By giving to the Annual Fund, you touch every aspect of school life — academics, athletics, fine arts, extra-curricular programs, technology, and facilities. Tuition covers only 75 percent of the operating cost at MUS. The Annual Fund exists to compensate for this difference and further the quality of the MUS experience. Without this fund, tuition would increase more than $1,800 per student. A strong and growing Annual Fund ensures that MUS will continue to offer the best in all areas to students.
MUS's success relies on the support of alumni, parents and grandparents of current and former students, faculty and staff, trustees, businesses, and friends of the school. In 2011-12, these supporters contributed $1,166,295 to the Annual Fund.
MUS has several contribution levels, from Donor (less than $50) to the Ross M. Lynn Society ($5,000 or more). Every contribution is vital in maintaining MUS's tradition of excellence and furthering our mission of developing well-rounded young men of strong moral character.
Your Gift at Work | Giving Levels | Frequently Asked Questions | Online Giving
Your Gift at Work
The generous support of MUS donors allows the school to continue to fulfill its mission of providing academic excellence and developing well-rounded young men of strong moral character. Donors to the MUS Annual Fund improve the education of students every day.
- Donations enable our teachers to attend professional development opportunities to enhance their teaching skills and share their learned knowledge in the classroom.
- The school's new electronics and microbiology labs and updated genetics, biology, and physics labs were made possible in part by Annual Fund donations.
- The refurbishing of Hyde Chapel and other small physical improvements around our 96-acre campus are provided for through the Annual Fund.
- A portion of the need-based scholarships provided to 31 percent of our students also comes from Annual Fund donations.
Gifts to the MUS Annual Fund go to work immediately to improve the experiences of our students and the faculty.
Annual Fund Giving Levels
| Ross M. Lynn Society |
| Chairman's Circle |
$50,000+ |
| Headmaster's Circle |
$25,000+ |
| Sustainer |
$15,000+ |
| Benefactor |
$10,000+ |
| Patron |
$7,500+ |
| Member |
$5,000+ |
| Honor Circle |
$500+ |
| Scholar Circle |
$250+ |
| Faculty Club |
$100+ |
| Owls Club |
$50+ |
| Collegiate Circle (Classes of 2005-09) |
$15+ |
| Donor |
$1+ |
Annual Fund FAQ
What does the Annual Fund support?
- Teachers' salaries and professional development
- Technology
- Financial aid for students (31 percent of students at MUS
receive some form of financial aid totaling more than $1.9 million)
- Library resources
- Athletic equipment
- Extracurricular activities
- Campus maintenance
Contributions go towards bettering the MUS experience for students, teachers, and parents. Improvements in the academic, athletic, and extracurricular pursuits of the school allow MUS to maintain its competitive edge among peer schools.
When will I be solicited?
The Annual Fund begins a new campaign each fall with a solicitation to our alumni, parents of current students, parents of alumni, grandparents of current students, trustees, faculty, staff, and friends of the school. The school operates on a fiscal year from August 1 to July 31. Once you have made a gift, we try to ensure that you will not be solicited again (by mail or phone) during the rest of the fiscal year. Once you have pledged your support to the school, you should not receive the general Annual Fund solicitations. However, pledge reminders are sent regularly to those who have an unpaid pledge.
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When do I need to send my gift?
MUS needs your support every year. The dollars provided through the Annual Fund are used for the immediate operations of the school. We hope that all prior donors will renew their support of the Annual Fund before the close of the fiscal year on July 31. New donors are welcome to make a gift at any time during MUS's fiscal year, which runs August 1 through July 31. Donations can also be made on the school's secure website.
As a parent, I feel I am already paying a sizeable amount in tuition. Why are you asking me to make an Annual Fund contribution as well?
Tuition reflects the rising cost of education, which includes salaries, facilities maintenance, insurance, and all the other aspects of running an independent school. MUS's tuition covers only 75 percent of its operating budget. The Annual Fund compensates for this difference. Without the Annual Fund, we would need to raise tuition by more than $1,800 per student. During the 2011-12 school year, donations made by parents of current students increased more than 25 percent. We would rather rely on parents and other donors to make additional tax-deductible gifts to the school than set a higher tuition price. This ensures that a greater pool of qualified students is able to attend the school.
As an alumnus, I'd like to know why MUS asks me to make a yearly contribution to the Annual Fund.
Your own MUS education was supported by alumni who came before you, and we hope that you will show the same generosity in preserving traditions and promoting excellence for future generations of students. We encourage all of our alumni to stay involved in the school — by attending athletic events and theatrical productions, by participating in our alumni events, and by making financial gifts. Your continued involvement, both personal and financial, strengthens the MUS community.
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Why does MUS need to supplement its operating budget with contributions to the Annual Fund? Why doesn't it charge enough to cover its operating costs?
The school would like to avoid charging higher tuition for two reasons. First, we are dedicated to the academic and moral development of able boys, not just those whose parents can afford tuition. Relieving some of the financial burden of those parents ensures a greater pool of students, and ultimately, a better school. Second, were we to raise tuition to cover operating expenses, it would be more difficult for us to ask for charitable donations. We would therefore not be able to implement many of the projects and improvements that the generosity of our donors allows.
Is it unusual that MUS asks parents, alumni, and other donors to contribute to the Annual Fund?
No, it is not. Virtually every independent school and university in the nation relies on its constituents to provide charitable donations to its operating fund. Each of MUS's competitor schools vigorously solicits its alumni, parents, and friends for donations. See how MUS compares to its peers*:
| The Westminster Schools-Atlanta |
$2,337,170 |
| McCallie School-Chattanooga |
$1,866,883 |
| Montgomery Bell Academy-Nashville |
$2,887,589 |
| Baylor School-Chattanooga |
$1,807,255 |
| Memphis University School |
$1,133,758 |
*figures are for the 2009-10 fiscal year
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Do you also ask businesses and foundations for support?
We do. Several businesses and foundations contribute to the Annual Fund. Often these donors want evidence of strong internal support before they are willing to make a gift. For this reason, it is especially important that we can rely on alumni, parents, faculty, and staff in proving that those most closely tied to the school are enthusiastic supporters.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
YES! Your gifts to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible under the applicable sections of the Internal Revenue Code. A receipt for your gift will be sent shortly after your contribution is received and processed by the Development Office.
Where do I send my gift?
The easiest way to make a gift or pledge from this website is to use our secure online form. You can also make a gift by check (payable to the MUS Annual Fund) by sending it to:
Annual Fund
Memphis University School
6191 Park Avenue
Memphis, TN 38119
To request a pledge form, please call the Development Office at (901) 260-1350. You can also e-mail your pledge to us.
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How much should we give?
You should give as much as you feel comfortable with. We welcome the continued involvement of our alumni, parents, and friends in the school, and giving is a great way to maintain that tie. Any size gift is greatly appreciated, and each gift has a direct impact on the quality of the school experience for our boys and our teachers. Click here to view Annual Fund giving levels.
Who can take advantage of matching gifts?
MUS received $36,600 in matching gifts last year. More than 1,000 parent companies and corporate foundations currently match employees' gifts to nonprofit organizations. If you or your spouse work for a company with a matching gift program, you could double your contribution to the MUS Annual Fund! Many companies will match donations made by employees, retired employees, and spouses. Contact your Human Resources Office to determine if your company has a matching gift program.
Can we make a non-cash contribution to the Annual Fund?
You may. Gifts-in-kind are welcome and appreciated by MUS. These include real estate, personal property, equipment, and other in-kind items. We also gladly accept gifts of appreciated securities. Please contact Perry Dement.
Can we restrict our gift to a certain project or purpose?
Certainly you may designate that your gift go toward a specific area of school life. We encourage our donors to make unrestricted gifts because we are able to apply the contributions to the projects which require them most. However, we have several restricted giving programs and are happy to talk to you about establishing new funds.
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Can we make our gift in honor or in memory of another person? Will that person and/or family know we've made the gift?
You may designate your contribution in honor or in memory of another person or persons. The Development Office will send an acknowledgement notifying the honoree of your gift or family (though not the specific amount). Your gift will also be noted in the school's annual report and the alumni magazine, MUS Today.
Can we make gifts anonymously?
Of course. MUS is happy to honor the discretion that some donors may wish to use in making their contributions.
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Further questions about the Annual Fund?
Please contact:
Claire Farmer
Director of Annual Fund
(901) 260-1356