The annual fund is a campaign undertaken every year to support current operations. Almost all aspects of teaching and learning depend on gifts to the annual fund, including faculty and staff salaries and professional development, student financial aid, classroom materials, library books, and facilities maintenance.
The annual fund committee spearheads the campaign, and is comprised of co-chairs and parent classroom representatives. The annual fund kickoff takes place in the fall and appeals are sent to the St. Thomas School community. Pledges are due by December 31 each year. Gifts and pledge payments are due by June 30. There are many ways to give, from online giving to gifts of stock.
A high rate of participation from the Board of Trustees, staff, and families is a primary goal of the annual fund. Foundations and corporations look closely to annual fund participation as an indicator of loyalty and dedication within a school community.
Giving Levels
$50,000 and above | Order of the Acorn | |
$25,000 - $49,999 | 1951 Founders Society | |
$15,000 - $24,999 | Head of School’s Circle | |
$10,000 - $14,999 | Esteemed Patrons | |
$5,000 - $ 9,999 | Grand Benefactors | |
$2,500 - $4,999 | Steadfast Supporters | |
$1,000 - $2,499 | Dedicated Donors | |
Up to $1,000 | Friends |
More Information
If you are interested in learning more about Annual Fundfirst, or are interested in making a gift, please see our annual fund FAQs below, contact the Development Office, or call 425.454.5880.
Timing Year-End Gifts
A gift’s delivery date determines the year of deduction for income tax purposes: if you are mailing your gift, it must be postmarked by midnight on December 31 of the year for which you'd like to claim the deduction. To be sure your gifts are processed in a timely manner, contact a professional tax advisor to discuss the full range of year-end giving options.
Gifts of Stock
If you make a gift of stock, the date of the gift (when you lose ownership of the asset) is typically the date we receive the stock electronically. When making an end-of-year gift of stock, be careful to allow ample time for your instructions to be fulfilled. Only gifts made within a calendar year are deductible for that tax year. Please contact the Development Office for stock transfer instructions.
Annual Fund FAQs
- What is Annual Fundfirst, and why do we need it?
- How much should I give?
- How big does my gift need to be in order to help?
- I want to contribute, but I can’t pay for it all right away. Can I pledge or pay in installments?
- I've heard about matching funds—how does that work?
- How will I be recognized for my gift? Can my gift be anonymous?
- Whom should I contact for more information?