About MBIS

Support MBIS

Honoring a Legacy. Building the Future.

For more than 70 years, Marist Brothers International School has been a place of opportunity, belonging, and hope. Your support strengthens our community and empowers every student to learn, grow, and thrive.

Why your support matters

At MBIS, every gift creates opportunities for students to learn, lead, and grow in a community grounded in compassion, service, and global citizenship. Your support strengthens our learning environment and ensures that a Marist education remains accessible to all families.

Through your support, we can:

  • Expand scholarships and financial aid
  • Strengthen community life and shared spaces
  • Complete our campus redevelopment with new arts and athletic facilities
  • Create inclusive opportunities for all learners

Our Story & Legacy

For more than seven decades, MBIS has served as a place of refuge, belonging, and global learning. From our founding in 1951 to our rapid recovery after the 1995 Hanshin Earthquake, our history is defined by resilience and community.

At MBIS, tradition and progress go hand-in-hand. We honor our past by preparing students for a changing future, grounded in kindness, curiosity, and courage.

  • 1951 – Founded in Higashi Suma
  • 1952 – Relocated to the current Suma campus
  • 1995 – Reopened in 5 weeks after the Great Hanshin Earthquake
  • 2022-2027 – Campus redevelopment

What your support Makes Possible

Connecting to
Opportunity

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Access to education transforms lives. Each year, MBIS must raise more than ¥70 million to ensure that financial circumstances never limit a young person’s potential.

Your support:

  • Expands access for families from diverse backgrounds
  • Sustains our Scholarship and Financial Aid Program
  • Builds a community where differences strengthen learning for all

Connecting with
Community

North Building & Shared Spaces

With your support, we can secure the future of the facilities that bring our community together every day. The North Building, home to the cafeteria, library, science labs, counseling, and STEM environments, was made possible through borrowing. Your contribution helps us repay this loan and sustain these essential spaces.

Your support ensures:

  • A strong foundation for generations to come
  • Continued access to modern learning environments
  • A vibrant, connected campus community

Connecting to
Our Future

Stage 3 Campus Redevelopment

Stage 3 is the most ambitious phase in our history. To complete this final stage, we aim to raise ¥2.1 billion to build:

  • Performing & Visual Arts Facilities: Music, Drama, Dance, Visual arts, Performances, Productions, and Exhibitions
  • Athletics, PE & Health Facilities: Physical education, Team sports, Fitness and wellbeing, Community events, and Bulldogs spirit

When complete, these facilities will transform student life and strengthen our mission for decades to come.

The Power of Philanthropy

Philanthropy has shaped MBIS since its earliest days. Generosity from families, alumni, and friends has allowed us to rebuild, expand, and innovate.

Your support joins a legacy that includes:

  • Rebounding from the 1995 earthquake in five weeks
  • Constructing the West, North, and Central Buildings
  • Enhancing our turf field, technology, and community spaces

Every gift, large or small, helps ensure that MBIS continues to be a place of belonging and excellence.

MBIS Annual Fund

4 Ways to Make a Difference

The Annual Fund invites every member of the Marist community – parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty, and friends – to support the school in ways that are immediate, impactful, and personal.

These 4 giving pathways reflect the heart of our mission and offer donors of all levels the chance to shape the Marist experience today and for the future.

Connecting to Opportunity Fund

Small Gifts, Big Impact: Opening Doors for Students

Purpose

Support scholarships and financial aid that ensure every deserving student can access a Marist education.

Why it matters annually:

Even modest gifts sustain the diversity and vibrancy of our student body. These funds go directly to need-based assistance and enrichment experiences.

Examples of donor impact (small-gift levels):

  • ¥10,000 helps provide learning resources for a scholarship student.
  • ¥25,000 Supports transportation and activity fees so all students can participate fully.
  • ¥50,000 Contributes to partial tuition assistance that keeps talented students at MBIS.
  • ¥100,000 Supports global learning experiences (competitions, conferences, service trips).

Annual Fund message:

Your gift connects a child to opportunity – and opportunity changes lives.

Connecting with Community Fund

Strengthening the Heart of Our School

Purpose

Sustain the beautiful shared spaces – our library, cafeteria, STEM labs, student services areas, and collaborative learning areas.

Why it matters annually:

Even modest gifts sustain the diversity and vibrancy of our student body. These funds go directly to need-based assistance and enrichment experiences.

Examples of donor impact:

  • ¥5,000 Contributes to resources and technology upgrades.
  • ¥15,000 Supports maintenance of student-friendly cafeteria and common spaces.
  • ¥30,000 Helps cover STEM developments
  • ¥50,000 Supports loan repayment and capital reserve replenishment to secure financial stability.

Annual Fund message:

Your gift keeps our shared spaces thriving – places where students connect, collaborate, and belong.

Connecting to Our Future Fund

Fueling the Arts, Athletics, and Student Life -Today

Purpose

Strengthen arts, athletics, physical education, and cultural programs

Why it matters annually:

While Stage 3 is a major capital effort, the Annual Fund can immediately enhance the student experience through programming, equipment, performance opportunities, and coaching.

Examples of donor impact:

  • ¥5,000 Art supplies, music scores, props, or sports equipment.
  • ¥20,000 Supports student performances, exhibitions, festivals, or tournament travel.
  • ¥30,000 Enhances training equipment, instruments, or stage technology.
  • ¥100,000 Helps prepare for the new arts and athletic facilities by improving programs now.

Annual Fund message:

Your gift keeps our shared spaces thriving – places where students connect, collaborate, and belong.

Building Toward Tomorrow Fund

Protecting the School’s Long-Term Strength

Purpose

Replenish capital reserves and prepare for the final phase of campus redevelopment.

Why it matters annually:

While Stage 3 is a major capital effort, the Annual Fund can immediately enhance the student experience through programming, equipment, performance opportunities, and coaching.

Examples of donor impact:

  • ¥5,000 Supports essential campus maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
  • ¥10,000 Contributes to sustainability, safety, and accessibility improvements.
  • ¥25,000 Helps rebuild reserves to prepare for Stage 3 and future needs.
  • ¥50,000+ Plays a meaningful role in supporting long-term campus transformation.

Ways to Give

We offer multiple giving options to support MBIS:

  • Online Giving: Simple, secure online gift
  • Bank Transfer: Instructions provided after submission
  • Recurring Giving: Support MBIS monthly
  • Corporate Giving: Learn about CCP benefits
  • Legacy Giving: Future planning
  • Tribute Giving: Honor a teacher, student, or family

Note:
For assistance or additional options, please contact us anytime to Amy Kamibeppu, Marketing and Development Officer, [email protected]

Information for Donors Filing Taxes in Japan

For tax-deductible giving and corporate donations, see Information for Donors Filing Taxes in Japan below:

MBIS Fundraising FAQs:

Annual Giving

Why does Marist have an Annual Fund?

Like all non-profit international schools, Marist Brothers International School (MBIS) relies on multiple revenue sources to sustain and grow. Tuition and fees cover approximately 95% of the cost of an MBIS education. The Annual Fund bridges this gap, ensuring that the school continues to deliver an exceptional educational experience while keeping tuition increases reasonable.

Your gifts to the Annual Fund directly support the Mission and Student Learning by helping MBIS:

  • Supports our Scholarship and Tuition Fee Assistance Program, which ensures access to a Marist education for a diverse range of students.
  • Develop and expand academic, arts, athletics, and service learning programs.
  • Maintain and enhance school facilities and infrastructure..

Everyone in the MBIS community is encouraged to participate – parents, alumni, faculty, staff, Board members, and friends of the school. We are also grateful for contributions from corporations and government partners.

Yes. Donors may choose from three core areas aligned to our strategic and physical development priorities:

  1. Connecting to Opportunity – supports scholarships and tuition assistance. Each year, scholarships and tuition assistance exceed 70 million JPY, covering academic, sibling, alumni, missionary, and diversity awards.
  2. Connecting with Community – supports recent campus enhancements, including the West and North Buildings (Stages 1 and 2 of the Campus Redevelopment Project).
  3. Connecting to Our Future – supports Stage 3 of the Campus Redevelopment Project: a new facility for the performing and visual arts, athletics, health, and administration.
Why not raise tuition instead of having an Annual Fund?

The Annual Fund allows MBIS to maintain financial stability without overburdening families. Tuition adjustments reflect inflation and program enhancements, but cannot fully fund major strategic and facility needs. Every contribution, no matter the amount, strengthens our community and demonstrates collective commitment to the school’s Mission and future.

Gifts are gratefully received at any time during the school year.

You can donate:

  • Online using our secure credit card form (in Japanese Yen).
  • By bank transfer to the MBIS designated account.

All gifts receive an official receipt for your records. Contributions are used immediately to benefit students and teachers.

Every gift matters. We encourage donors to consider a level that feels meaningful to their family. All contributions are recognized annually in the MBIS Board Report, and leadership-level gifts receive special acknowledgment from the Head of School and Board of Directors.

MBIS Fundraising FAQs:

Capital Giving

Who can make a capital contribution?
Like all non-profit international schools, Marist Brothers International School (MBIS) relies on multiple revenue sources to sustain and grow. Tuition and fees cover approximately 95% of the cost of an MBIS education. The Annual Fund bridges this gap, ensuring that the school continues to deliver an exceptional educational experience while keeping tuition increases reasonable. Your gifts to the Annual Fund directly support the Mission and Student Learning by helping MBIS:
  • Supports our Scholarship and Tuition Fee Assistance Program, which ensures access to a Marist education for a diverse range of students.
  • Develop and expand academic, arts, athletics, and service learning programs.
  • Maintain and enhance school facilities and infrastructure..

Capital gifts are typically made through bank transfer, but other options may be available.

Before making a capital commitment, please contact:
Amy Kamibeppu, Development Officer:
[email protected]

She will provide details, including gift documentation and recognition opportunities.

MBIS follows international best practices in donor stewardship and transparency. For every capital gift, donors receive a formal Gift Agreement signed by both the donor and the Head of School. This document outlines:

  • The specific project or purpose of the gift.
  • The anticipated timeline for use.
  • Recognition and reporting arrangements.

This ensures that every yen given is used exactly as intended – and that donors can see the lasting impact of their generosity.

MBIS Fundraising FAQs:

General Giving Questions

Is my gift tax-deductible?
Currently, MBIS is recognized as a non-profit educational institution under Japanese law. Tax deductibility may depend on your country of residence and individual circumstances. Please consult your tax advisor for details.
Yes. MBIS welcomes multi-year commitments and recurring gifts, which allow donors to maximize their impact and help the school plan more effectively for the future.
All donors are acknowledged annually in the Board Report and at select school events. Major gifts and legacy contributions may also be recognized through naming opportunities, plaques, or commemorative features, according to the donor’s wishes.
Can I make a gift in honor or memory of someone?
Yes. Gifts made in honor or memory of a loved one are a meaningful way to celebrate their connection to Marist. The school will acknowledge such gifts appropriately and may provide opportunities for lasting recognition.

For all philanthropic and partnership inquiries, please contact:

Amy Kamibeppu
Development Officer, Marist Brothers International School
[email protected]

Join us

Together, we are shaping gentle hearts and strong minds.

Your generosity creates opportunities, strengthens our community, and helps build the future of MBIS.

Thank you for being part of our story.

Contact: Amy Kamibeppu, Marketing and Development Officer ([email protected])