WHy Friends of Alaya?
Alaya’s child-centered, holistic educational approach is something every parent and child loves. The classrooms are full of compassionate and dedicated staff and a hold a rich history of service to the children and community.
As a private institution Alaya is also responsible for grounds upkeep, building maintenance, supplies and more. These things, and most importantly the teachers, are part of what makes our school a home away from home for our children.
To meet these costs, to pay our teachers a competitive and livable wage, while also offering scholarships to those who need them, we must provide funds beyond those provided by tuition. That’s where Friends of Alaya comes in!
WHO Are We?… Well, it’s us and YOU!
Our schools’ fundraising organization, Friends of Alaya, is a group of parents, teachers, and administrators who have come together to create systems to support the school’s financial needs, beyond tuition.
In years past there have been many individual families who have stepped in to help with this need, but as kids graduate the energy dissipates. Friends of Alaya is the solution to this dissipation of energy. Each year a representative from each classroom will sit on the Friends of Alaya council in order that the projects, fundraising goals and events for which Friends of Alaya is responsible will continue.
Friends of Alaya works in tandem with the administration and teachers of the school in order to ensure that all fundraising goals intersect with the school's highest interest.
Our aim is to raise approximately $50,000 each year to provide the following to the school:
50% of funds raised will go towards supplementing teacher compensation until the point at which Alaya’s Endowment reaches maturity and can supplement instead.*
20% goes directly to maintaining and uplifting the building and grounds.
10% goes towards increasing the available scholarship funds.
20% of funds raised go directly to Alaya’s Endowment.
*In 2017, Alaya Preschool began an endowment to supplement teacher compensation. As this endowment fund is filled it will provide a payout every year to the school for the above-mentioned fundraising goals.
Fundraising Events and Campaigns (Mark your calendars!)
Friends of Alaya’s aims is streamlining fundraising efforts to make giving simple and clear. We have four fundraising touch points throughout the year, each with a slightly different focus, and we need you, in some form, for all of them:
The Ratna Rumpus: Fall Fundraising Event—Annually in the fall. The whole Alaya community gathers for music, crafts, games, and fun! This joy-filled fall celebration is a time to interact as a whole school, teachers, parents, students, and staff.
(Also a great opportunity for current families to fulfill some of those service hours!)
End of Year Giving Campaign—Annually in December
Like so many non-profits Alaya offers tax credits to all of our donors, with the added bonus that any money given to Alaya also qualifies for the Child Care Tax Credit in Colorado **(see below for more info). We encourage alumni, grandparents, and extended community to get involved with a donation at this time of year.
(A chance to ask friends and family for a non “thing” holiday gift for your little one).
Spring School Showcase and Fundraiser—Annually in April
In the spring we gather again as a whole community to celebrate and show off our school! Invite your friends and family to come and check out your school, wear your Alaya T-shirt and show some school spirit. This event (weather permitting) happens outdoors on the Alaya preschool Grounds, with opportunities for participants to tour the classrooms, play on the playgrounds, and meet the teachers.
(Show off your school to your pals and get some service hours in as well).
Annual Suggested Donation from every family.
Friends of Alaya asks each family to please consider a $250 gift per academic year to support our fundraising goals. Give $250 or whatever amount you feel comfortable with.
The kids say, sign me up!
More about the childcare tax credit
All funds donated to Alaya preschool are subject to the Colorado Childcare Contribution Tax Credit. Your donation to Alaya Preschool or its endowment may entitle you to a 50% Colorado state income tax credit. That’s a 50% off sale on donations! Your generosity has never been more affordable!
Example Credit Computation
from Childcare Contribution Tax Credit Certification:
Donation Amount………………………………….....$250
State Tax Savings from Credit…………………….. ($125)
State Tax Deduction Savings. ....……………………($6)
Federal Tax Deduction Savings*.....…………..……..($44)
After Tax Cost of Giving ………………………..$75
For every $1, Your cost is …………………………$0.30
Donations to Alaya preschool are run through Naropa University. ALL donations received by Naropa go straight to Alaya Preschool. Scroll to the Alaya picture on the donation page and give easily and securely online.
