Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does the association support Gymnasium Neufreimann in Munich?

We finance projects that go beyond the regular school budget. We orient ourselves to the specific needs of the school.

How do the parent council and the support association work together to support the school?

The support association is neutral and supports specific, larger projects through financial means. The parent council is the active representation of parents' interests and organizes festivals, school events and smaller actions for its ongoing financing. Further information about the duties of the parent council can be found at the Bavarian Ministry of Education. Close coordination between the gymnasium, parent council and support association is always ensured.

How do I support Gymnasium Neufreimann in Munich by joining the support association?

As a member of the support association, you help finance educational projects, learning materials, excursions and improvements to the learning environment. Your membership fees flow directly into supporting concrete projects for our students.

How can I become a member of the association?

You can become a member by filling out the membership application and sending it signed to the secretariat of Gymnasium Neufreimann or submitting it on-site. After reviewing your application, you will receive confirmation of your admission.

Why should I become a member right when my child starts school?

Starting 5th grade marks a new chapter for your child – full of new impressions, encounters, and challenges. The support association accompanies this development and helps the school create additional opportunities beyond the regular curriculum. With your membership, you contribute from the very beginning to shaping this shared growth – and help step by step to develop a vibrant and supportive school environment.

Can I wait and join later?

Of course, you can also become a member later. However, many parents choose to support the school right from the start to contribute to its development from the beginning.

Is membership mandatory?

No. Membership in the support association is entirely voluntary. A membership or donation has no influence whatsoever on school admission or academic decisions. We welcome any support, regardless of whether you wish to contribute financially or actively.

Are there special requirements to become a member of the association?

In principle, any adult natural person or legal entity that supports the association's objectives may become a member of the association. Exclusion criteria are defined in §5 d & e of our statute - these include membership in extremist movements as well as relevant entries in the extended certificate of good conduct according to SGB VIII § 72a.

What membership variants are available?

We offer three membership variants:

• Regular members (individuals): €25 annually with voting rights
• Regular members (companies): €120 annually with voting rights
• Supporting members: €150 annually without voting rights, but with enhanced financial support

What is the actual monthly contribution?

The annual fee for regular members is €25, which amounts to approximately €2 per month.

What is the difference between a regular member and a supporting member?

Regular members have voting rights in the member assembly and can actively participate in association life. Supporting members support us primarily financially but waive voting rights. Details can be found in §5 of our statute.

Does my own child directly benefit from my membership?

The support association funds projects for the entire school community. Many offerings – such as extracurricular clubs, additional materials, or events – also benefit your child. Our work strengthens the school as a whole and creates additional opportunities beyond the regular curriculum.

Can I cancel my membership at any time?

Yes, you can cancel your membership at any time at the end of a fiscal year. The cancellation must be directed to the board in writing or electronically. The annual fee paid for the current year will not be refunded.

When are membership fees due?

Annual fees are due on January 1st for the entire year in advance. New members also pay the full fee for the proportional first year.

Can I pay the membership fee by direct debit?

Yes, we recommend and prefer granting a SEPA direct debit mandate for convenient and secure payment.

Can I simply donate money to the association?

Yes, gladly! Donations are welcome at any time and can be made via bank transfer, PayPal or with our Girocode QR code. Every amount helps with the implementation of our projects.

How can I donate money?

You can donate via bank transfer (IBAN: DE08 4306 0967 1358 5010 00), PayPal or with our Girocode QR code. All information can be found in the donation section on our website.

Can I make earmarked donations?

Yes, you can dedicate your donation to specific projects or areas. These must be approved in advance by the association. Simply let us know when making the transfer.

Is the association recognized as non-profit?

Yes, the Support Association of Gymnasium Neufreimann e.V. is recognized as a non-profit association. Donations and membership fees are therefore tax-deductible.

Can I deduct a donation from my taxes?

Yes, as a non-profit association, all donations and membership fees are tax-deductible. We issue corresponding donation receipts.

Is a donation receipt always required?

For donations up to €300, the bank transfer confirmation or bank statement is sufficient as proof. For higher amounts, you need an official donation receipt.

How do I receive a donation receipt?

For donations over €300, we automatically send you a donation receipt at the beginning of the following year, provided we have your address. If needed, you can also request the donation receipt directly from us.

Can I support the association without making a direct donation?

Yes. You can also support the association by shopping online via partner platforms such as Gooding or Bildungsspender. A small percentage of your purchase value is forwarded to the association without changing the purchase price for you. More information can be found under "Other Ways to Support".

Are there additional costs for me when shopping online?

No. The purchase price remains unchanged. The association only receives the commission allocated by the respective platform. No personal shopping data is shared with the association.

What is employer matching and how does it work?

Some companies support their employees' charitable engagement through so-called matching programs. The employer supplements or doubles a private donation to a non-profit organization. Such programs can be administered via platforms like Benevity or YourCause or may exist as internal corporate policies. Please check with your employer about available options.

Can my company set up its own donation or matching program?

Yes. Companies can voluntarily introduce their own matching or internal donation programs to promote their employees' social engagement. The specific design is at the discretion of the respective company. If needed, we are happy to provide the necessary association details.

How do I find out which projects the support association currently supports?

Current projects and funding measures are published on our website.

Can I submit project proposals as a member?

Yes, members can submit funding applications for projects. These are reviewed by the board and, if suitable, proposed to the school and implemented.

Who decides on the projects?

The board decides on funding applications based on the statute and in close coordination with the school administration.

Do I have to actively participate?

No. Active involvement in the support association is not mandatory. Many parents support our work solely through their membership fee or a donation. If you would like to get involved beyond that, we would of course be delighted. Independently of this, the parent council also offers many opportunities to actively participate in school life – for example by helping to organize school festivals and events.

Are there regular member assemblies?

Yes, the General Assembly is held once a year. All regular members are invited in writing in a timely manner.

Does the support association also support individual students?

The support association primarily funds projects for the entire school community. In special cases, support for individual students may be provided within the framework of the association's statutory provisions.

How transparently does the support association work?

We publish an annual activity and financial report. Our work is controlled by elected auditors.

Who can submit a funding application?

Funding applications can be submitted by the school administration, teachers, subject departments, and – in coordination with the school administration – by other school bodies (e.g., the student council). Parents and students may also submit an application. In these cases, the application should be coordinated with a teacher or the school administration in advance. Independently of the support association, there may be additional school funding options for supporting individual students through the gymnasium. These should be explored first. The support association generally provides funding on a subsidiary and complementary basis within its statutory possibilities.

Which projects are generally eligible for funding?

Projects, measures, and acquisitions that correspond to the statutory purpose of the support association are eligible for funding. These include in particular:

• additional learning and teaching materials
• extracurricular activity and project support
• STEM, cultural, and prevention projects
• events with a school connection
• measures to promote the school community

Does the application need to be coordinated with the school administration?

Yes. Every funding application should be coordinated with the school administration before submission. An application is considered complete when the signed application form is submitted with the support of the school administration. In justified exceptional cases, submission without prior coordination with the school administration is also possible. The reasons for this should be clearly stated in the application. The board decides on a case-by-case basis in such situations.

How does the application process work?

1. Fill out the funding application online or use the PDF form 2. Coordinate with the school administration 3. Print and sign the application 4. Submit to the support association After receipt, we review the application for completeness and eligibility.

How long does the decision on an application take?

For a complete funding application with the support of the school administration (signature on the application form), the decision is usually made within one week, but no later than within two weeks. If there are queries or additional clarification is needed, the decision period may be extended accordingly.

What criteria does the Board apply when reviewing an application?

The board reviews applications particularly with regard to: - conformity with the statute - pedagogical added value - benefit for the school community - reasonableness of costs - available funds of the association The board decides within the scope of its authority according to the statute.

When may the project be started?

A project should generally only be started after the funding has been approved. In justified exceptional cases, prior coordination with the board is possible.

How are the funds disbursed?

Depending on the application and purpose, the disbursement is made: - to the gymnasium's account - to another school-designated account - or through direct procurement by the support association The specific handling is determined in the funding approval.

Do receipts need to be submitted?

Yes. After completion of the project, complete receipts must be submitted. The use of funds must be documented in a traceable manner. This is a prerequisite for proper accounting and the non-profit status of the association.

What should be considered for material acquisitions?

For applications for material acquisitions, the specific item should be clearly identified (e.g., manufacturer, model, version). Additionally, it should be stated: - whether and which cheaper alternatives were examined, - for what reasons a cheaper option should not be procured, - and whether it is a standardized or specific product. If it is not a standardized school procurement, a specific link to the intended source or a comparable offer should be attached where possible. In suitable cases, the support association may also carry out the procurement jointly with the applicant or directly.

Who owns items procured by the support association?

Items directly procured by the support association are generally transferred to Gymnasium Neufreimann via a handover certificate. Ownership and permanent use thus pass to the school. The items are to be used for their intended purpose in the school context.

Can funding be applied for partially?

Yes. The support association can fund projects in full or in part. Co-financing by other bodies is possible and should be transparently stated in the application.

What happens if an application is rejected?

If an application cannot be approved, we will inform you of the reasons. If applicable, the application can be revised and resubmitted.

Is there a maximum funding amount?

There is no fixed upper limit. The funding amount depends on the project scope, budget situation, and statutory purpose. For larger projects, early coordination with the board is recommended.

I have questions. Who can I contact?

For questions, you can contact us at any time via email at vorstand@foerderverein-gymnf.de.

What is the postal address of the association?