Excellence Fund FAQs

Why does the school ask for donations?

Tuition is budgeted wisely, but advancing the school beyond the status quo requires funds that go beyond what tuition alone can provide. In order to respond to innovative programs and ideas, technology (an ever-changing and growing need), the Excellence Fund allows us to maximize programs that are available to students - now.

ASP is a not-for-profit institution, and recognized under the French Association Loi 1901. As such, all gifts to the school are tax deductible by French law. ASP also maintains the ASP Foundation, a US-based 501(c) Foundation, allowing US taxpayers to make tax-deductible gifts.

How are gifts used?

Gifts are used to fund projects which fit the Excellence Fund criteria in the categories of innovative technology, extraordinary experiences and professional development for faculty within the current academic year. Feel free to review the “Gifts in Action” section of the brochure to see specific projects funded by donations from last year.

The Excellence Fund is purposefully not “spent down” every year to ensure only the most competitive, best ideas are funded. The remainder is rolled into next year’s fund to ensure we can approve early applications in the next school year.

How are funding decisions made?

Excellence Fund applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and applicants are guaranteed a decision within 5-6 weeks. The Excellence Fund Grant Committee reviews applications against a strict set of criteria. Once the project is approved, the grantee is required to submit receipts for purchases and report back on project progress.

Who sits on the Excellence Fund Grant Committee?

The Excellence Fund Grant Committee includes our Head of School, all of our Academic Directors, and faculty representatives from each School. A full list is as follows:

Michele Calon, Director of Administration
Mary Carley, Middle School Faculty
Margaret Coleman, Lower School Director
Aaron Hubbard, Upper School Director & Assistant Head of School
Harold Judis, Upper School Faculty
Larry Love, Director of Technology
Kathy Miner, Middle School Director
Meg Seaver, Lower School Faculty
Mark Ulfers, Head of School

Why is my participation important?

Every gift – at every level – counts. Sharing a high rate of participation among our parents is encouraging to everyone inside and outside the ASP community. It shows faculty that parents support their work and it inspires other parents and alumni to join a successful initiative. When approaching corporations and foundations for support, it’s also helpful to show strong backing among our current families.

Can I support the Excellence Fund by attending ASP’s Belle Époque Gala?

Yes, you can! Attending the Gala in April is a great way to support the Excellence Fund. But, teachers and students need our support throughout the year. Early gifts received before winter break help to fill the fund for the 2012-13 school year as quickly as possible, and ensure that ASP students do not miss any opportunities that arise prior to the Gala.

I’m only here for 2 years – why should I give?

We know the average length of a student’s ASP experience is three years. Some stay longer, and some less. Giving to the Excellence Fund is about getting good ideas in front of our students immediately – something worth investing in for any amount of time you are with ASP.

Does ASP accept matching gifts?

Yes. ASP is grateful to the many corporations that support the School through generous matching gift programs. This kind of corporate support can double or triple the size of your gift. If you indicate your employer has a matching gift program, our Advancement Office will work with you and the HR office to determine if your gift qualifies.