Major Gifts, Endowments, & Planned Giving
Major Gifts
In many independent schools, a major gifts program is part of the fundraising 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, including those 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.).
If you are interested in making a major gift to St. Thomas School, or would like more information on gift ideas or naming opportunities, please contact the Development Office or call 425.454.5880.
Endowments
St. Thomas School has three primary sources of revenue: tuition, contributions, and investment income. Contributions, or gifts to the School, come in the form of the Annual Fund, fundraising events, the Campaign/Partnership Initiative, and endowed giving. Endowed gifts benefit St. Thomas School students for generations.
Gifts to an endowment are restricted for specific purposes. Through careful fiscal management, only the interest earned on these invested funds are available to the School each year, thereby preserving the corpus in perpetuity and ensuring that the donors’ original intentions are honored.
If you are interested in learning more about making an endowed gift to St. Thomas School, or to contribute to the following established endowments, please contact the Development Office or call 425.454.5880.
The Ronald L. Smallman Endowment for Financial Aid
Established in 1992 by the Board of Trustees, this fund was created in recognition of the twenty-two years 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.
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 and seminars, and related staff costs.
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 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 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 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 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.
Planned Giving
We appreciate your interest in making a planned gift to St. Thomas School. Your estate gift will help to provide opportunities for St. Thomas School students for generations to come. Please contact Catherine Blundell or call 425.454.5880 to discuss opportunities for planned giving at St. Thomas School, and be sure to consult your financial advisor. If you choose to include St. Thomas School in your plans, please use our legal name and federal Tax ID: St. Thomas School, 91-0840110.