Annual Fund
Why is it important to give to the annual fund?
The Annual Fund is the most important annual initiative, as tuition alone doesn't cover the full cost of educating each Saint David's student. The annual fund closes the gap between revenue from tuition and operating expenses. Money raised through the annual fund is spent in the same year, making it vital for Saint David's to meet its annual fund goal every year, which is $2.3 million in 2024-2025. The annual fund supports all program areas at the school, including signature programs like the Digital Universe Field Study, the Cold Spring Harbor DNA unit and the Guggenheim Museum art program.
Why doesn't tuition cover all of the school's operating expenses?
As is the model in most independent schools, annual giving at Saint David's supplements tuition paid. This allows the school to remain competitive and continue to offer rich programs and make all the necessary capital improvements in a given year.
Why is participation so important?
High participation in the annual fund is a strong indicator that our community supports and believes in the school's mission, and is an affirmation of all of the work that our teachers do to educate our boys. We have been fortunate to have a community of parents who consistently participate at exceptionally high levels. Saint David's consistently has strong parent participation in the annual fund. In 2023-2024, 95 percent of current parents participated, with 97 percent - 100 percent participating in previous years.
At what giving level should I participate?
There are several giving levels for annual fund participation. Parents should participate at the level they feel most comfortable, bearing in mind that all level gifts are very much appreciated.
Annual Fund Giving Levels
| Giving Level | Gift Amount |
|---|---|
| Orbis Magistri | $50,000+ |
| Patronus | $25,000 - $49,999 |
| Omnium Nobis | $15,000 - $24,999 |
| Amor Eruditionis | $10,000 - $14,999 |
| Traditio | $7,500-$9,999 |
| Ludus Literarum | $5,000-$7,499 |
| Civitas | $2,500-$4,999 |
| Familia | $1,000-$2,499 |
| Amicus | up to $999 |
Does my donation to the PA's Family Skating Party or Annual Benefit Auction cover my annual fund giving?
Funds raised by the Skating Party support the various committees of the Parents Association. Funds raised by the Benefit Auction support the school's overall operating budget. It is important that all families participate in the annual fund in order to cover the costs involved in educating our boys and running the school.
What is the class legacy gift and how does that fit in with annual giving?
It is customary for the eighth grade graduating class to give a legacy gift to the school. This is usually something that has special meaning either to the class or to the school at large, and can take the form of scholarships, endowments, or the purchase of needed or desired items. To simplify the giving process, donors can make a single donation, and indicate what portion should be allocated to the class legacy gift and the annual fund.