The Peak to Peak Annual Fund Drive has been a fundraising tradition for 20+ years...
Why do we have a funding gap? ▶
In 2001 Peak to Peak took on a debt to pay for the original set of buildings (original Elementary School and High School buildings, cafeteria, auditoria and east gym). The payment on this debt is approximately $1.4 million annually and will be for the next 11 years unless it’s able to be paid back earlier.
Does Peak to Peak receive the same funding as other local public schools? ▶
YES. Peak to Peak does receive the same state funding as other local public schools. It is a myth that we receive less funding because we are a charter school. It’s important that people understand that we have a funding deficit because of a significant approximate $1.4M expense we pay each year (funding gap).
So Peak to Peak maintains a high level of performance even with that deficit? ▶
YES! Another reason to support the financial stewardship of our administration and teachers who have always been able to keep Peak to Peak at a high level of performance without having full funding available.
How much money do we raise each year to help with the funding gap? ▶
Friends of Peak to Peak (501(c)3 set up to support the school) works with the parent/guardian and local community to raise a goal of $350,000-$400k (net) to transfer to Peak to Peak Charter School each June to support general operating costs.
Where do donations to the Annual Fund go? ▶
Funds raised through the Annual Campaign go to the General Operating Fund to help pay the 1.4M annual debt payment Peak to Peak owes for the original school buildings. By offsetting the debt payment, your donation allows the Fund to directly support many school needs including classroom materials, technology updates, athletics and activities, competitive teacher/staff salaries, facility maintenance, and more. Each donation received helps our school stay competitive with other local public schools who do not experience this annual debt
How much money is raised through the Peak Annual Fund Drive? ▶
Over the past 5 years, the Annual Fund drive has continued to grow raising between 200,000 - $215,000 each year with approximately 55% participation from Peak to Peak families. In 24/25 over $205,000 was raised (with over 55% participation).
Why is the Annual Fund Drive the most important fundraiser we do? ▶
The Annual Fund Campaign is an easy opportunity for every Peak to Peak family to support the school. Unlike special events, there are no expenses with the Annual Fund Campaign resulting in an opportunity for donations to have a direct impact on the school. Not everyone enjoys (or can attend) special events so the Annual Fund offers an easy way to be involved and show a K-12 commitment to our students and teachers. Also, direct giving campaigns provide stability for fundraising planning whereas special events can be inconsistent due to external factors.
How does “Colorado Gives Day” in December fit into all this? ▶
We are very pleased to participate in Colorado’s statewide giving day every December. This year it will be Tuesday, December 9th. Both the Peak to Peak Annual Fund and Scholarship Fund are donation options through www.cogives.org. Each year, Colorado Gives offers an incentive to participating charities in which donations are matched by a corporate incentive fund. We love when donors select our annual fund or scholarship fund on this day, however, we also know this is a day to support all Colorado charities so while we encourage giving on Colorado Gives Day, we know some families may prefer to give their donation to Peak to Peak earlier, and support other loved charities in December. Peak to Peak typically receives approximately $2,000 of the incentive fund, with on average 60 donations made to our school on that day
Is every family expected to give $1,000? ▶
No! We understand our families come from a wide variety of economic backgrounds. It’s our hope that each family reflects on their experience at Peak to Peak and makes a contribution that is significant and meaningful to them. We want families to feel great about their support of Peak to Peak and not feel over-pressured or overextended. We do have many families who do give $1,000 (or more) – some who make significant sacrifices to make that happen.
What is the average gift to the Peak Annual Fund? ▶
Approximately $500, although a handful of large donations help raise that number. Most families give in the $400 - $600 range. Historically approximately 60-70 families give in the $1,000-$2,000 range.
What are the options for supporting the Annual Fund? Can I write a check? ▶
Most families give directly through our giving site. Several families also donate stock which is a simple process facilitated through our finance department. Please (contact
p2p.friends@bvsd.org). for the steps to activate a stock donation. Check donations can be dropped off in the main office at any time, or mailed to: Peak to Peak Charter School. 800 Merlin Drive. Lafayette, CO 80026
My company has a Matching Program for nonprofit donations. Does Peak to Peak qualify? ▶
Yes! Over $30,000 each year comes in from corporate matches to Peak to Peak parent/guardian donations. We encourage families to talk with their employers about matching gift programs. Families can enter search their employer at check out to see if their company participates or contact >p2p.friends@bvsd.org for assistance.
Can we spread out our donation over several months? ▶
Yes! Many of our families set up a “ongoing donation” which means they select any amount and duration for their credit card to be charged. For example, setting up a $45 per month donation over the year (12 months) would result in $540 donation to the Annual Fund! This can be set up while checking out.
Does Peak to Peak publish donations publicly? ▶
No. We have never publicly published the donations from our community and donors can also remain “anonymous” in our database system. Donor names are recognized on our fundraising page but no donation amounts are listed.
What other events and activities support the funding gap? ▶
In a traditional year, The Peak Annual Fund, Peak Gala, Run for the Peak, % of sales programs (King Soopers/American Furniture Warehouse etc), non-earmarked corporate sponsors, smaller miscellaneous events, and any gift card/spirit wear sales support the general fund. These items collectively raise between $350,000 - 400k each year. It’s a Peak to Peak tradition to never ask our students to sell anything and we try to keep our fundraising asks to our parent/guardians to a minimum.
Can families “earmark” their Annual Fund donation? ▶
We will always honor and appreciate any donations given to the school. Whereas we love for families to find and support their area of passion, it’s important that all our families understand that we have a funding gap and throughout the history of Peak to Peak we’ve depended on the contribution of our parent’s time, talent and treasure to help fill that gap. It is our hope that parents will first make a contribution to the funding gap (General Operating Fund) and then also find their area(s) of passion to further support the school whether that be volunteering their time, purchasing specific items for a sports team, making a connection for pro-bono services for the school, donating an auction item at the Peak Gala or any combination of the many available ways to be involved.
What else do we want families to know? ▶
Every year is going to be different for every family when it comes to time and treasure contributions. We’ve heard families say they’ve had years where they’ve donated more time and less money, and vice versa. It’s our goal that families find their perfect fit to support the school each year in a way that’s meaningful to them. Some families give only to the Annual Fund campaign, some just to the Peak Gala, some just volunteer – most families have some blend and it changes almost every year. The most important thing for them to know is whatever their contribution is in any given year ~ all of it is equally appreciated and recognized.
Closing note: Peak to Peak has remained strong for over 25 years thanks to the many contributions of parents, guardians, and community supporters. Your support ensures continued strength and a legacy of giving.
