ANNUAL FUND
As the name implies, the Annual Fund is a campaign that is undertaken every year. All Annual Fund proceeds support the current operating budget and are applied directly toward operating expenses. Almost all aspects of teaching and learning depend on gifts to the Annual Fund.
Once a family has made the decision to seek an independent school education for their child, they may believe that the tuition charged by the school represents the actual cost of educating their child. For St. Thomas School, like most other independent schools, however, this is not the case. Based on the accumulated experience of many independent schools, it is estimated that tuition generally pays for about 80% of operational expenses. The remaining 20% must be paid for by contributions.
Tuition rates are set each year by the Board of Trustees, balancing the cost of the programs being offered, the affordability of the school for a broad range of families, and the willingness of the school community to supplement tuition with donations. Keeping tuition affordable leads to an inevitable shortfall between revenues generated and total expenses, and it is especially magnified in schools like ours where the emphasis is on genuine quality. This concept implies many things, including exceptional teachers, challenging programs, and significant learning opportunities. Paradoxically, genuine quality in education also implies small classes and the obvious restraint on income that this produces.
Tax-deductible contributions enable the school to maintain appropriate and competitive tuition levels. We ask all parents to make an annual gift because a high participation rate helps us raise money from foundations that support independent schools. No gift is too large, but neither is any gift too small. Actively participating in fund-raising efforts is a vital part of being a member of the St. Thomas School family.
The Annual Fund goal, determined each year before the start of the campaign, is normally in the range of 10 – 15% of the annual operating budget. If the Annual Fund surpasses its goal, surplus funds will be forwarded to the Annual Fund for the following year to ensure that the intent of the donors, to support current operations, is fulfilled.
The Annual Fund Committee spearheads the campaign. It comprises Co-Chairs (usually current parents) and parent class representatives; it may also have an Alumni Chair, Grandparents’ Chair, and Chair for Parents of Alumni. The Chair of the Development Committee serves as a link both to the Development Committee and to the Board of Trustees.
The Annual Fund kickoff takes place in early October. Appeals are sent to the entire St. Thomas family: staff, parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, friends, and foundations. Pledges are due by May 31. Donations are accepted throughout the fiscal year, which ends on June 30. Gifts of securities are gratefully received, as are corporate matching gifts. Please contact the Director of Development for detailed information concerning transfer of securities to the school.
A high rate of participation of the staff, Board of Trustees, and families is a primary goal of the Annual Fund, whatever the gift amount. Foundations and corporations look closely to Annual Fund participation as an indicator of loyalty and dedication within a school community. Because grant-makers favor schools that can demonstrate strong support from their constituents, the participation level is fundamental to the success of St. Thomas School’s fund-raising efforts.
More Information
If you are interested in learning more about the Annual Fund or are interested in making a gift, please contact the Development Office at 425.454.5880.