Friends of Imagine Dragon Annual Fund

The Friends of Imagine Dragon Annual Fund is the school's annual fundraising campaign. It supports vital learning opportunities for students and faculty, which help us to sustain a K-12 IB continuum culture with a legacy of academic excellence and community service. The Dragon Annual Fund provides critical funds that help cover the budget gap between state funding and what the Imagine International Academy of North Texas, a tuition-free, non-profit public charter school, needs in order to provide a high-quality, collegiate preparatory IB academic experience while retaining high-quality IB teachers.

How can fundraising help the school?

Our school is financially stable and has received Superior ratings from the state of Texas for its financial performance. This reflects our careful stewardship of state funds, which pay for all of the school's expenses - from salaries to utilities to maintenance. But we can do more. Contributions generated from the Dragon Annual Fund will allow us to offset these operational costs and close the funding gap, increasing both the IB academic experiences of our students and the annual retention incentive stipends for our staff.

Why is fundraising necessary?

Public charter schools receive less funds on average than traditional public ISDs. Our school receives approximately $9,034 per student enrolled from state funding. This is roughly $4000 less per student than our neighboring ISDs because charter schools are not eligible to receive funding from local property taxes. And, because public schools in Texas receive state funds based on their average daily attendance (ADA), the amount we receive for each student enrolled can end up being less, further increasing the funding gap.

Does attendance really have an impact?

For the 2022-2023 school year, our school lost nearly $500,000 in state funding due to absences. Our responsibility is to ensure our students are in present and ready to learn to not only support their academic progress, but also the sustainability of the school.

How can fundraising offset the teacher salary gap?

Teacher salaries are paid directly from state funds and are included in the operational costs of the school. Because of the state funding gap, public charter school teachers typically make $15,000 to $20,000 less than those in neighboring ISDs. Annual fund donations raised allow us to continue generating a surplus at the end of each year, which goes right back to our staff in the form of our annual staff retention incentive stipends.

How can fundraising support IB teaching and learning?

Annual Fund donations are used to provide the extras that help the school continue to provide a high-quality college-preparatory IB academic experience in a K - 12 family-like school culture. Funds raise in previous campaigns have directly supported:

• database subscriptions for research, such as EBSCO, JSTOR, New York Times and TexQuest
• Toddle and Managebac
• MPR cafeteria seating
• APC risers for performances
• lighting and sound equipment
• playground mulch
• laptops
• professional development
• Amazon Fire tablets
• Family Day supplies
• counselor supplies
• student birthday recognition bracelets
• classroom rugs
• charging stations
• APC signage
• PikMyKid
• college counseling support
• PE and Athletics supplies
• and more!

What is the financial goal of the Dragon Annual Fund for the 2023-2024 School year?

Our goal is to raise $200,000 in Dragon Donations by the end of 2023-2024 school year. If every family contributed $500 per student, we could raise close to $450,000! As the most important stakeholders in your children’s education, your financial support directly benefits their academic opportunities and experiences.

When does the Dragon Annual Fund Campaign start?

The Dragon Annual Fund is an annual campaign, and families can donate anytime. For the 2023-2024 school year, we will kick off with North Texas Giving Day. Keep reading to learn how you can set up an early gift on this very special DRAGON GIVING DAY! Every dollar raised allows us to continue to #thrivetogether and close the gap!

How do I contribute to North Texas Giving Day?

The Dragon Annual Fund kicks off on North Texas Giving Day, "Dragon Giving Day." On this one day, September 21, 2023 from 6 AM - Midnight, funds raised through a designated website will receive a percentage contribution from Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) for every gift at $25.00 or above. Donors can give early starting on September 1, 2023, and their gift will be processed on North Texas Giving Day.100% of your contribution directly benefits the Dragon Annual Fund. Of course, contributions to the Dragon Annual Fund can be given at any time. Click here to set up your early gift!

Does Imagine allow corporate matching?

Many companies offer corporate matches, doubling the impact of donation. We encourage you to talk with your employer’s HR department to find out if your company has a Matching Gift Program – if so, you could double your Dragon Fund contribution!

Can the school require families to donate?

As an open-enrollment public charter school, Imagine International Academy of North Texas cannot require families to donate. However, in the spirit of the mission of the International Baccalaureate Organization, which values service and taking action in order to make a difference in one’s community, we strongly encourage our families to donate. Donations of ANY amount are appreciated, as they directly support our ongoing efforts to continually enhance the IB teaching and learning for both faculty and students. Our goal is always 100% family participation- and we encourage families to give their individual best.

Is my contribution Tax-Deductible?

Yes! Friends of Imagine is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and all contributions to the Dragon Annual Fund are tax-deductible. All contributions are confidential.

How can I make a contribution to the Dragon Fund?

Contributions can be made at any time before June 30, 2024, the end of our fiscal year, to help us meet our goal of $200,000. Families can contribute directly to the Dragon Annual Fund via our website using a credit card or checking account information, Contributions can be accepted as a one-time payment or spread out in monthly increments. Families can also write a check payable to the school.

Who Can I Contact with Further Questions?

Please email advancement@imaginenorthtexas.org.