC depends on donations to be financially solvent. Gifts to SIJCC help to support our operating expenses, which includes everything from salaries and benefits, to utilities or building maintenance, to updates to your favorite SIJCC programs.
But doesn’t my school tuition or event ticket pay for the program I’m participating in?
No, like all schools (even the Ivies), SIJCC’s educational programs (ECE and JLC) are not 100% funded by fee-for-service revenue. To keep all programs accessible to our community and competitively priced, SIJCC does not always charge the full price of a program to a participant. There is often then a “gap” between what tuition and fees cover and the true costs of running a program. Fundraising helps to close that gap to ensure that our programs, staff, students, teachers and community are all supported, that our campus is safe, and that our programs are priced in a way that keeps them accessible for as many people as possible.
Is the SIJCC staff paid a fair wage?
Since the founding of SIJCC, the teaching staff has been represented by AFSCME 36. This ensures that our teachers are fairly compensated for their hard work with an hourly wage that reflects their seniority and experience as well as medical, dental and retirement benefits. SIJCC is very proud to be an employer that values our staff, and this means that our ECE personnel costs are higher than is typical for a preschool. We believe that the advantages to having a unionized teaching staff outweigh the challenges (our staff retention rate and job satisfaction reports are both higher than average).
Does SIJCC get institutional fundraising support?
Yes! We have successfully attracted funding from The Jewish Federation, The Jewish Community Foundation, and The Glazer Foundation among others. SIJCC has also received state and federal grants to increase our security and safety on campus. Institutional fundraising is always ongoing.
Do you offer financial aid grants for the education programs?
We do! We want to invite anyone who is interested in enjoying the benefits of an SIJCC education to join us, but this also poses a challenge for our fiscal health. Inclusion of all kinds of families, children and adults is made possible by donations from people who have the ability to support the community.
I bought tickets to events (Cabaret, Days of Awesome, Festival of Lights, etc.), and I thought that completed my obligation to fundraising for SIJCC?
We are so happy to have you join us for all of our festivities, but the cost of the tickets does NOT include a donation to SIJCC. The ticket price is only covering the expenses related to that particular event. It’s no secret that food, drink and entertainment costs have only increased since the pandemic, so we price a ticket to cover one person’s expenses for an event - making sure the event itself is paid for. Donations to SIJCC are made via sponsorships and charitable gifts.
What else should I know?
SIJCC's beloved, funky building is aging (it’s over 70+ years old!), and the maintenance costs are only increasing. Campus improvements aren’t always the first thing a donor wishes to support, but they help to ensure that our community has a safe space to meet, learn, and grow together.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes! SIJCC is a non-profit organization as defined by the federal and state governments. Our tax ID number is 32-0003071. Please confer with your tax professional for more information.
Can I donate stock?
Yes! To make a gift to stock, simply email shannon.rubenstone@sijcc.net.
Can I help with SIJCC’s fundraising efforts?
Yes! We have a number of opportunities for community members to help with fundraising. Contact Shannon.rubenstone@sijcc.net to get involved.