But part of the bargain and the attraction is American tax law, which allows most gifts to pass tax free. Obviously, the higher the tax bracket, the bigger the savings. So it can be argued that the stability of America's social system depends in part on massive charitable giving by accomplishing the transfer of wealth, the provision of public services, and a tendency toward less invasive government. But they surely perform a public service. The more money they raise, the greater the service, not only from structural improvements, but because a much larger socio-economic segment of society can attend.
Schools are particularly fortunate.
They may accept fees tax free to them, and they may accept gifts tax free to the donor. But as both costs and consumer expectations rise, tuition is clearly not enough. No independent school can any longer ignore the fund raising imperative, nor the careful recruitment and cultivation of those who by law and tradition bear the major responsibility for attracting donations, namely, our trustees. That we are blessed with so many who care so deeply about our schools and are willing to do this work is, indeed, a continuing revelation. We must never forget them.