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THE HARBOR FUND

One of the most important ways you can make a positive impact at Harbor Montessori School is by contributing to our annual giving campaign each year, The Harbor Fund. Your annual gift to The Harbor Fund supports essential supplies, our dedicated teachers, and our general operating budget – allowing us to continue offering a high-quality Montessori program to the children of our school. Because its revenues are unrestricted, the funds raised provide HMS the flexibility to address current needs and seize future opportunities when they arise.

  • Why should I give to The Harbor Fund?
    Annual giving dollars allow us to strengthen our programs each year beyond what is possible with tuition alone. Our goal is to achieve 100% participation from our Board, staff, and families, so we ask each family to make a donation that is meaningful to them, knowing that we are grateful for all contributions. Additionally, giving to HMS is a powerful way to show foundations and community members that we are committed to the vision of Montessori education and allows us to make the case for future grant funding.
  • Do we only ask parents for gifts?
    Each year, we give our entire community the opportunity to support The Harbor Fund. This means our Board, faculty and staff, parents and guardians, and community of grandparents and alumni.
  • How much should I give?
    Past gifts to The Harbor Fund have ranged from $20 - $15,000, but there really is no limit, and many ways to give. Consider a one-time donation or recurring donations each month over the course of the school year. Pledges are also accepted throughout the year, with payments due by June 31st. Matching gifts might also be possible through your employer. We only ask that families give a gift that is meaningful to them keeping in mind that every gift counts!
  • When does the campaign begin?
    The Harbor Fund annual giving campaign kicks off on October 1. This year, we are extending our fundraising through November 30 with the goal to reach $80,000 through 100% board and parent/guardian participation. By participating with a pledge or gift before December 31, our donations are put to work this academic year and allow us to make budgetary decisions for the following year.
  • Does HMS have an endowment? What is that?
    Harbor Montessori created the Community Roots Endowment in January, 2024, after a generous gift from an anonymous donor. Endowments are unrestricted funds that give our school the ability to meet future needs as they arise. It’s like a savings account that ensures permanent funding to advance our school’s mission as long as the school exists. For more information about the endowment, please contact Keisha Wilson, Director of Development. keishaw@harbormontessori.org

Giving Levels

When thinking about how much to give, we ask that families consider what feels most comfortable for you and your family. And we always appreciate your Harbor Fund support of our school! Working together, through gifts large and small, we will ensure that our students continue to thrive as part of an exceptional Montessori education.

Giving Levels - Website Chart.png

Ways to Give

1

Give Now or Pledge a Gift
Our website accepts both one-time gifts and recurring gifts. Utilizing the monthly gift option has allowed many families to increase or even double their gifts! You can also pledge a gift today and pay at a later date. All pledges must be fulfilled July 31.

2

Checks
Checks can be mailed or brought to the school:
Harbor Montessori School
5414 Comte Dr NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98335

3

 Matching Gifts
Many employers have a payroll deduction option and may provide matching funding opportunities that could double your gift. Your Human Resources Department will have information and forms required for participation.  Check to see if your company has a matching program here: https://www.matchinggifts.com/harvard-iframe/


Some corporate matching programs include:​

  • Starbucks

  • Indeed

  • Microsoft

  • SalesForce

  • Wells Fargo

  • Google

  • Boeing

  • T-Mobile

 

  • Liberty Mutual

  • Costco

  • Alaska Airlines

  • Delta Dental

  • Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation

  • Home Depot

  • Puget Sound Energy

  • JP Morgan Chase

4

Gifts of Stocks and Securities
Contributions of securities are also accepted. Making a gift of securities offers you an opportunity to support the Harbor Montessori School mission while realizing important tax benefits for yourself. Reach out to Adena Himmelstein, Business Manager, for more information.

Thank you for your support of Harbor Montessori School! We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit and our tax ID# is 91-1301209. All gifts made to HMS are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.


For questions about fundraising and development contact:
Keisha Wilson, Director of Development at keishaw@harbormontessori.org.

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