Spirit Fund

Like all independent schools, Christ Methodist has an annual giving campaign. Ours is called The Spirit Fund.  This annual fund helps keep tuition increases to a moderate level. Dollars raised are used each year to add value to our students’ educational experience in ways that tuition can’t cover. Each family's participation, at their individual level of ability, is very important. 

A new brochure packet is mailed each fall to parents, grandparents, faculty and staff, alumni, alumni parents, and friends.  Please look for it in your mailbox. We hope you will help us reach our goals this year. Your participation is critical and any size gift is greatly appreciated.  If you are not receiving our mailings, please call 901-202-6060 or email development@cmdsmemphis.org.   

Ways to Give to the Spirit Fund

Cash is the most common gift, but there are other options:

Give now by credit card on our secure webpage.

Matching Gifts - Many corporations match their employees’ charitable donations. Check your employer’s website or human resources department for more information regarding their policy. It is a simple way to increase the value of your gift significantly. 

We’re “Building a Pathway to the Future Brick by Brick”  The perfect way to honor or remember someone is to add a custom inscribed brick to our courtyard.  Prices start at $200.  Proceeds from the courtyard brick project go directly to the Spirit Fund. Print and complete the brick order form and mail to:
Christ Methodist Day School Spirit Fund, 411 S. Grove Park, Memphis, TN  38117.
Call Jeanie at 202-6060 for more information or for help with your inscriptions.

Pledges - Your pledge can be paid over time through June 30th of each calendar year.  Print a remittance form to mail with your pledge or check to:
Christ Methodist Day School Spirit Fund, 411 S. Grove Park, Memphis, TN  38117.
Your pledge counts toward the Spirit Fund goal at the time your remittance form is received. 

Planned Giving - Tax laws intentionally encourage charitable giving which can many times reduce income tax, estate tax and capital gains tax.  Using appreciated securities or other assets to make a charitable gift creates some very favorable tax advantages.  If the asset has been held longer than twelve months, the donor can deduct the full fair market value on the date of the gift and avoid the capital gains tax.  A gift of a highly appreciated asset is an excellent way to fulfill a pledge or make a more substantial gift than what might have otherwise been possible.  

After checking with your attorney or other professional advisor, you might consider the following types of gifts:

Long-term appreciated securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)

Life insurance policy with Christ Methodist Day School as the primary beneficiary

Real property

Personal property (artwork, jewelry, collectibles)

Bequests in a Will or Trust

Charitable Remainder Trusts:

  • Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust – provides the donor an annual percentage payment based on the fair market value of an asset for the donor’s lifetime, while the school receives a substantial gift.

  •  Charitable Remainder Unitrust – similar plan, but the payments to the donor fluctuate based on the fair market value of the asset each year.