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Annual Fund

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The Annual Fund is SGS’s one community fundraising campaign of the year, with the purpose of covering the difference between tuition and the actual cost of a child’s education. Every year our community of families, staff, faculty, and Trustees, join together in contributing a personally meaningful amount, whether that is $5, $500, or $5,000. Our annual budget determines our fiscal goal, but our more important goal is 100% participation. We believe that it takes a village to raise a child, and in that spirit we hope that every member of our community makes a contribution that is individually meaningful.
Please read the FAQs below. For all questions, comments, and concerns, contact Casey, our Development Associate, at cwing@sgs-wa.org.

Slide Annual Fund 2020
Pumpkin Carving Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide Slide

How to Give:

  1. Click here to donate »
  2. Call to make a verbal pledge or to give your payment information over the phone – (253) 278-1553  (Casey, Development Associate)
  3. Drop off a check or pledge form at school – leave at front desk or in Casey’s mailbox (please note Annual Fund in memo!)
When does the Annual Fund happen?

This year the Annual Fund will kick off on October 1st, with a virtual pumpkin carving party. Details will be emailed beforehand. The campaign will run through the month of October, with four weeks of communication that highlight different themes from the SGS mission. However, we continue to fundraise for the Annual Fund from other constituencies for the entirety of our fiscal year running until June 30, 2021.

The Annual Fund is our only community fundraising campaign of the year. Other times you may be asked to contribute are during our two fundraising days (in December and May) and at our spring Luncheon. SGS is a nonprofit and relies on philanthropic donations to keep the cost of tuition affordable, however our priority is the well-being of our students and families. As such, please reach out if you feel uncomfortable or excluded by the language or content of any of our fundraising appeals.

Who gives to the Annual Fund?

Teachers, staff, the Board of Trustees, and parents typically participate at 100% each year. We also receive support from grandparents, alum families, SGS graduates, and community partners.

Does tuition cover all costs to operate the school?

Like other independent schools, our financial model is structured to be a combination of tuition revenue and donations. We need both to bring our mission and program to full fruition. Net tuition and program revenue cover only 82% of our annual expenses. SGS relies on donations to make up the difference.

Annul Fund dollars are considered “unrestricted,” which means they support the entire program, including faculty and staff professional development, classroom resources, financial aid (benefiting 28% of SGS students), new programs, and general operations.

Can I pledge a gift now and pay later?

YES! You can make a pledge now and pay by the end of our fiscal year on June, 30, 2021. You can also break your gift up into monthly installments.

How much should I give?

Because of the direct and immediate impact these gifts have on SGS, we hope you will make a gift that is meaningful for you and your family. Gifts last year ranged from $5 – $20,000. Our overall goal for the Annual Fund 2020-2021 is $100,000.

I don’t have the resources to make a large gift. Should I still give?

YES! Every gift makes a difference. Your participation shows your support and your confidence in the school’s mission. We strive for 100% participation from families, which illustrates a strong and vibrant community—an important factor when SGS seeks donations from sponsors, foundations, and other community partners.

Can my gift be matched?

Check with your employer to see if they will match your gift, amplifying its impact. SGS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Tax ID #91-200730

Can I contribute by stock?

Yes! Stock gifts can be of great benefit to both the donor and to SGS. For help, email Casey Wing at cwing@sgs-wa.org.

Does SGS have an auction?

No. The Annual Fund was started in 2006 at SGS to take the place of an auction.