Giving to FBA
First Baptist Academy relies on private support to help maintain educational excellence, and is grateful for the generous gifts of time, talent, energy, and funds that our families make each year. Gifts are offered in many ways, from volunteering in the classroom to making financial contributions through our Annual Fund and Spring Gala. Without these contributions, our school could not be the place it is today. We hope you will be inspired to give, in whatever way you can.
Your gifts to FBA are a vote of confidence in the work of our Board, teachers, specialists, curricular and extracurricular programs - the elements that make this school different from any other. There are many ways to support the ministry of First Baptist Academy.
If you would like more information about our fundraising priorities, donation opportunities or volunteer program, please call the Development Office at 713-290-2521.
Annual Fund
First Baptist Academy's Annual Fund is vitally important to the advancement of our school. This fundraising effort enables us to make up the difference between tuition receipts and what it actually costs to educate each of our children. Gifts for the Annual Giving Campaign go to meet operation needs during the school year in which they are received. Thanks for your support!
What is the Annual Fund?
The annual fund is the primary vehicle by which FBA raises money to enrich and enhance the inner city scholarship, academic, fine arts, and athletic programs of the school.
Why do you ask for donations in addition to tuition?
As a private Christian school, First Baptist Academy operates without financial support from local, state and federal governments. Tuition and fees do not cover the true cost of a FBA education. We rely heavily on Annual Giving to maintain operations and to balance the Academy's budget.
Where exactly is my money going?
Undesignated gifts allow the Board and Administration to apply support where it is most needed at the time of the donation. However, you may designate your gift (or portions of your total gift) to one of the following:
- Academic Enrichment
- Technology
- Faculty Enrichment
- Athletics and Fine Arts
- Warrior Shield Scholarship Program
- Tuition Assistance
What if I don't have much to give?
Every gift counts. Some families will be able to give more than others. Our prayer is that every family in the school will participate in some way - not with equal gifts but with equal sacrifice and commitment. Maximizing participation is our goal. Besides the economic benefit to First Baptist Academy, 100 percent parent participation is an important criterion for requesting grants from corporations and foundations. You can help with a gift of any size.
Can I use my credit card?
Yes. Payments can be made by in cash, check, money order, or credit card. These can be lump sum donations or monthly donations. Call the Business Office at 713-290-2529 to make your donation over the phone.
Other ways to give
Matching Gift Programs
Does your employer have a Matching Gift Program? You can check with your Human Resources/Personnel Department to be sure. A matching gift to First Baptist Academy allows your gift to our school to double (and sometimes triple) in value. Many businesses and corporations have a Matching Gift Program to encourage philanthropic giving by their employees.
Warrior Shield Scholarship Program
In the 2000-2001 school year, First Baptist Academy embarked upon The FBA Warrior Shield Program, an outreach program into the Houston inner-city community. Through private donations, we are able to provide tuition, uniforms, field trips, and lunches for these children.
Because we do not receive any public funding, we must raise our entire operating budget through tuition and gifts. Through these means, we are able to sustain a small outreach program. In addition to education, we provide support services for these children to ensure a smooth transition and to give them the opportunity to excel in our program. This support would come from teachers and Administrative staff.
If you would like to be a partner in changing lives, consider supporting the Warrior Shield Scholarship Program. Call the First Baptist Academy Development Office at 713-290-2521 for details.
Library Birthday Books
Would you like a very special way to commemorate your child's birthday? The Library has a selection of books for purchase. A special dedication will be included in the book, dedicating it to the Library in honor of the student's birthday. The book is presented to the student in his or her classroom. They are allowed to take the book home for a week, then they bring "their" book back to the Library for others to enjoy. When other students check out the book, they will see the dedication page.
Books may be purchased by parent, grandparents or friends of the birthday student. Books also may be purchased in honor of, or in memory of teachers, parents, grandparents, special friends, etc.
Dedicate a book now wayne.cherry@hfba.org
Please contact Wayne Cherry at 713-290-2545 for purchases.
Gifts of Real Estate
A charitable gift of real estate can be especially tax-advantageous.
A vacation home, acreage, or a home may have so appreciated in value over the years that its sale would result in a sizeable capital gains tax. If given to us instead, you avoid the tax and realize a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the real estate.
Gifts of Stock
Giving long-term appreciated stock offers you a two-fold tax saving. First, you avoid paying any capital gains tax on the increase in value of your stock. In addition, you receive a tax deduction for the full fair market value of the stock on the gift date.
Gifts of Life Insurance
To receive a charitable deduction, name FBA as both the owner and beneficiary of the policy. If the policy has a cash value, you can take a charitable deduction approximately equal to the cash value at the time of the gift. In addition, if annual premiums are still to be made and you continue to pay them, those premiums will become tax deductible each year. Check with your life insurance agent for details on which forms to complete.
