FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Engaging in our school’s Annual Fund brings our community together in pursuit of a shared objective: to leave a lasting impact on the GISW experience for current and future students. Contrary to popular belief, German companies do not automatically provide support to German schools. Robust participation rates in the GISW Annual Fund within our community serve as a testament to potential external donors, showcasing our dedication to the school's mission, our confidence in its integrity, and the institution's financial resilience over both the short and long term. The size of the gift is less important than a consistent high level of engagement in our school’s fundraising efforts.
Yes, gifts to GISW are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Donors have the unique opportunity to support one or more of our designated funding areas with their contribution(s) to the Annual Fund. Individuals can make multiple donations via our online credit card payment platform (allocating each separate gift to the fund of their choice) or they can submit a single donation via cash or credit card and designate the specific amount of their donation that they wish to allocate to the “Scholarship Fund” or the “STEM Fund,” etc.
Fundraising is vital in ensuring the school's long-term financial stability and supporting modernization and expansion projects that significantly impact the education of all students. Additionally, US tax laws incentivize donations to independent educational institutions like GISW. Contributions to GISW are tax-deductible, whereas tuition payments are not, making donations a beneficial way to support the school's mission and growth.
At GISW, our community transcends temporal and spatial boundaries. Every donation contributes to the school's future. The impact of your generosity extends beyond your time here; it enriches the educational experiences of current and future GISW students. Your contributions support new academic initiatives and the enhancement of our school's facilities, leaving a lasting imprint on multiple generations. Additionally, your donations help secure GISW's esteemed reputation nationally and internationally, benefiting our school’s alumni for years to come.
While supporting your child's class fundraising efforts is valuable, contributing to the Annual Fund at GISW serves a broader purpose of advancing school development. As a donor, you have the unique opportunity to allocate your monetary gift to one or more of our seven designated funds to support what matters most to you while ensuring a vibrant and enriching educational experience for all students. Your donation enables us to support existing academic & extracurricular programs, enhance campus facilities, develop innovative projects and partnerships, jumpstart new initiatives, as well as source critical resources. Your generosity contributes to the overall excellence and growth of GISW, ensuring a vibrant and enriching educational experience for all students.
Did you know that your donation to the school may be eligible for a corporate match from your employer? To create a positive company brand and increase employee engagement, many companies agree to match the financial contributions their employees make to a wide range of nonprofit organizations. Speak to your Human Resource department today about their matching gift program and eligibility requirements or contact giving@giswashington.org. We will help you to determine if your donation is eligible for a corporate matching gift that could double your contribution to the German International School Washington D.C.
A donation receipt will be automatically generated and emailed to you once your donation is received by the school and entered in our fundraising database. A year-end donation receipt for tax-filing purposes may also be requested for donors who make multiple contributions to GISW in any calendar year. Questions regarding donation receipts may be directed to giving@giswashington.org.