Annual Fund Caller Handbook 2025-26 by PS1PluralisticSchool

Volunteer Training

Annual Fund Co-Chairs:

Elise Loehnen Fissmer, Rosita Medina-Farag, Toby Kennedy

Kerri Speck, Interim Director of Advancement

Tina Andrews, Development Manager

Thank You!

Dear Annual Fund Committee Members,

Thank you for volunteering to be a part of the Annual Fund Committee and for supporting our five-week Annual Fund Campaign You are a phenomenal group and we are privileged to work with you once again this year It is through the generous support of the PS1 community that we are able to maintain the extraordinary education provided to all of our students and you make the campaign a success with your enthusiasm and dedication.

All independent schools rely on a combination of tuition revenue, endowment funds, and the private support of individuals, including parents, alumni, grandparents and friends. Annual Fund provides almost 6% of our annual operating budget allowing us to provide as many rich experiences as possible

We will be asking all parents to make a gift or pledge to support their school and their child’s education While giving levels are suggested for each returning family, we understand families will make their philanthropic decisions thoughtfully, and will contribute as generously as they can based on their own family circumstances. And as a parent volunteer it is our hope that you make your own commitment prior to making your first phone call.

You will notice our Annual Fund tagline – Our Kids. Our School. Our Future. Our PS1. A gift today makes an immediate impact on the current school year, while at the same time, helps shape a brilliant future for our students

Your personal contact with members of our community is invaluable to us. Thank you again for your dedication and please let me know if there is anything we can do to help.

On behalf of the Annual Fund leadership and all of us at PS1,

Interim Director of Advancement

Calendar

Friday, October 17

Annual Fund Pre-Campaign Announcement in Weekly Notice

Friday, October 24

Annual Fund Letters Begin to Arrive in the Mail

Monday & Tuesday, October 27 & 28

Send Introductory Email to Your Families (From Home)

Take a moment to reach out to those on your call list to introduce yourself as a parent volunteer who is there to answer any questions about the Annual Fund This is a stewardship touch to make this process more “relationship-based ”

Monday & Tuesday, November 10 & 11

Pre-Phonathon Email to Families (From Home)

These emails will let recipients know that you (an AF parent volunteer) will be calling them on Thursday, November 12 during the Phonathon

Thursday, November 12, 6:30pm

Phonathon - By Zoom

This is the evening we gather together by Zoom to kick off our call effort to families who have not yet made a commitment to the Annual Fund. We will meet as a group to start the Zoom Annual Fund Phonathon, and then break off to make calls. “Caller Support” will stay on the Zoom until 7:30 to provide advice, guidance and support to volunteers. Please plan to attend.

Zoom Address: https://psone-org zoom us/j/4628659418? pwd=cCbl5dszPSpblx3bZWwrE2qIHpjDdV 1

Calendar (Cont.)

Monday and Tuesday, November 17 & 18

The Final Stretch (From Home)

In the final two days before the close of “Week 4” please wrap up outreach to the families on your list as best you can Your goal is to have your list closed out no later than Friday, November 21

December 4 – 6:00pm Cocktails & Creativity

A parent-wide gratitude event on campus that allows us to celebrate the success of the Annual Fund. Please encourage everyone to join and enjoy the experiences that our specialists provide our children.

Ongoing - Volunteer Support

Please reach out to Tina and Kerri for any 1:1 coaching you may need Our doors are open to you, and we are more than happy to provide any guidance, support and encouragement you may need

Tina: tina@psone org | 310-656-1307 direct Kerri: kerri@psone org | 310-628-9310

Why Support The Annual Fund?

“You have given our daughter the gift of her childhood, all the while setting her up for success at the next step. We are so grateful for this experience.”

–PS1 Parent

Your tax-deductible donation and important investment in our school supports the current operations, including:

Professional development opportunities including Orton-Gillingham training, Orff curriculum workshops, the Imaginative Inquiry Advanced Practicum, Centering Teaching and Learning on Big Ideas in Mathematics (Contexts for Learning Mathematics), and Illustrative Math. These programs keep our educators at the forefront of innovative teaching and learning

Classroom resources, from hands-on math manipulatives and art supplies to library materials that spark curiosity, along with improvements like the new music room floor that enhances sound and enriches the learning environment.

Technology and tools, including iPads, instructional platforms, and 3D printers that bring creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration into our classrooms

Community programs such as field trips, outdoor education, and camping experiences that strengthen connections, deepen learning, and build lifelong memories.

A World Language Program and a full-time Spanish teacher.

Tuition and fees do not cover the full cost of a PS1 education. In that regard, every PS1 student receives a partial ‘scholarship’ The gap between tuition income and actual expenses is common among independent schools and tax-deductible contributions to the Annual Fund are the most significant way to help make up the difference so our students continue to receive an exceptional education. If it were not for the generosity of parents, alumni, and friends, tuition would have needed to be raised this year by $8,600 – the gap between tuition and fees on the one hand, and the cost to educate each child on the other

We rely on the Annual Fund to provide extra benefits to our teachers, create special programs for our students, and meet our yearly operating budget Furthermore, since 32% of our student body receives Tuition Assistance, your gift assures the socio-economic diversity that makes PS1 a truly unique and wonderful institution. We raised important funds last year for the Annual Fund which was a wonderful demonstration of support from our enrolled families, friends, grandparents and alumni The extent of parent support is extremely important when the school approaches foundations to raise grant money for Tuition Assistance. Foundations pay close attention to the percentage of parent support

Why not just charge more for tuition? At PS1, we know that a diverse learning community benefits all of us Through tax-deductible contributions to the Annual Fund, those within our community who are able to contribute more do so If tuition were increased to cover the actual cost of providing all programs, many families would not be able to afford to send their children to PS1.

Many of the learning experiences we have at PS1 occur directly as a result of gifts to the Annual Fund that have ranged from $25 to $25,000+ from friends and families of PS1. The amount you are capable of contributing to the Annual Fund and the amount that you are willing to give is a very personal decision We value whatever contributions you make Just know that your investment has immediate impact, is valued and will be received with gratitude.

If someone asks how much they should give, you might reply, “That is a very personal decision. We ask that you give at the level which you feel is appropriate for your family.” (For all returning families we suggested a Giving Circle in our solicitation so you can add: “In the solicitation letter recently sent to you, a range or an amount was suggested by the Office of Advancement )

Getting Started

Please take time to go through your Annual Fund packet and your list of names. Many of these families will have given by the time we are ready to have our Phonathon.

Make your own commitment first. Once you have made your gift in support of the PS1 Annual Fund, you can ask a parent to do the same (www psone org/give or www psone org/pledge)

Make a strong case and make it personal. Each family’s contribution is important Be prepared to talk about why you are supporting the PS1 Annual Fund because you can inspire others to do the same. **Callers are not expected to discuss amounts with families, and will not know the actual ask amount from the school.

If they ask a question you cannot answer, say that you will get the information and call back Or you can ask Kerri or Tina and call them back

Getting Started (Cont.)

Be Positive. Most people you call will be receptive and have supported the school before. Most calls will be friendly and enjoyable. PS1 is a great school and your calls are very important, you need not apologize for making calls on behalf of the school “Let them hear your smile over the phone ”

Feedback is greatly appreciated. Any feedback you provide the Advancement Office on the reactions of the people you call is invaluable, both to understand the specific interests of the families and to identify broader trends and concerns Please keep in mind the topics discussed during solicitation calls should be treated with respect for the confidentiality of our PS1 families.

Leave a message if a parent is not home. Let them know you were calling to answer any of their questions about the five-week annual fund drive and give them an opportunity to pledge. Give them your name and number and invite them to call back.

Please email the results of your calls to tina@psone org and kerri@psone org – if you have questions, please email or call as well

Giving Circles

For your reference, the PS1 ANNUAL FUND GIFT CIRCLES:

Garden Circle

Solar Circle

$50,000 and above

$25,000 - $49,999

Bridge Circle $10,000 - $24,999

Bell Circle $5,000 - $9,999

Oak Tree Circle $2,500 - $4,999

Bamboo Circle $1,000 - $2,499

Field of Dreams Circle $500 - $999

Blue Gate Circle Up to $499

Cocktails & Creativity

We will host a Community Thank You reception on Thursday, December 4 for all donors to the Annual Fund –regardless of giving level.

Reminders

Pledge payments are an option for those who are unable to make their gift at this time. We encourage families to give by year end, December 31 This allows time to project next year’s operating budget. However, we recognize that does not work for all families. All pledges are due in full by June 1, 2026. Families can make their pledges online (www psone org/pledge) or by calling Tina

If someone would like to give a gift of stock, please notify Kerri Speck at kerri@psone.org, and she will follow up with donors directly. The advantage of giving appreciated stock is it makes for a double donation. The entire gift is tax deductible. In addition, the stock appreciation is not taxable to the owner as long as the stock itself is donated to the school and not just the proceeds from a sale Visit www psone org/stock to learn more.

If someone tells you they would like to donate using a credit card, direct parents to give online at www psone org/give or they can fill out their donor card included with their solicitation brochure and return this to the PS1 office with their credit card information Tina is also able to take credit card information over the phone if the parent is more comfortable with this option. If they would like to charge their credit card but at a specific later date, suggest they share that information on the donor card or contact Tina directly at tina@psone org or 310-656-1307 www.psone.com

Reminders (Cont.)

Thank you! Make sure to thank those you call for their willingness to contribute Even those who choose not to commit on the phone call should be thanked for taking their time to speak with you Everyone should understand how much we appreciate the commitment of parents to the School

After you have called, please be sure to send an email acknowledging the phone call. Follow up as necessary or check in with the office to see if a gift has come in.

Kerri and Tina will update you at the end of every day with the newest donations listed Please make sure to check this list daily so that you can thank donors in a timely manner Write the thank note as soon as you can and pop it in the mail. Email Tina (tina@psone.org) if you have questions about a promised pledge or gift.

Our Annual Fund goal is 100% participation, and each gift is valued and significant. We hope that you will enthusiastically support this effort, and are all grateful to you!

Imagine A School

Where You Can Help ...

Bolster our commitment to excellence in teaching and learning

Encourage further innovation and exploration

Invest in inspiring learning environments and resources

Bring in outside resources and expertise as needed Support teachers’ and staff members’ interest in professional development

Say YES to faculty and staff new ideas that support our mission and enrich every child’s experience!

Reintroduce and reimagine cherished community traditions

Sample Letters...

SAMPLE INTRODUCTORY EMAIL:

Dear Parent & Parent,

Opening if you know the family:

I hope this email finds you well! Insert a personal comment here if possible like “I am so glad Max & Keegan are in class together again this year!”

Alternative opening if unknown to parents:

My name is Kelli Johnson and I am a fellow PS1 parent and mom to Keegan in the Olders 5 class.

Body of email:

I hope your family is doing well and enjoying the fall season

As a volunteer for the 2025 Annual Fund Committee, I am your personal liaisonhere to help you with any questions. Every year volunteers like me help PS1 reach 100% parent participation and this year is no exception.

Earlier this week you should have received an Annual Fund letter and envelope from our Head of School and Director of Advancement. If you've already sent in your commitment - Thank You! The Annual Fund campaign is a short and sweet 5 weeks.

If you have any questions about the Annual Fund, I am attaching an FAQ (NOTE - MAKE SURE THE FAQ IS IN COMMUNITY RESOURCES OR ADD IT HERE AS A LINK)

If you haven’t had a chance to make your commitment, I am here to help answer any remaining questions you might have. Please feel free to reach out via cell or email.

Know how grateful all of us are for your help in achieving our philanthropic and participation goals!

Thank you, Caller Name

Sample Letters...

SAMPLE PHONATHON REMINDER EMAIL:

Dear Name and Name,

(If you know the family or can contribute something personalized about their child(ren), you can open the email with a line or two in that direction)

PS1 is in the midst of our 2025 Annual Fund outreach, with the goal of 100% participation within five weeks.

As we are well into our school year, I hope you are inspired by the strength of our school and community and by your own child’s experience. We are grateful to the faculty and staff who are dedicated to supporting our children’s growth and learning this year. Our children are thriving thanks to the uniquely enriching experiences a PS1 education provides.

This Wednesday is our Phonathon, a night when parent volunteers will gather by Zoom to call families who have not yet participated in the Annual Fund so that we can answer any questions they may have about the Fund and solicit their pledge or donation.

Your participation is so important to the success of this campaign and our school!

We hope you can demonstrate your support for PS1 when I phone next week. If you are ready to make your gift or pledge now, please return the envelope that came with your letter, visit www.psone.org/pledge or contact Tina (tina@psone.org) directly. You can also donate now through the PS1 giving site at www.psone.org/give.

We are truly grateful for your continued support and for being a part of this

Sample Phonathon Scripts...

On the night of the Phonathon, you will be calling those on your list who have neither pledged nor given.

FOR RETURNING FAMILIES:

Hi, may I speak to (first name)? (Speak to whichever parent answers the phone) This is (your name). My (child), is in (teachers’ names and classroom color) class and I am calling on behalf of the PS1 Annual Fund. Know that I speak on behalf of the entire school when I say “thank you” for being a member of our PS1 family. Your support last year means a lot to all of us, and the school could not provide the experience our children are enjoying without your support

This year’s Annual Fund is underway and I want to check to see if you received your Annual Fund materials with a letter sent from the Office of Advancement asking families for their support.

Do you have any questions for me at this time?

This year we are again working to achieve 100% parent participation in a five-week period. Will you join me in making a donation or pledge? Your gift is vital to the success of our academic year. All gifts at any level and amount are appreciated.

FOR NEW FAMILIES:

The school year is underway and I want to check to see if you received your Annual Fund materials with a letter sent from the Office of Advancement asking families for their support. Do you have any questions for me at this time?

We are working to achieve 100% parent participation in a five-week period. Will you join me in making a donation or pledge? Your gift is vital to the success of our academic year All gifts at any level and amount are appreciated

Phonathon Scripts (Cont.)

AFTER THE CALLS

IF FAMILIES MAKE A PLEDGE OR CONTRIBUTION:

I enjoyed speaking with you tonight about PS1’s Annual Fund. Your generous contribution will help keep PS1’s programs strong and bring us closer to our goal of 100% parent participation We will proudly include your name in our Annual Report for the 2025-2026 school year. Many, many thanks for your support of PS1.

IF FAMILIES DO NOT MAKE A PLEDGE OR CONTRIBUTION:

Thank you for taking the time to talk with me about PS1’s Annual Fund We look forward to your support of the Annual Fund, at whatever level works for your family. The last day to make a pledge or contribution for this year’s five-week Annual Fund is Friday, December 5th. It was a pleasure talking to you and please let me know if you would like to speak with someone in the Advancement office. Thank you.

IF YOU GET A VOICE MESSAGE WHEN YOU CALL:

Do leave a message. For example:

Hi , this is

I am a parent volunteer and I’m calling for your support of the PS1 Annual Fund. I was hoping to get a chance to connect with you, answer any of your questions, and give you an opportunity to pledge. Please call me back at . I hope you have a great evening and if we don’t get a chance to talk tonight I will follow up soon. Thank you.

TEXTS:

If you do not get an answer when you call, it is fine to text and let the person know what you are calling about.

Pre-Campaign Announcement in Weekly Notice

This is an exciting and important moment in the school year: the launch of the 2025 PS1 Annual Fund Through your investment and philanthropic support today, we as a community are laying the foundation not only for this year, but for the future of PS1 Together, we make a lasting difference in the lives of our students your children

As with all independent schools, tuition alone does not cover the full cost of a PS1 education. The Annual Fund helps close that gap and is an essential part of our operating budget. The theme “Our Kids. Our School. Our Future. Our PS1.” captures the heart of this effort. The Annual Fund is a visible symbol of our shared commitment to one another, to our school, and to our children’s futures.

Your generosity allows PS1 to deliver on its mission of a pluralistic, child-centered education in which every child is known, valued, and challenged to grow. At PS1, nothing is left to chance: every aspect of a child’s journey—from curriculum and field trips to recess, community traditions, and class placement is intentionally designed to spark curiosity, nurture confidence, and foster a lifelong love of learning. The result: graduates who are self-aware, empathetic, collaborative, and ready to thrive

This year’s Annual Fund will continue to support beloved PS1 hallmarks such as two fulltime teachers in every classroom, six specialists, field trips, Circle Times, and our awardwinning campus

At the same time, it will also:

Reintroduce and reimagine cherished community traditions

Encourage innovation and exploration

Support faculty and staff professional development

Invest in inspiring learning environments and resources

Bring in outside expertise as needed

And say “YES” to new ideas that enrich every child’s experience

Our goal is 100% participation, because every gift matters. Your support past, present, and future joins hundreds of families across five decades who have sustained PS1 and ensured its joyful, transformative education for generations of children

Look for your personalized Annual Fund appeal letter in the mail next week We are grateful for your partnership and your commitment to PS1

2025-26 PS1

PLURALISTIC SCHOOL Annual Fund FAQs

Why Is Annual Giving Necessary?

There’s a gap between tuition income and the actual expenses required to deliver a PS1 education. Tuition covers 80.3% of the operating budget for the year—the rest is funded through endowment income (9.9%), philanthropic giving (6.5%) and other (3.3%).

PS1 depends on the support and participation of every current family, Board member, staff, as well as alumni families, grandparents, and PS1 friends to help us reach our Annual Fund goals.

But Why Not Just Charge More?

PS1 is committed to keeping tuition as affordable and accessible as possible. Raising tuition to its true cost would dramatically limit the number of families who could afford to attend, and would compromise our ability to represent a more inclusive community.

Can You Cut Expenses Instead?

There is no fat in the operations of PS1. Most of our tuition money goes to teacher salaries and fixed operating costs. Reducing expenditures could mean larger class sizes, fewer specialists, fewer real-life learning opportunities through field trips, author visits, etc. In other words, we’d be cutting back on all the reasons why you chose PS1 for your family. Ultimately, we hope to add to the PS1 experience. For example, last year we were able to add a Spanish specialist as well as a 10th classroom for Olders students, and hope to encourage additional growth in student support in the future.

OUR KIDS

OUR SCHOOL

OUR FUTURE

OUR PS1

What Exactly Does the PS1 Annual Fund Support?

• Current operations of the school—this is a lineitem in PS1’s operating budget

• The quality education at PS1 that you chose for your child/children

• Two lead teachers in each classroom

• Six incredible specialists in Art, Library, Music, P.E., Spanish and Studio

• Extensive professional development opportunities for our teachers and staff

• Technology to enhance learning

• A LEARN Team that assists students, families, and teachers in finding positive solutions that contribute to a student’s success at school

• Frequent field trips to connect learning with the real world for our students

• A continually improved, award-winning campus

When Does The Annual Fund Campaign Kick Off?

A letter asking for your support will be mailed on October 22. There is nothing you need to do right now—you will certainly be aware of this community-wide effort once it is underway.

PS1 accepts gifts made by check, credit card, appreciated securities, bitcoin, and even employer sponsored matches! Please check to see if your company participates in Matching Gifts programs— this is an easy way to dramatically increase the amount of your gift. (You can also visit www.psone.org/match to check for yourself.)

What Is The Goal? What Qualifies As Success?

Ultimately, our goal is for 100% participation from current families, Board, and staff. Not only does this show solidarity, but it allows us to apply to various foundations for support by illustrating the deep and abiding love for PS1 in the community.

Is There Additional Upside?

Yes! Because PS1 is a non-profit independent school, your Annual Fund gift is fully tax deductible as allowed by law. There are few charitable contributions you can make which directly impact the quality of your child’s life, and also benefit the entire school community immediately.

Does The Size Of My Gift Matter?

Every gift sends an important message about the PS1 community and helps support our daily operations. Your best gift says you care about our school and your child’s education. The amount that you are capable of contributing to the PS1 Annual Fund and the amount that you are willing to give is a very personal decision. Every donation is important and every donor is valued. To learn about Annual Fund leadership giving opportunities, please reach out to Kerri Speck at Kerri@psone.org

Are there other opportunities to give? What’s the difference between this and the annual Spring Auction?

Throughout the year, parents will host Party Book parties and other fun activities that benefit the school. We have an annual Book Fair where a portion of sales go back to the school. And every Spring, there’s an annual Community Fundraising Event, a fun night out for parents where you can bid on products, tickets, trips, and more, as well as “raise your paddle” for the school. The Spring Fundraiser exclusively benefits the Tuition Assistance Endowment, which ensures long-term stability for our Tuition Assistance program.

The Annual Fund is the school’s primary official giving initiative, while the annual Spring event is an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate.

Is My Giving Private?

Yes. Parent volunteers are not privy to your giving; that’s between you and the school. Donor names are listed annually in PS1’s Report on Philanthropy distributed in October, though some families choose to donate anonymously. For reference, the giving circles are below:

Garden Circle $50,000 and above

Solar Circle $25,000–$49,999

Bridge Circle $10,000–$24,999

Bell Circle $5,000–$9,999

Oak Tree Circle $2,500–$4,999

Bamboo Circle $1,000–$2,499

Field of Dreams Circle $500–$999

Blue Gate Circle Up to $499