NNM Cares Fund

In recent years, the Annual Giving Campaign raised significant dollars that helped to fill the gap that exists between tuition and the actual cost of an NNM education. While this gap remains, so too does the increased need for additional philanthropic support in light of the impacts experienced due to the COVID-19 virus and resulting economic crisis.

This year, Near North has seen a significant increase in financial aid requests and, committed to keeping our community whole, the school has worked incredibly hard to provide the tuition relief needed so all families remain at NNM. In addition, like so many independent schools and non-profit institutions, the current situation has created unanticipated expenses that leaves us anticipating an unexpected financial burden

Student raising their hand in class

For these reasons, the fundraising efforts for the 2020-21 school year will support NNM Cares and our commitment to caring for our entire community during this difficult time. The NNM Cares Fund will directly support families by providing tuition relief and our school that, in so many ways, is like a family for us all.

Near North students play in the play lot

Near North is committed to supporting families through this time with the goal of emerging as a stronger community. Providing scholarship funds has always been a priority for NNM, embracing diversity and inclusion as central tenets for our school. Without philanthropic support, attending Near North Montessori would not be a possibility for many families. This is truer now more than ever and funds raised through NNM Cares Fund will directly benefit our families who need extra support due to the financial hardships experienced due to COVID.

In addition to providing Tuition Assistance, the NNM Cares Fund will support the school’s effort to remain sustainable despite the unanticipated economic challenges. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, school leadership was able to implement a strong operating budget for the 2020-2021 academic year. Furthermore, the school raised $5.3M in philanthropic funds to build a brand-new Innovation Building that is currently being utilized as prepared environments for several cohorts. While the school remains in a strong financial position, like so many independent schools and non-profit institutions, the current situation leaves us anticipating an unexpected financial burden. Dollars raised will support NNM’s critical needs as we navigate this new normal.
 
What makes this community special is the genuine level of care we show for one another. NNM cares. We acknowledge that the impact of COVID has not been felt equally among our community. If you are in a position to donate, please do so and provide the critical financial support needed to ensure NNM will come through this crisis stronger than ever.

Unexpected Financial Implications

This is a critical year for fundraising as projected revenue has decreased significantly with the cancellation of extracurricular activities and camps, and expenses have skyrocketed with unbudgeted costs associated with ensuring our building is safe for faculty, staff and students and preparations for remote learning.

In order to maintain the safety of our community inside the building and provide a strong remote learning experience for our students, Near North has incurred many unforeseen expenses. These include but are not limited to adhering to health monitoring and cleaning/disinfecting protocols, hiring additional staff to implement health and safety protocols, providing personal protective equipment for all faculty, building modifications, improved ventilation and air purification systems, technological advances inside and outside of the classroom, and additional professional development and materials for teachers.

Near North front desk with Janice and a Near North Cares pin

While NNM entered the school year in a strong financial position, we want to be able to offer all of the things our families have come to love about Near North while mitigating our losses and supporting our community where support is needed.

Funds raised will support these investments and offset the projected revenue loss due to COVID-19.

To make a pledge to donate,
please send this form completed to giving@nnms.org