Parent Giving
What is Parent Giving?
All unrestricted gifts from parents of current St. Mark's students support the Annual Fund. Contributions to the Annual Fund bridge the 36% gap between tuition and the actual cost of a St. Mark’s education- a difference of $21,670 - and have an immediate impact on the experience of current students. The Annual Fund runs from July 1 to June 30.
Why is it Needed?
Since every St. Marker benefits from the Annual Fund, every family is called upon to contribute to it every year. Your consistent support enables us to continue to provide an outstanding educational experience for your child.
St. Mark’s, like most independent schools, has a gap between tuition and the actual cost of an education. The difference between the cost of a St. Mark’s education and tuition is 36%. This gap is bridged 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.
How Will I Be Solicited?
Appeals are mailed to parents throughout the year. In addition, you may also receive a phone call from a parent on the Annual Fund Committee Member or other volunteer encouraging your participation. Of course, we welcome your initiative! You can donate online anytime. Contact Stephanie Katz if you'd like to help raise support for the Annual Fund.
How Much Should I Contribute?
We hope 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, and gifts of any size make a difference. We encourage all parents to give according to their own financial situations. Contributions to the Annual Fund are tax deductible.
Founder's Associates
The Founder’s Associates program is the cornerstone of annual giving to St. Mark’s, recognizing donors who contribute $1,500 or more during a fiscal year (as an individual gift or in combination with a matching gift received within the same fiscal year). The mission of the program is to build a stronger culture of leadership annual giving to the School, providing a more reliable and predictable source of revenue. Founder’s Associate donors are among the School’s most loyal and generous supporters.