FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GIVING TO MCA
The following list of frequently asked questions may help you find information relevant to your giving interests. You may request more specific information from the Development Office at 704-882-3375 or e-mail Dana Bostic.
What is the Cornerstone Fund?
The Cornerstone Fund is the annual gift-giving program at MCA. It was established to help close the gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating a student at MCA. The Cornerstone Fund sponsors and hosts a number of events and programs each school year to help raise additional funds for MCA and its students.
What is the difference between annual giving (The Cornerstone Fund) and capital giving?
The Cornerstone Fund is a yearly appeal for donations to support current operations of the school. Capital funds are used to support specific expenses, such as building and special projects. The Cornerstone Fund helps us thrive each day. Capital funds help us grow for the future.
What is planned giving?
Planned giving as the name suggests, involves thinking before making a gift. It includes a variety of philanthropic strategies that help you provide for Metrolina Christian Academy while also advancing your own financial and personal objectives. Making a planned gift is a special way to support MCA. It allows the donor to make a major commitment now, yet also retain use of the funds or property. MCA would receive the benefit of the gift at some point following the lifetime of the donor. Several planned giving options are available – from a simple bequest included in one’s will to more sophisticated forms, such as deferred charitable gift annuities, life income gifts, charitable lead trusts, charitable remainder trusts, gifts of life insurance, and many others. We strongly recommend you consult with your attorney or tax advisor as you research the most appropriate way to remember MCA in your will or estate plans.
When does the Cornerstone Fund begin and end?
The Cornerstone Fund begins July 1st of each year and ends June 30th (this is the school’s fiscal year).
Why give to the Cornerstone Fund?
Contributing to the Cornerstone Fund at MCA is one of the most critical ways to help the school continue its mission of educating young people for the cause of Christ. Your tax deductible gift – whether it’s $2,500 or $25 – works to make a difference in the life of each student.
Why does participation matter?
By participating in the Cornerstone Fund, you demonstrate your commitment and support to helping grow our ministry. Everyone’s participation in the Cornerstone Fund is essential. Give what you can and demonstrate your faith in our school.
What is the Cornerstone Fund money used for?
Each school year a goal amount is established for the Cornerstone Fund to raise. The major areas of the school - i.e., technology, academics, fine arts, athletics, library, scholarship assistance – receive a designated percentage of the total raised. The money raised assists the school in providing essentials above and beyond what the operating budget can supply.
How much should I give?
Each family is asked to prayerfully consider the amount they can give to the Cornerstone Fund. We pray that current families and friends of the school will give as generously as possible to Metrolina Christian Academy. Every single gift, regardless of the amount, is a blessing and greatly needed as each one makes a difference in educating our students for the cause of Christ. (2 Corinthians 8:12)
I really want to help, but right now isn’t a good time. Can I make gift in the spring to the Cornerstone Fund?
Yes! You can make a pledge gift to the Cornerstone Fund and pay your gift in installments. The Development Office will record your pledge and send you a monthly reminder to make your payment before the Cornerstone Fund closes on June 30, 2011 Although MCA makes a big push to raise money during the four week period of September 20 - October 15 (known as the Cornerstone Fund Kick-Off), we raise money all year long.
Can I make a matching gift?
Many employers are willing to match your gift to MCA. Contact your human resources division for a form and send it in with your gift and double your contribution to MCA. It’s that easy!
Can I give to MCA through the United Way campaign at my place of employment?
Yes! You must designate Metrolina Christian as your charity of choice when making your donation.
Are contributions tax-deductible?
Yes, they are tax-deductible, because MCA, as a ministry of First Baptist Church Indian Trail, is a 501©(3) non profit organization. This status also means we rely almost completely on revenue from tuition and voluntary gifts to pay for operating expenses. Volunteer support is vital to helping us maintain and improve educational excellence at MCA. We recommend you consult with your accountant or tax advisor for specific guidance on your gift.
Does First Baptist Church of Indian Trail (FBCIT) contribute financially to MCA?
As a ministry of First Baptist Church, MCA receives constant prayer and support from the church. From a financial standpoint, FBCIT contributes to the operating budget of MCA by providing the use of its buildings and various other services.
Why not raise tuition if more is needed to cover the cost of educating each student?
A goal of MCA is to provide a strong Christ-centered education to all who seek it; therefore, we strive to keep tuition reasonable. When tuition does increase, it is for the purpose of improving teacher and staff pay and benefits, and the overall operating budget of the school. Although tuition covers a large portion of the operating costs of the school, it does not provide for the continued growth and development needs of MCA. This is the purpose of the Cornerstone Fund, MCA’s annual gift giving program – to help raise additional funds for school enhancements and the development of academic and extracurricular programs at MCA.
I’m ready to make a gift. What do I do?
Complete the donor card (click here for link) and send to the Development Office at the following address – Metrolina Christian Academy, P.O. Box 1460, Indian Trail, NC 28079 or contact the Development Office at (704)882-3375 or e-mail Dana Bostic.
If you have additional questions or would like more information about giving opportunities at Metrolina Christian Academy, please contact the Development Office at (704)882-3375 or e-mail Dana Bostic.
Metrolina Christian Academy, as a ministry of First Baptist Church of Indian Trail, is a
501©(3) non-profit organization. All gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.