What is the Lab Innovation Fund?

The Lab Innovation Fund is our annual giving campaign, which helps strengthen the educational experience for all students. While Charlotte Lab School’s core program is financially sustainable on the public, per-pupil revenue that we receive from the state and county each year, we depend on philanthropic support to fully implement our vision of providing 21st century learning in a small, nurturing environment.

​Each year, Charlotte Lab School’s Board and leadership team prepare an annual operating budget and the Lab Innovation Fund helps bridge the funding gap between the public funding available and our ambitious goals. As a charter school, Charlotte Lab School receives a specified amount of public money for each enrolled child; however, we do not receive funds for land, buildings, and renovations or for complimentary lunch, after school, and transportation for students who come from economically disadvantaged households.

How important is my participation and gift?

Very important! We ask our community to make a donation to the annual fund at a level that is personally meaningful. Every gift, whatever the amount, makes a difference! Please show your commitment to our school and community by making a gift today.

Does my gift really matter?

Yes! No gift is too small; every dollar raised helps provide an even more robust educational opportunity for our students. Did you know:
  -  $5 will support our classroom libraries
  -  $25 covers the cost for one week of lunch for a Lab student
​  -  $250 will afford our teachers amazing professional development opportunities?

As you can see, any gift makes an impact! Thank you for making a gift at a level that feels right to you.

How long will the Innovation Fund campaign run?

The Innovation Fund kicks off on December 3, 2019 and will wrap up by May 2020. All gifts received between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020 will count toward this year's fund. Click here to make your gift.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

As a registered 501c3 organization, your donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent provided by law. Donations will be recognized with a charitable gift receipt.

Will my company match my gift?

Many companies will match charitable contributions their employees give to schools thereby increasing the impact of your donation. In most cases, donors must request a match directly from the company and Charlotte Lab School will be notified of the pending match. 

What other fundraising activities can I expect this year?

It is important that you know what fundraising initiatives you can expect each year. The Innovation Fund will be the only fundraising campaign for operating support this fiscal year, which ends June 30. There may be some student and PTSO-led fundraising efforts during the school year as well.

Are Lab Families expected to provide all of the philanthropic dollars for the school?

No. Individuals (including lab families, board members, faculty, staff, grandparents, and friends of the school) have provided approximately 46% of the philanthropic dollars raised since we opened. We have been very fortunate to receive two major national grants and gifts from several local foundations to help with our planning year, start-up costs, diversity efforts, playground construction, maker lab, and more!

We also receive corporate support and in-kind donations from many of our lab families, which help off-set operating costs and other expenses. While it is very challenging to raise annual operating support from corporate sponsors and foundations, our staff and volunteer Grants Committee continues to research and apply for grants for both operating expenditures and project/program-specific funds. 

Will I be recognized for my contribution? May I donate anonymously?

You will receive a letter acknowledging your gift, which can be used for tax purposes. Charlotte Lab School is a registered nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent provided by law. If you wish for your gift to remain anonymous, please indicate your preference on your gift form.

I want to designate my gift for a specific purpose. Will it count toward the Innovation Fund?

​​The Innovation Fund raises unrestricted funds, which allows us to direct funds to the school’s highest priorities. Please contact Bita Clark,  Associate Director of Donor Relations & Special Events, if you have a request for a specific designation.