1. Why does RHA ask for contributions in addition to tuition and fees?
2. Why doesn’t RHA charge enough to cover operating expenses?
3. What has the Above & Beyond Excellence Fund done for my child?
4. What if I can only donate a small amount?
5. May I direct my gift?
6. Who contributes to the annual campaign?
7. What if I support the Parents’ Association?
8. UJA already contributes to RHA. Why should I support both?
9. Can I make an anonymous gift?
10. Is my gift tax-deductible?
11. May I volunteer my time?
12. How can I get more information?

1. Why does RHA ask for contributions in addition to tuition and fees?

Tuition and fees do not cover the total cost of educating each student. Our development efforts are designed to solicit charitable gifts in order to bridge the gap between tuition income and the actual cost of operating the school, as is common with other independent schools.

Since its inception, the Annual Campaign has grown substantially in importance. Cumulative contributions total over $2,000,000 to the school’s operating budget. These funds have been vital to the growth and strength of our program and our equipment. Gifts to the Annual Campaign have a direct impact on the school’s ability to achieve its goals and reinforce the core values that characterize our unique learning environment.

2. Why doesn’t RHA charge enough to cover operating expenses?

At RHA, we are driven by the school’s mission, not solely by economics. We are committed to building a dynamic learning environment, staffed by dedicated and experienced teachers. We offer this at a cost subsidized by our fundraising efforts, so that students from many backgrounds are able to attend RHA. As a result, all families benefit from the diversity of our community.

3. What has the Above & Beyond Excellence Fund done for my child?

Through the generosity of our donors, our students benefit daily from curriculum enhancements and facility improvements. Previous fundraising has provided:

• Rebuilding of Science Labs ($300K)
• Introduction of Integrated Technology ($650K)
• Early Years Centre of Excellence ($75K)
• Differentiated Instruction ($450K)
• Enhancement of Student Playground Areas ($100K)

4. What if I can only donate a small amount?

All donations to RHA are important. If each family donated $180 we could easily raise over $100,000 annually. This could represent new athletic equipment or additional computer hardware or software. The goal of the Development Office is to have 100% participation from the entire RHA community (parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends). Please help us meet our annual goal of $400,000

5. May I direct my gift?

The school has identified a number of initiatives that are of a high priority for the Development Office over the next two years. These include:

Mathematics and Science Program
Technology Advancement
Student Support Services
Jewish Studies Enrichment
Early Years Centre of Excellence
Enhancements of the Arts in Education
Physical Education Development

6. Who contributes to the annual campaign?

RHA, like other Jewish Day Schools, is turning to their community for additional financial support. Tuition allows for a strongly developed curriculum but it does not cover the cost of educating our children to the level of excellence to which we strive. The Above & Beyond Excellence Fund provides for enhancements to our curriculum, facilities and additional resources. In order to maintain affordable tuition, we therefore look to the RHA community (parents, grandparents, alumni and friends) for additional support.

7. What if I support the Parents’ Association?

That’s fantastic! The Parents’ Association supports various fundraising initiatives such as:

• School Lunch Programs
• Special Events
• Library books and visual aids
• Staff Appreciation Day

8. UJA already contributes to RHA. Why should I support both?

UJA only provides financial support for subsidies through the Board of Jewish Education. These funds have been capped over the last number of years and must be distributed over the growing number of students in the day school system in Toronto.

9. Can I make an anonymous gift?

Yes. When you send in your contribution, be sure to let us know that you would prefer to remain anonymous and we will be happy to honor your request.

10. Is my gift tax-deductible?

All contributions are fully tax deductible.

11. May I volunteer my time?

Yes. Volunteers are crucial to our success. Please contact Trudy Rudolph at 416-224-8737 ext. 138 if you would like to volunteer or discuss creative ways in which you may become involved.

12. How can I get more information?

Please feel free to contact the Development Office if you wish to make a Gift or you have any questions about the Annual Campaign or any other ways of contributing to RHA.
Director of Development: Sheila Miller 416-224-8737 ext. 140