Honoring a Legacy.
Building the Future.
Since 1951, Marist Brothers International School has been a place of belonging, resilience, and opportunity. Your generosity helps every student learn, grow, and thrive.
Our Story & Legacy
A Community Built on Care, Courage, and Connection
MBIS opened its doors in 1951 with a mission inspired by Saint Marcellin Champagnat: to love young people and help each one flourish. From our earliest days on the slopes of Suma to our campus today, the school has grown through the strength of community.
That spirit was most visible in 1995, when the Great Hanshin Earthquake struck. Despite severe damage, MBIS reopened within five weeks through collective effort and generosity–a resilience that continues to guide us today.
MBIS Founded
1951
Marist values
Global learning
community
75 years
of impact
Why Support MBIS Today
Growing with Purpose
More families than ever are choosing MBIS for its strong academics, global outlook, and sense of belonging. With this growth comes responsibility–to ensure our campus, programs, and financial foundations continue to serve students well, now and into the future.
View how your support helps us:
“Philanthropy has always made the Marist mission possible. Generosity from families, alumni, and friends has allowed MBIS to rebuild, expand, and innovate–ensuring the school remains strong for generations to come.”
– MBIS Leadership
The MBIS Annual Fund
Ways to Make a Difference
The MBIS Annual Fund invites every member of our community–parents, alumni, faculty, organizations, and friends–to support the school in ways that are immediate, meaningful, and personal.
These two giving pathways reflect the heart of our mission and allow donors at every level to see the impact of their generosity.
Connecting to Opportunity Fund
Opening Doors for Students and Families
The Connecting to Opportunity Fund ensures that a Marist education remains accessible to students who demonstrate promise, commitment, and need.
View supported scholarships
This fund creates and supports:
- Alumni Scholarships
- Missionary Scholarships
- Academic Scholarships
- Family and sibling tuition assistance
These forms of support reflect our Marist values of equity, care, and partnership by honoring alumni legacy, supporting families serving others, recognizing academic excellence, and assisting families with multiple children at MBIS.
Connecting with Community Fund
Strengthening Learning, Wellbeing, and Belonging
View supported programs
Gifts to this fund strengthen essential programs such as:
- English as an Additional Language (EAL)
- Learning Support Services
- Science and Technology Resources
- The Extended Day Program
- Athletics Program
These programs ensure every student is supported academically, socially, and physically, and that learning continues well beyond the classroom.
Contributions help MBIS respond to diverse learning needs, invest in innovation, and maintain a safe, enriching environment–without passing additional costs on to families.
When our community believes, supports, and gives,
every student benefits.
Connecting to Our Future Fund
Campus Redevelopment
This is the most ambitious phase in our school history. To complete the final stage of campus redevelopment, we aim to create purpose-built facilities for the performing and visual arts, athletics, physical education, and health.
Gifts to Connecting to Our Future Fund are made through a separate major gifts pathway.
Join Us in Nurturing the Next Generation
By supporting our mission, you ensure that we continue to honor our legacy while building a brighter future.
Together, we can create world-class facilities, expand access through scholarships, and empower students to shape a better tomorrow.
Support MBIS Today
General Giving Questions
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Donations made to Marist Brothers International School (MBIS) for the construction and improvement of school buildings and facilities are considered contributions to a Certified Public Interest Promotion Corporation and therefore qualify for tax incentives.
Individuals who make such donations may claim either an income deduction or a tax credit through their annual tax return.
There are two deduction methods to choose from:
- Income Deduction: The portion of your donation exceeding 2,000 yen will be deducted from your taxable income.
- Tax Credit: 40% of the portion of your donation exceeding 2,000 yen will be directly deducted from your tax liability (subject to certain limits).
For all donations received, the school will issue a Donation Receipt Certificate, which is required for tax filing.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Amy Kamibeppu, Marketing & Development Officer, [email protected]
Can I make a recurring or multi-year pledge?
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.
How does MBIS recognize donors?
MBIS is grateful for every gift and recognizes donors in ways that reflect the nature and purpose of their contribution.
- Annual Fund donors are acknowledged annually in the MBIS Board Report and and via our Support MBIS website.
- Capital and major gift donors may be recognized through naming opportunities, donor walls, plaques, or other forms of acknowledgment, based on the donor’s wishes and the scope of the gift.
Recognition preferences, including anonymity, are always respected.
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.
Who can I contact to discuss giving opportunities?
For all philanthropic and partnership inquiries, please contact:
Amy Kamibeppu
Development Officer, Marist Brothers International School
[email protected]
Can donors in the United States make tax-deductible contributions?
Donors residing in the United States can make tax-deductible contributions through the Marist Brothers Development Office in the U.S., which will then be directed to Marist Brothers International School in Kobe.
If you would like to contribute, checks can be made payable to Marist Brothers and mailed to the address below. Please note that the donation is intended for Marist Brothers International School, Kobe:
Marist Brothers Development Office
4200 SW 115th Street
Chicago, IL 60655
USA
Their Development Office will provide donors with a letter acknowledging the charitable gift for U.S. tax deduction purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 a substantial portion of the cost of an MBIS education. The Annual Fund ensures 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.
Who gives to the Annual Fund?
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.
Can I choose what my gift supports?
Yes. Donors may choose from three core areas aligned to our strategic and physical development priorities:
- Connecting to Opportunity
- Connecting with Community
Donors interested in supporting major campus redevelopment projects are invited to explore capital giving through the Connecting to Our Future Fund.
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.
How and when should I make a gift?
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.
How much should I give?
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.
Marist Brothers International School
is a registered nonprofit organization.
Your generosity directly supports students, programs, and the future of MBIS.