Annual Fund

The Annual Fund is Rivermont’s annual giving program that provides the essential unrestricted dollars that enhance the Rivermont Experience. Like most independent schools, tuition alone does not cover the entire cost of running a school like Rivermont. Annual Fund contributions enrich every area of student life and ensure Rivermont continues to deliver a well-rounded education complete with unique opportunities, programs, and experiences.

We encourage all members of the Rivermont Community to support the Annual Fund at the level that suits them – parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, trustees, faculty, staff, and friends of the School. Because contributions are used during the school year in which they are given, every contribution makes a difference that can be seen and felt on campus each year as we grow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Annual Fund?

The Annual Fund is Rivermont’s yearly appeal for financial contributions to support the School. The campaign runs from July 1st through June 30th every year. Contributions to the Annual Fund are used during the school year in which they are given, making them critical to enhancing our programs and providing resources that make Rivermont exceptional.

Annual Fund gifts support many areas of student life, including technology, fine arts, foreign language instruction, athletics, student trips, scholarships and tuition assistance, faculty professional development, and general operating needs. These unrestricted gifts enable Rivermont to spend the dollars wherever it is most necessary. Tuition and fees do not cover the cost of providing a world-class Rivermont education. The Annual Fund helps bridge the gap ensuring our programs remain unique and innovative.

Why not raise tuition?

No independent school could charge the full cost of educating its students without pricing itself out of the market. That’s why nearly every independent school has an Annual Fund. In addition, tuition is a non-tax-deductible payment to Rivermont, while Annual Fund gifts are fully tax-deductible.

What makes Rivermont an independent school?

We design our own programs and curriculum, operate without financial support from federal or state government, and are self-governed by our Board of Trustees. Unlike public schools, which are funded by tax dollars, independent schools rely solely upon tuition and philanthropic gifts to meet operating and capital expenses.

Why is my gift to the Annual Fund important?

A strong Annual Fund makes for a strong Rivermont! High participation among parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, trustees, faculty, staff, and friends of the School shows our belief in the School and strengthens our position with foundation and corporate donors, encouraging them to join us in supporting Rivermont.

We are extremely proud of our faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees, who continue a tradition of 100% participation in the Annual Fund. Any donation – no matter the amount – is welcome, sincerely appreciated, and critical to our success.

Do corporations support the Annual Fund?

Yes! Corporations typically contribute to independent schools by offering matching gifts to their employees’ contributions. Check with your employer to see if such a program exists where you work.

Can I donate stock to the Annual Fund?

Yes! Donating stock is a great way to make a gift to Rivermont. Giving appreciated securities offers two benefits. First, you may be able to avoid paying capital gains taxes on the amount of appreciation. Second, you may also be able to deduct the full amount of the current value of the stock as a charitable contribution deduction. For more information give us a call at 563.359.1366.

How can I get more information?

Have a question that wasn’t answered here? Give us a call at 563.359.1366, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

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Mississippi Valley School Tuition Organization

In 2014, Rivermont was invited to join the Mississippi Valley School Tuition Organization (MVSTO). The Iowa Educational Opportunities Act, signed into law in 2006, allows Iowa taxpayers to contribute to non-public school tuition organizations in exchange for state income tax credits. This means supporters of Rivermont who make gifts for tuition assistance through the MVSTO receive a 65% state income tax credit on the amount of their gift in addition to qualifying for a charitable contribution deduction for the full amount of their gift on their federal tax return.

Rivermont’s tuition assistance program ensures the Rivermont Experience is accessible to families of all economic backgrounds and that our student body remains diverse. Gifts through the MVSTO strengthen our tuition assistance program and make a Rivermont education available to all deserving students.

Click here to download a MVSTO donation form and follow the directions to mail your gift directly to the MVSTO.

MVSTO Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS A SCHOOL TUITION ORGANIZATION?

A school tuition organization is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization representing two or more accredited non-public schools that receive contributions from Iowa taxpayers and allocates those contributions in the form of tuition grants to eligible students. STO grants give the gift of school choice to families who otherwise could not afford the tuition at a non-public school.

Participating schools in the Mississippi Valley School Tuition Organization (MVSTO) include Rivermont Collegiate, All Saints Catholic School, Assumption High School, John F. Kennedy Catholic School, Lourdes Catholic School, and St. Paul the Apostle School.

WHAT ARE THE TAX BENEFITS OF MAKING A STO CONTRIBUTION?

A STO contribution earns the donor a 65% Iowa state income tax credit on the amount of the gift. In addition, the donor may claim the entire amount of their gift as a charitable contribution deduction on their federal tax return. Therefore, those paying both state and federal taxes will receive more than 65% of their contribution back. For example, a donor giving $1,000 to the MVSTO will receive an Iowa tax credit certificate for $650 and the entire amount of their gift may be used as a charitable deduction on their federal tax return. It is recommended that you contact your tax advisor with specific questions regarding your taxes.

WHO MAY RECEIVE TUITION GRANTS?

Iowa law restricts tuition grants to students living in households with income that does not exceed three times the federal poverty guideline based on family size. A STO may set additional eligibility requirements.

WHO MAY CONTRIBUTE TO THE MVSTO?

Any taxpayer may contribute to Rivermont through the MVSTO. However, only individuals, corporations, partnerships, estates, and trusts that pay Iowa income tax are eligible for the MVSTO credit.

HOW DO I RESTRICT MY GIFT TO THE MVSTO TO RIVERMONT AND NOT ANOTHER SCHOOL?

Subject to limits imposed by the State of Iowa, a donor may restrict their gift to one or more schools in the MVSTO. To ensure your gift benefits Rivermont students, use the gift form available on our website (hard copies are also available on campus) and be sure to check “Please restrict my gift to Rivermont.”

IS THERE A LIMIT ON THE SIZE OF GIFTS MADE TO THE MVSTO?

No – there are no limits on individual gifts. However, there is a cap on how many total tax credits Rivermont may give each year based on enrollment. For this reason, donors should act early in the year.

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TAX CREDIT AND A TAX DEDUCTION?

A state tax credit is taken directly off the amount owed in state taxes. A federal tax deduction simply reduces the overall amount of income on which tax is computed. It is recommended that you contact your tax advisor with specific questions regarding your taxes.

Endowment

Above and beyond Rivermont’s need for yearly operating support is our need for the School’s long-term financial health. The Rivermont Endowment Fund, established to ensure the future of the School, is essentially our investment or savings account. Endowment funds are set aside in a permanent fund and carefully invested and managed, while interest earned from the investment of the principal provides reliable income in perpetuity.

Mail donations to:
Rivermont Collegiate Development Office
1821 Sunset Drive
Bettendorf, IA 52722

Endowment Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE RIVERMONT ENDOWMENT FUND?

The Rivermont Endowment Fund, established to ensure the future of the School, is essentially our investment or savings account. Endowment funds are set aside in a permanent fund and carefully invested and managed according to policies established by the Board of Trustees. The interest earned from the investment of the principal provides reliable income in perpetuity. While the Rivermont Endowment Fund provides long-term security for the School, interest income also funds things like student tuition assistance, salaries and benefits to attract and retain talented faculty and staff, improvements and expansions to facilities, technology enhancements, and more. In addition to the endowment fund invested and managed by the School and their financial advisors, Rivermont has also established an endowment with the QC Community Foundation, which offers special tax benefits for Iowa residents. For complete details, see the next questions.

WHAT ARE THE TAX BENEFITS OF MAKING A CONTRIBUTION TO THE RIVERMONT ENDOWMENT FUND?

Rivermont is a nonprofit organization and all gifts are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law. However, in addition to the endowment fund invested and managed by the School and their financial advisors, Rivermont has also established an endowment with the Quad Cities Community Foundation, which offers special tax benefits for Iowa residents. Iowa residents who make a gift to the endowment through the QC Community Foundation qualify for a 25% tax credit on their Iowa State income taxes through the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program. This is in addition to the federal income tax deduction for the donation. For complete details on this program, see the next questions. Illinois residents, of course, are also encouraged to donate to the Rivermont Endowment Fund and reminded that all endowment donations provide tax benefits to the donor and support the long-term financial stability of the School. Stay tuned, as Illinois has similar legislation pending to introduce Endow Illinois. While it has not yet passed, it does have strong and growing support!

HOW DOES RIVERMONT WORK WITH THE QUAD CITIES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION?

The Quad Cities Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for the community. Individuals, corporations, private foundations, and nonprofit organizations work with the QC Community Foundation to create permanent charitable funds, which the Community Foundation invests and administers. These individuals, corporations, private foundations, and nonprofit organizations receive professional guidance and assistance in growing their endowment assets and benefit from the QC Community Foundation’s expertise in gift planning, investment management, donor engagement, and more.

Iowa taxpayers who donate to the Rivermont Endowment Fund through the QC Community Foundation qualify for an Iowa income tax credit of 25% (in addition to the federal income tax deduction for the donation) under the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program. To qualify for this tax credit, gifts must be to an endowment at a qualified community foundation. This is why gifts to the Rivermont Endowment Fund must be made through the Quad Cities Community Foundation to qualify. For complete details on the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program, see the next question.

For more information on the Community Foundation, click here.

HOW DOES THE ENDOW IOWA TAX CREDIT PROGRAM WORK?

The Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program was established to encourage building permanent endowments that benefit Iowa. Under the program, gifts made to an endowment at a qualified community foundation qualify for an Iowa income tax credit of 25% (in addition to the federal income tax deduction for the donation). Thus, Iowa taxpayers who donate to the Rivermont Endowment Fund through the Community Foundation qualify for an Iowa income tax credit of 25%. To qualify for this tax credit, gifts must be to an endowment at a qualified community foundation that meets standards set forth by the Council on Foundations. This is why gifts to the Rivermont Endowment Fund must be made through the QC Community Foundation to qualify. Tax credits through Endow Iowa can be claimed by individuals or businesses who pay taxes in Iowa. Tax legislation does not set a minimum gift under this tax credit program, though the Community Foundation has set a $100 minimum per gift. It is recommended that you contact your tax advisor with specific questions regarding your taxes. For more information on the QC Community Foundation and Endow Iowa, click here.

The 1884 Society

Fueling Rivermont Collegiate’s mission to empower academically driven students by cultivating their intellect, character, and creativity requires unwavering philanthropic support. And that’s where the 1884 Society comes in!

The 1884 Society is an exclusive membership that pays homage to the School’s long and remarkable history by recognizing leadership gifts of $1884 or more in a fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). Member of the 1884 Society enjoy a range of benefits that showcase their commitment to excellence:

• Exclusive invitations to dedicated events hosted by the headmaster, where you’ll connect with like-minded philanthropists who share your passion for education
• Special recognition in alumni and donor publications, celebrating your generosity and impact on our community
• Prominent acknowledgment of your giving at our annual GALA, a premier event that brings together Rivermont Collegiate supporters for a celebration and inspiration night
• Most importantly, the knowledge that you are equipping our students with the tools they need to compete in an ever-changing world

Donations are used where the need is greatest, ensuring that the School can continue providing its students with the highest level of education. However, accommodations for requests to support a specific area or program.

Membership Levels:

• Founders Circle: $100,000
• Leadership Circle: $75,000
• Benefactors Circle: $50,000
• Patrons Circle: $10,000
• 1884 Society: $1,884

These contributions significantly impact the School’s ability to provide outstanding programs, scholarships, and resources that benefit the entire School community.