MAJOR GIFTS
St. Thomas School has three primary sources of revenue: tuition, contributions, and investment income, including income from endowments. Contributions must be sought each year and their value lasts only for a year, whereas an endowment gift is sought once only and benefits St. Thomas School programs in perpetuity.
Gifts designated by a donor for endowment are invested to provide income for annual operations. In anticipation of fluctuating market conditions over the long term, the STS Board of Trustees has adopted an endowment spending policy designed to protect the value of the original gift while honoring the donor’s instructions of how a portion of the investment income generated by the endowment should be used.
In many independent schools, a major gifts program is part of the fund-raising structure, especially in times when there is not an active capital campaign. A small group of volunteers work with the Head of School and development staff to identify potential donors and to secure gifts for well-defined funding objectives. Currently, this would include objectives articulated in the Strategic Plan: facilities development, endowment growth, establishing funds to fulfill initiatives of the Strategic Plan, and support for programmatic elements (e.g., the Early Learning Center, or a faculty “chair” for curriculum development, science, etc.).
At this time, St. Thomas School does not have a formal major gifts program. The Development Committee is studying the feasibility of initiating a major gifts program, probably after the conclusion of The Campaign for St. Thomas School. Campaign counsel may be retained to assist with its definition, description, and strategies.
Many independent school endowments have been formed with funds obtained from planned gifts, especially bequests. Donors can permanently restrict gifts of cash, securities, or appreciated property to any of the following endowment funds, listed in the order of the year of their founding. If you have questions about directing your gift to one of the existing funds, please contact us.
The Ronald L. Smallman Endowment for Financial Aid
Established in 1992 by the Board of Trustees in recognition of the twenty-two years that Mr. Smallman served our school as Headmaster and to perpetuate his belief that St. Thomas School should be made available to a broad spectrum of children. The income from this endowment is restricted for funding need-based financial aid. Financial aid grants are administered by the Finance Committee using data provided by the School and Student Services for Financial Aid in Princeton, New Jersey, or other such services that the Board may deem appropriate from time to time.
The Faculty Enrichment Endowment
Established in 1994 by an anonymous donor, income from this fund is restricted for use by St. Thomas faculty and staff to fund professional development opportunities, including, but not limited to, educational classes, workshops, conferences, or seminars, and including related staff costs. The Head of School must approve any request for these funds.
The John M. Fluke, Sr., Reading and Science Endowment
Established in 1995 by the Fluke family, income from this fund is restricted for the teaching of science and the teaching of phonetic reading, including related staff costs. The Head of School must approve any request for these funds.
The Humanities Endowment
Established in 1996 by Brad and Julie Duncan, income from this fund is restricted for the teaching of humanities, including, but not limited to, Latin and Greek as a field of study, literature, philosophy, fine arts, music, visual and performing arts, and including related staff costs. The Head of School must approve any request for these funds.
The Library/Media Resource Endowment
Established in 1998, income from this fund is restricted for the library program, including but not limited to library books and other resources, audio-visual/media equipment, automated library management systems, and other library related materials, furnishings, equipment, and including related staff costs. The Head of School must approve any request for these funds.
The Dorothie and Ernest Knoblauch Endowment for the Theatre Arts
Established in 1999 by Dorothie and Ernest Knoblauch, income from this fund is restricted for opportunities in theater arts and speech, including, but not limited to, training and education in theater arts and speech, bringing special teachers to the school, promoting individual performance, and providing scholarships for students and alumni in the theater arts, and including related staff costs. The Head of School must approve any request for these funds.
The Faculty Compensation Endowment
Established in 2003 by an anonymous donor, income from this fund is restricted to achieve and sustain levels of compensation (including salary, benefits, and other incentives as may become desirable) for the faculty, administration, and staff of St. Thomas School that are competitive with the best schools in the nation.
More Information
If you are interested in learning more about making a gift to St. Thomas School, please contact the Development Office at 425.454.5880.