Q. What is MPA’s approach to philanthropy?

A. Instead of continuous year-round outreach, we have distinct phases of giving. For example, the Fall Campaign is all about deepening relationships and coming together to invest in our community. We also reach out to our community as the year ends, through a separate appeal in the new year, and then with the Spring Auction in the spring. Each one of these initiatives has a specific goal and theme, while building in some "quiet time" in between to focus on sharing our appreciation and thanks.

Here are some key milestones in 2024-25:

• Fall Campaign: Sunday, November 17, 2024 to Saturday, November 23, 2024
• Spring Auction: Friday, April 4, 2025
  

Q. Why does MPA ask donors to give during a particular timeframe?

A. We ask donors to help us kick off our first season of giving by considering a gift during the Fall Campaign. While we are eager to maximize giving during the campaign, we absolutely welcome gifts throughout the year and deeply appreciate every donation we receive, whenever it is given. You have the option to pledge during the Fall Campaign and contribute at a time that is convenient for you.

Q. Why do we need donations? Doesn’t tuition cover our costs?

A. As a nonprofit institution, we rely on charitable gifts to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of an MPA college-preparatory education. Tuition and other revenue covers approximately 81 percent of MPA's operating expenses. Charitable gifts, typically given annually, close the gap and provide the foundation for continued investments in our curriculum, facilities, and faculty. Charitable gifts to MPA support teachers' salaries, educational resources, financial assistance, and improving our facilities, helping create and sustain a consistently outstanding experience for every MPA student. These gifts make an MPA education affordable and accessible to more families.

Donors also benefit, because your gift is 100 percent tax-deductible and is often matched dollar-for-dollar by many employers. Be sure to check with your employer to learn more about its matching gift program. Click here to learn about the many ways you can help MPA annually.

Q. What’s our overall financial goal for the year?

A. During this school year, our goal is to raise $600,000 for MPA through the annual MPA Fund. Donations go toward teachers' salaries, educational resources, financial aid, and improving our facilities, helping create and sustain a consistently outstanding experience for every MPA student. Gifts make an MPA education affordable and accessible to more families.

Q. Why is it important to give in the fall? Why not wait until spring?

A. Financial gifts to MPA play a large part in balancing our overall budget and help us plan wisely for future expenditures, including new technology, teacher salaries and benefits, our facilities and other capital investments. By closing the gap between tuition income and our operating costs as early as possible, we can thoughtfully plan for the coming year and develop sound budgets based on our total income, including the charitable gifts made to MPA.

Q. How much are you expecting me to give? Is each family supposed to give a certain amount?

A. Giving at MPA is as diverse as our community—there's no one "right way" to make a gift. We understand that giving is highly personal, and we invite families to contribute at whatever level is appropriate for them. Every gift is valued, and your participation at any level is appreciated.

Your donation makes a profound difference in the life of our school and our students, both today and for generations to come. Please contact Ashley Goetzke, Director of Development and Community Engagement, at 651-748-5536 or agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org. She would be happy to discuss your giving goals and develop a personal giving plan, whether it's a one-time gift or recurring donations throughout the year.

We are humbled by your generosity and inspired by your commitment. Thank you for supporting MPA.