Questions and Answers

What is Scrip?

Scrip is a term that means, "Substitute money". When you purchase scrip, you’re purchasing negotiable gift certificates that are used just like cash. The national and local retailers issue the scrip where you already shop. These merchants want to support non-profit organizations, and in return ask you to support them by shopping with scrip at their stores. NWCS families can use scrip to purchase everyday expenses like food, clothing, and other essentials, and with every purchase, they earn revenue for NWCS .

Why is NWCS offering Scrip?

Scrip supports and promotes socioeconomic diversity in our community in two important ways.  First, the program provides a way for NWCS to defray some of the expenses of operating the Northwest Chinese School budget. Second, it provides a way for families to contribute and establish a Financial Aid Fund and eliminating tuition increase, at their discretion, that does not require additional out-of-pocket expense.

Is the program just like other fundraiser?

The answer is “no”, for two reasons. While the program does raise funds,  it also provides direct benefits to participating families to eliminating operating budget increase,( Could possible impact school tuition), generated by Scrip comes from OUTSIDE the community (from participating merchants) rather than from within our community. There are no additional out-of-pocket expenses to Scrip buyers: you pay for exactly what you purchase, but with the added benefit of a percentage return to the school’s Scrip program.

How does buying scrip benefit participating families and Overlake?

Scrip is purchased through the school’s program from participating merchants at a discount. (The benefit to the merchant is guaranteed, prepaid revenue.)

The amount of the discount varies by merchant but is generally between 5-10%. The merchant pays the dollars represented by this discount to the NWCS Scrip program. For example, if a family buys $100 from a merchant offering a 10% discount, this purchase would generate $10 paid by the merchant to the NWCS Scrip program.

Using this example, in NWCS’s Scrip program, half (or $5) would go to the Scrip Program fund.                                 

How do I buy Scrip?

To buy Scrip, you may pick up a packet in school, or download the necessary forms from the NWCS website: www.nwchinese.org

When placing your first order, you will need to return completed Scrip Order Form. Payment must accompany the order and may be made by check. Checks should be made payable to The Northwest Chinese School.

The schedule of order dates is included in this packet and is also available for download on the web site. Completed orders should be submitted to school by 4:30pm on the order dates. Orders may be picked up from 9:00am to 10:45am on the delivery dates.

How will I see the benefits of buying Scrip? 

Families chose to participating this program will help school to eliminating tuition increase due to inflation. It also helps school to establish a Financial Aid Fund to assist needy family within our school community.

If these answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” don’t answer your concerns, please contact Yindi Boettcher (425-427-9237) with any further questions regarding the Scrip program at Northwest Chinese School .