Support MCDS

The Annual Fund is the most important fundraising effort at MCDS each year. Tuition alone does not cover the actual cost of providing an MCDS education; the school relies on voluntary, tax-deductible contributions to make up the 6.5% annual operating budget gap.  This year, our gap per student is $3,700. 

The Annual Fund is a philanthropic opportunity to make an impact today that directly supports the people and programs that make MCDS a unique and unparalleled educational experience. Consistent with the independent school financial model, the Annual Fund is a collective gift from the community to fill an intentional 6.5% gap in the annual operating budget. Dollars donated are immediately put to work in the areas that matter most: attracting and retaining our exceptional teachers; providing dynamic and rigorous academic programs; purposefully integrating music, arts, athletics, and outdoor education into the curriculum; and supporting a diverse and inclusive community. 

Consistent with all independent schools, our tuition is intentionally set below the full cost of education. We do this to provide for greater affordability, engaging a wider-ranging student community, as well as allowing families to pay for a portion of educational expenses through a tax-deductible donation.

For these reasons, the Annual Fund is the most important yearly fundraising effort at MCDS. We aim for 100% participation from the board of trustees, current families, and faculty and staff.

 Gifts of all sizes matter and are appreciated, they make a difference to our students and the community.

Annual Fund pledges are payable by May 15. Current families are asked to make a specific pledge or gift before the 100th day of school (February 14).

If you are interested in learning about how you can get involved with Philanthropy at MCDS, or for information about the Annual Fund, please contact the Development Office at (415) 945-5937.

 

 

Make A Gift

Major fundraising events or "Make IT Happen" events support indexed tuition and include Community Dinner Dance, online auction and student Walkathon.

In addition, each year the Family Association in partnership with the Development Team runs a week long Book Fair to support our school library.

Students may also plan small fundraisers on campus to support local and global causes connect to their community engagement classes and curriculum.  

To learn more about events, click here.

Volunteering enriches our program and strengthens connections in the school community. MCDS offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and expects that all parents and guardians will pitch in as they are able. We are also very grateful for the alumni, alumni parents and grandparents who donate their time to MCDS.

Periodic capital and endowment campaigns provide additional funds for campus improvements, curricular initiatives and the school’s endowment. We invite all members of the extended MCDS community to participate in major campaigns.

To make an installment on a multi-year pledge to the Step Together campaign, please do so here.

A gift to the endowment is an investment in Marin Country Day School's future.  Endowment funds are invested in perpetuity and provide resources use to meet current operating budget priorities.  

See named/restricted endowment descriptions below.

To make a gift to the Marin Country Day School Endowment, please contact Ellen McGlynn, Assistant Head for Community Relations and Director of Development by phone at 415-927-5937 or by email emcglynn@mcds.org.

The Board of Trustees, through its Investment Subcommittee of the Finance Committee, exercises its fiduciary responsibility by selecting and evaluating the performance of investment advisors and by setting spending policy. The Marin Country Day School endowments are managed by the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees. Endowment income equivalent to no more than 5% of a rolling five-year average was directed to the operating budget.