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SMS Saints Forever Fund - The Saints Forever Fund will be our first ever annual fund allowing families past/present, alumni, parishioners, faculty/staff and friends the opportunity to donate to the school. Our goal is to raise $150,000 dollars to support our program especially during this time of the pandemic. The opportunity will remain open for the entire fiscal year which ends June 30th. Giving opportunities are available on this page.
Join us to reach a goal never before achieved at St. Mary's Catholic School
Any gift, no matter the size, makes an impact.
The cost to educate a student at SMS is higher than the cost of tuition!
We are looking to fund the future of SMS and keep Catholic education accessible to all families. By planning for the future, SMS is asking each family to help ensure our success for years to come.
A high percentage of donor participation, particularly among our school community, increases the likelihood that SMS can reach and exceed our fundraising goals since we are unable to have our traditional fundraisers due to Covid-19.
The challenges that the school has conquered in addressing the pandemic have increased significantly the expenses in all aspects of maintaining and advancing our program to ensure that all of our students continue to receive the highest quality in Catholic education.
ANNUAL FUND FACTS FAQs
What is the Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is a critical system-wide fundraising effort that raises monies for St. Mary's Catholic School. Annual Fund revenues are dedicated to the operating budget, special programs, needs, and advancement of the school. Employees, faculty, staff, parents, grandparents, friends, and alumni are invited to support this all-important campaign. This year's Annual Fund Goal is $150,000.
Why are gifts to the Annual Fund important?
Your gifts provide the financial resources that enable SMS to fulfill its mission.
Your gift also demonstrates the community's commitment to SMS and its financial needs. A high percentage of donor participation, particularly among our school community, increases the likelihood that SMS can reach our fundraising goals since we are unable to have our traditional events due to Covid-19.
Why ask parents for contributions in addition to the tuition and fees that they pay?
Tuition and fees do not cover the total cost of a private Catholic School Education. Our fundraising efforts help bridge the gap between the income generated by tuition and fees, and the actual cost of educating each student. The money generated by this fundraising helps ensure that St. Mary's Catholic School remains a truly exceptional school for every student.
Why doesn't the school charge the full amount to cover operating costs?
The traditional Catholic School tuition model maintains charging between 70-80% of the true cost of education to keep Catholic education available, inclusive, and affordable to all families. As in all private schools, basic tuition revenues are supplemented through fundraising programs like the Annual Fund, Guardian Angel, Style Show, and Mommy and Me Run/Walk.
Why should families contribute?
The Annual Fund seeks contributions from 100% of the school community. This goal reflects the school's high expectation of parent involvement in all aspects of their child's education. Parent engagement in fundraising through the SMS Saints Forever Annual Fund is an essential part of belonging to our school community.
Why should I support the Annual Fund Campaign?
We ask that the Annual Fund campaign be your first giving priority. Since gifts to the Annual Fund cover the current year's operating expenses, they have an immediate impact on a number of critical areas. They benefit every child in our school system, every day, in the same year the gift is given.
When can I expect to be asked for a contribution to the Annual Fund?
Every year, in October or early November, information about the Annual Fund and a request for your support will arrive in the mail or via email. We hope that you will support this request at a level that is reasonable for your budget.
When is the fiscal year?
July 1st through June 30th.
What are the giving levels?
Gifts of all sizes make an impact! In addition to school family commitments, we welcome contributions from alumni and parishioners interested in supporting Catholic Education. The Annual Fund offers several giving levels for donors to choose the appropriate level of support for their specific situation. Giving levels include:
Is my gift tax-deductible?
St. Mary's Catholic School is a registered 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law as determined by IRS regulations. A letter from St. Mary's Catholic School will be provided to you following the receipt of your gift. Please retain the letter as proof of your tax-deductible donation. Donors who make gifts to SMS on December 31st are eligible for a deduction in that year.
Can I pledge now and pay later?
Yes! Choose a payment schedule that works best for you: monthly, quarterly, or annually. The SMS Development office will send a periodic reminder until your balance is paid. For an Annual Fund gift, we ask that your pledge be paid in full by June 30th of the fiscal year.
Will you remind me of my pledge?
Yes. Once your pledge is made, we will send you a reminder with a return envelope. After that, periodic pledge reminders will be mailed.
Can I make a gift using a credit card?
Yes, you can make a credit card gift using VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card by using our secure online form.