How to Support Us
Volunteerism, Service, and Giving are part of the Homestead’s community core values. There are many ways to support the Homestead School, please join our mission!
Donate to the Homestead Fund
The Homestead School is a non-profit community organization that relies on philanthropic support to run our programs. The cost of tuition alone does not cover the cost of educating each student. Generous giving from families, alumni, friends, and local businesses is a crucial piece of our annual budget. Please consider donating to our Homestead Fund to help support enrichments such as program offerings, upgraded technology, financial aid, and staff development.
Contribute Time and Resources through the Circle of Care
Circle of Care is a commitment to giving, tailored to each family’s means and circumstances. This may be an offering of time, talents, or skills in support of the school’s mission and vision, or a financial contribution. Together, this Circle of Care ensures the continued growth of our programs, fosters a stronger school community, and extends opportunities to families who might not otherwise have access to a Homestead education.
Homestead Fund Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Homestead School?
The Homestead School is a distinguished non-profit organization recognized under 501(c)(3) status, operating as a Montessori-based educational institution with campuses in Glen Spey and Hurleyville, NY (FEIN: 87-1486701). We offer a unique, life-enriching educational experience for children aged 3 to 18 (Pre-K through 12th grade), emphasizing holistic, child-centered learning and outdoor engagement. Our curriculum integrates community service, humanitarian initiatives, and permaculture education, fostering responsible and compassionate citizens.
What is the Homestead Fund?
The Homestead Fund provides critical funding to support our vision and mission of the school. While tuition covers the essential operating costs, the Homestead School has grown tremendously over the years. Expanding into Junior High and High School programs, adding new members of the administration team and raising our educators to an equitable salary with additional benefits. This expansion and growth is not possible without the support of the Homestead Fund.
What role does philanthropy play at the Homestead School?
Philanthropy plays a vital role in bridging the gap between tuition, supporting students to have equitable access to a high quality Montessori based education, and providing the school with the necessary high quality educators. Donations are received by current and former families, alumni, extended families, businesses, other organizations, faculty and staff. For over 47 years, the continued growth of the school has been made possible by the generosity of individuals such as you.
What role does equitable access play in the Homestead Fund?
The Homestead School has provided over $275,000 in scholarships and financial aid to families during the 2023-2024 school year and $300,000 in the 2024-2025 school year. We plan on increasing this support to ensure equitable access to students of various backgrounds. The Homestead Fund plays an important element of supporting a diverse range of families and deepening the commitment to an inclusive community of learners.
What are some examples of ways donations have been used?
Each year, the Homestead School continues to provide high quality education to students with new initiatives and programing. Donations have supported the school in expanding the administrative team to provide additional support to the school and faculty, employing dedicated outdoor education guides, and providing necessary professional development opportunities for guides to obtain Montessori credentials.
What is the range of gifts to the Homestead Fund?
Gifts to the Homestead Fund have ranged from $25- $15,000 with most gifts being between $100 and $500.
Are gifts to the Homestead Fund tax deductible?
Yes. The Homestead School is a registered 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax deductible. Our FEIN is 87 1486701.
What are employer matching gift programs?
Matching gift programs are offered by many companies to encourage employees to give to charitable organizations. These programs will often double or triple the amount of your individual donation! Some examples include: Microsoft, General Electric, Apple, Exxon Mobil, Google, The Home Depot, Johnson & Johnson, Gap Inc., Wells Fargo, Bank of America, American Express, Avon and dozens more! Follow this link to find out more if your company offers a matching gift program: CLICK HERE
Why is 100% participation important?
Community participation is a critical factor considered by foundations and other outside funding sources when deciding to invest in the school. We strive for 100% participation in the Homestead Fund because a high participation rate demonstrates the commitment to the mission and vision of the school.
How are donors recognized?
We greatly appreciate all donations. All gifts will be acknowledged in the Homestead School Annual Report, as well as through our donor recognition levels. Donors will also be acknowledged in an artwork display coming soon. Businesses and organizations that make donations can be recognized in various impactful ways. They will receive public acknowledgment through press releases, social media shout-outs, and featured in community newsletters. In addition, certificates of appreciation are provided to each donor to celebrate their commitment to social responsibility and fostering goodwill within the community.
How can I make a donation?
Check: all check donations should be in a sealed envelope with the individuals name, address, phone number and payable to the Homestead School and mailed to 428 Hollow Road, Glen Spey, NY, 12737.
Text 2 Give: text HOMESTEADFUND2526 to 33100 and follow the prompts.
Credit/ Debit Card/ Apple Pay/ Google Pay: are all forms of payment accepted through our online form. Please use the “donate now” button and follow the prompts. Recurring donations are also made through this link and can be set to weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly.