Q. What is the Annual Fund and where does the money raised go?
Each year parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, alumni, corporations, foundations and friends give generously to the St. Edward-Epiphany Catholic School Annual Fund for Excellence. The mission of the Annual Fund is to help SEES provide a transformative educational experience for our students while limiting our reliance on tuition. The Annual Fund has a significant qualitative effect on the school and its programs by providing unrestricted, immediate support of our operating budget. Gifts to the Annual Fund are used in the current school year and provide a direct investment in:
- Professional Development for Teachers – SEES teachers and academic leaders search for ways to make each student’s learning experience better. Teachers know that when they expand their knowledge or learn new techniques it directly impacts a child’s classroom experience.
- Technology – Technology is integrated into every aspect of the curriculum and is a critical component of our hands-on, project approach to learning. Gifts to the Annual Fund support maintaining current technology whether that is iPads, access to databases and software, or science equipment that provides students with the tools to become problem solvers in our global society.
- Indexed Tuition – SEES is committed to making this exceptional education possible for families who may not be able to afford the full cost associated with a SEES School education. With support from the Annual Fund, we are able to provide this education opportunity to a wider range of students, creating an enriched and diverse learning community.
Q. Why doesn’t SEES increase tuition to cover the full cost of educating each student?
The Annual Fund helps SEES limit increases in tuition in order to remain competitive as well as to ensure that we don’t prohibit many families from having the opportunity of a SEES education. Moreover, our Annual Fund is not solely the responsibility of our current families but rather a community effort. Through tax-deductible gifts to the Annual Fund, the generosity of all our donors help keep tuition costs more affordable and ensure SEES maintains our standard of academic excellence for generations to come.
Q. Who contributes to the Annual Fund?
The responsibility for maintaining and enhancing SEES excellence rests squarely on the shoulders of every member of the community who is a beneficiary of its past or guardian of its future.
We are fortunate to receive support for the Annual Fund from current families, grandparents, alumni, alumni parents, faculty, staff, corporations, foundations and friends of the school. We believe this show of support from members of our entire community is a testament to the impact SEES has had in the lives of so many students and their families for more than 50 years and to the difference it will make both in our community and our world in the years to come.
Fiscal Year 2023 Honor Roll of Donors
Q. Why is my participation important?
SEES needs every member of the school community to make this institution a charitable giving priority through a gift to the Annual Fund. A high rate of participation demonstrates to other donors from whom we seek funding that those closest to our school go above and beyond in their support of the school. Decisions by foundations to support our school are positively influenced by strong, broad support to the Annual Fund. Every gift, no matter the size, is important.
Q. How does a gift to the Annual Fund differ from Capital and Endowment Gifts?
Periodic appeals are made for specific needs such as new construction, facility improvements and/or increases to the endowment. These appeals are typical during a capital campaign. While all of these projects are important to the health and longevity of SEES, the Annual Fund addresses our most current needs and provides critical unrestricted support during the academic year, and thus is a top priority for the school every year.
Q. How much should I give to the Annual Fund?
Whether you give because the needs noted above resonate with you, or simply to support a school you have come to love, we ask that members of our community participate in giving to the best of their ability. Modeling healthy philanthropic habits is important for our children, and we hope you’ll keep SEES at the top of your philanthropic priority list.
Gifts of all sizes will be gratefully received, well-utilized and acknowledged in the Annual Report unless the donor makes a specific request to remain anonymous. Gifts are recognized as part of the following giving clubs:
King Edward Society – $1000+
Circle of Saints – $500-$999
Eagles – $100-$499
Friend – Up to $99
Q. If I pledge now, does that mean you can count my family in your 100% participation goal?
Yes. If you prefer to pledge now and pay later, we encourage you to do so! Simply let us know your intended gift amount and the date by which you plan to pay your pledge in full.
Q. When does the Annual Fund Campaign begin and end each year?
The Annual Fund campaign fiscal year begins on July 1, and closes on June 30, each year
Q. There are so many ways to support SEES through parent organizations, etc. If I support those efforts, do I need to give to the Annual Fund as well?
At SEES, as in typical independent school communities, there are numerous opportunities to be involved and participate in supporting the school. We ask that each family, to the extent they are financially able, support the Annual Fund every year, and that they also participate in periodic appeals made for specific needs such as facility improvements and fundraising projects of our parent service organizations. Since it provides for the school’s core operating expenses, the School Board and the Diocese have deemed the Annual Fund a pre-eminent priority of the school. Our parent organizations play an important role in supporting our families, students and teachers through a variety of outreach and community building opportunities as well as fundraising activities. These organizations also offer fantastic opportunities to be actively involved in our community.
Q. How do I make a gift to the Annual Fund?
St. Edward-Epiphany Catholic School operates as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit and gifts to the school are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Cash/Check. Cash gifts or gifts made via check (payable to St. Edward-Epiphany Catholic School) can be sent to:
St. Edward-Epiphany Catholic School
Development Office
10701 W. Huguenot Road
Richmond, VA 23235
Credit Card. SEES accepts gifts made via Visa and MasterCard. You also may make your Annual Fund gift via periodic installments on your credit card. To take advantage of this convenient giving option, contact Mindy Gerloff in the business office at 804-272-2881 or via e-mail at [email protected].
Securities. Many individuals donate appreciated stock to SEES. To initiate a stock transfer or cash wire, contact Mindy Gerloff in the business office at 804-272-2881 or via e-mail at [email protected].
Matching Gifts. Many corporations will match their employee’s gift to SEES. Any matching gifts will be combined with yours to determine the giving level at which you will be recognized. When applying for a match, companies often ask for the recipient organization’s Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN). SEES’ EIN is 54-089487. To find out if your company will match your gift to the Annual Fund, contact your Human Resources department.
Q. What if I have other questions about the Annual Fund?
E-mail Abby McDonald, SEES’ Director of Development, or contact her at 804-272-2881 ext. 342.
If you are interested in helping with any part of SEES’ development efforts we encourage you to reach out and become involved.