How are New Hampshire charter schools funded?

Charter schools are public schools. In New Hampshire, state-authorized charter schools are funded directly by the state, but must also rely on private donations and fundraising efforts to cover operational costs.. When a child attends a charter school, the state portion of adequacy aid (about $4,100 FY23) is sent directly to the charter school. Local taxpayer dollars remain in the district and do not forward to the charter school. The state legislature provides charter schools with an additional $4,900 per pupil. At approximately $9000 total per pupil, this is considerably less than the statewide average cost of $20,000+ per student. (RSA 194-B:11 I.(b)(1)(A)). Both adequacy aid and the additional charter school grant will increase by 2% each year, under current state law.  

Source: NH Alliance for Public Charter Schools, 2023

How much does Northeast Woodland need to fundraise?

Our school invests deeply in its students, not only in academics, but also through our highly respected and sought after arts and outdoor education programs, all guided by our commitment to Waldorf philosophy. As a New Hampshire public charter school, we must, and do, run a tight budget. The money we raise through our annual fund events all goes directly towards operating costs including teacher salaries, high-quality supplies, and curriculum materials. 

For the 2025-26 school year, the amount we need to raise is $265,000, which is approximately $1500 per student. The pie chart below shows the breakdown of the sources for this funding. Northeast Woodland provides opportunities for all families and community supporters to help us achieve our annual fundraising goals, regardless of their financial status.

What is the Evergreen Fund?

The Evergreen Fund: Like the steadfast trees that surround us, The Evergreen Fund is rooted in the strength and sustainability of our beloved school. This fund supports the heart of Northeast Woodland —our teachers, classrooms, programs, supplies, and the vibrant learning environment we nurture every day. Annually, our goal is two-fold: 

1. Reach the annual monetary target by the end of our fiscal year, June 30th. For the 2025-26 school year, this goal is $50,000. Donations may be one-time only or some people find it easier to give a larger total gift by making 12 small recurrent monthly contributions.. We highly encourage families and friends of Northeast Woodland to set up an automatic monthly gift that works for them. Click the ‘Donate Today’ button above to make your gift and share the link below with family and friends: https://northeastwoodland.networkforgood.com/projects/256239-the-evergreen-fund-2025-26

2. 100% participation by our families. Every gift matters—whether it’s $1, $10, $100, or $1,000. When everyone contributes, we can access additional grants and funding opportunities. 

What other ways does Northeast Woodland fundraise?

Silent Auction, Calendar Raffle, & NH Gives: Our silent auction takes place each year online in November. Be on the lookout for donation forms and other ways to help in early fall. In 2025, we introduced a successful March raffle calendar. Calendars will go home in February for students and families to sell. NH Gives, also online, is the last fundraiser of our fiscal year, taking place in June.

How else can I help Northeast Woodland close the annual funding gap?

• Be a volunteer substitute. 

• Volunteer to help with “handyperson” items for our building and grounds.

• Volunteer your time to run an after school activity/club, help with the ESSC ski program, assist with Outdoor Education trips, or support reading groups.    

• Join the PTO and/or Fundraising Committee and help with our annual tasks, events, and grant work.

• Participate in and promote the auction, calendar raffle, and NH Gives. 

• Help advocate for legislation that promotes adequate funding for NH charter schools.

Volunteer paperwork is available at the school, or you can email businessoffice@northeastwoodland.org anytime to get these forms and get involved. Background checks and training are required for some of these activities, so please don’t delay in reaching out. 

What are the Class Fundraisers, and what are they for?

Separate from the fundraising for our annual operating expenses, each class needs to fundraise on a much smaller scale to support their big trips in fourth and eighth grade. As part of making all activities accessible to all students, the school is committed to fully covering the fees associated with any of our trips. These fundraisers help make this possible. These activities are organized and run by the class parents and range from annual wreath sales to running pizza Fridays.