Parent's Fund

What is Parent Giving?

The parent giving component of the Annual Fund is referred to as the Parents' Fund. It includes all unrestricted gifts from parents of current St. Mark's students. Contributions to the Annual Fund bridge the 40% gap between tuition and the actual cost of a St. Mark’s education, and have an immediate impact on the experience of current students. The Annual Fund runs from July 1to June 30.

Why is it Needed?

St. Mark’s, like most independent schools, has a gap between the tuition a student pays and the actual cost of an education. The difference between the cost of a St. Mark’s education and the current tuition is 40%. This gap is funded through the school’s Annual Fund and endowment income. Even those families who pay full tuition are essentially receiving financial aid. Independent schools have a tradition of asking their constituents to contribute to bridge the gap and to keep tuition competitive with peer schools. In the current economic climate, Annual Fund gifts are more critical than ever to make up the difference from a smaller endowment draw.

How Does it Impact My Child?

Through the Annual Fund, you will be supporting every aspect of the school - classes, arts, athletics and activities. Your contribution allows your child and all St. Markers to benefit from small classes, dedicated faculty, a diverse student population, financial aid and outstanding facilities. The generosity of parents who contribute to the Annual Fund will immediately benefit current students by funding projects around campus. For example, thanks to recent donations St. Mark’s was able to install computers and printers in every dorm room and renovate the Chapel to add seating for all students and faculty.

What is Our Goal?

How Will I Be Solicited?

Appeals are mailed to parents throughout the year. In addition, you may also receive a phone call from a Parents’ Fund Committee Member or other volunteer encouraging your participation.  Of course, we welcome your initative!  You can donate online anytime.

How Much Should I Contribute?

Founder's Associates Leadership Levels
$100,000+ Trustees Circle
$50,000+ St. Mark's Society
$25,000+ Burnett Society
$10,000+ Thayer Society
$5,000+ Parkman Society
$2,500+ Barber Society
$1,500+ Peck Society

We hope that you will make giving to St. Mark's a philanthropic priority, especially while your child attends school here. We are grateful for each gift. Individual Annual Fund gifts range from $25 – $100,000. The average gift from a parent is $2,500, but gifts of any size make a difference. We encourage all parents to give according to their own financial situations. Contributions to the Parents’ Fund are tax deductible.

A leadership gift is a gift of $1,500 or more. It may be an individual gift or a combination of an individual gift and a matching gift received within the same fiscal year. Leadership donors become part of the Founder’s Associates program and are invited to special events throughout the year.

How Do I Contribute?

You may submit your gift in any of the following ways:

• Online / Credit Card Gifts click here.

• Check Gifts
  Please make checks payable to St. Mark's School and mail to:

  25 Marlboro Road
  Southborough, MA 01772
  Attn: Annual Fund

• Gifts of Securities (Stock, Bonds, or Mutual Funds)
  In order to make a securities transfer to St. Mark's, contact your broker who will need the following information:
  
  The St. Mark's account is:
  Account #NU7-144974
  DTC #0443
  
  

  John U. Harris, Jr. ’49, Broker
  Winslow, Evans, and Crocker, Inc.
  175 Federal Street
  Boston, MA 02110
  P: 617-896-3500
  F: 617-227-5505
  

  Please note: It is important that you email Keo Kirby at keokirby@stmarksschool.org with details of your transfer so that we may properly credit your securities gift.

• Wire Transfers

  To send your contribution directly into the St. Mark’s account via wire transfer, please direct your gift to the Bank of America account below:

  St. Mark's School of Southborough, Inc.
  Account #9429373222
  ABA #0260-0959-3
  

  Bank of America
  223 East Main Street
  Marlborough MA, 01752
  P: 508-366-8981
  Or
  Bank of America
  100 Federal Street
  Boston, MA 02110
  P: 888-267-7627
  

The Annual Fund operates on a fiscal year of July 1 – June 30.

For general questions contact Annual Fund Director Stephanie Katz at 508-786-6128 or stephaniekatz@stmarksschool.org.

For questions regarding capital gifts contact Kirk Swenson, Executive Director of Development at 508-786-6279 or kirkswenson@stmarksschool.org.