St. Mark's Episcopal School Annual Fund

The Annual Fund is a tax-deductible opportunity for trustees, parents, alumni, and friends to support the academics and learning environment of St. Mark’s School. By definition these funds are unrestricted and therefore can be directed to the area of greatest need. At St. Mark’s a gift to the Annual Fund is the most important gift we ask of each of our families. A strong annual giving program is essential to the long-term health of a school. It not only provides important annual resources to a school, but it reflects the level of commitment of its supporters.

Contributions can be directed to all areas of the school, as determined by the school’s Board of Trustees. A few of these areas include classroom materials, library resources, arts/athletics/music programs, faculty salaries, professional development, and technology updates.

While tuition is the primary revenue source for independent schools it does not cover the full expense to educate our children. Independent schools rely upon charitable gifts in order to bridge the funding gap between tuition income and operating expenses. Our annual fund lays the foundation for future growth and allows us to dream in ways that we otherwise could not. Also, a gift to the Annual Fund is tax deductible; tuition is not.

The Annual Fund campaign is necessary to support the additional financial requirements of our school. Income from our Annual Fund will:

• maintain and improve the quality of our instruction,

• enhance the educational enrichment we offer our students,

• allow us to continue our recruitment and retention of talented teachers, and

• give the St. Mark’s Board of Trustees more latitude in its effort to keep annual tuition increases to a minimum which enables St. Mark’s to reach a broader community, maximize enrollment, and build a diverse student population.

Participation in the St. Mark’s Annual Fund makes a significant difference in the life of the school and demonstrates confidence in a shared future. Your participation communicates commitment to and support of the academic programs of the school.

The amount that you give to the Annual Fund is your decision. In order to meet the financial goals and accomplish the objectives for the year, family participation is essential. Every contribution matters; we would rather receive a gift of any size than no gift at all

You are welcome to make your payment all at once or you can make a pledge to the Annual Fund, which is like making an “IOU.” When making a pledge, you can request to set up a payment schedule; this can be set up through credit card payment: one-time payment, monthly, or quarterly. Or you can request for reminders to be sent to you as well if you would prefer to pay by check. All pledges must be paid by the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2011) in order to receive credit for participation in this year’s Annual Fund. The Development Office is happy to assist you in setting up a pledge payment schedule. Making a pledge counts towards parent participation the same as making a gift (as long as the pledge payment is completed by the end of the fiscal year)

Yes. Other independent schools rely upon the allegiance and generosity of its constituents in order to advance their institutions. It is common for independent schools to rely upon annual giving in order to meet budgetary and operational goals.