A girl reading "Anne of Ingleside," framed by a circle of crocuses, and another of spools of colorful thread.

The Annual Fund:
Every Gift Makes a Difference

The Annual Fund impacts every part of our school and allows us to say “yes” to new opportunities, ensuring that children today and for generations to come can enjoy a Waldorf education.

We couldn’t do it without you.

The Waldorf School of Philadelphia depends on financial support from parents, alumni, faculty, staff, grandparents, and friends to sustain and build our programs and provide at least 30% of our students with need-based financial aid.

The Annual Fund

A class walking toward a tunnel covered in greenery, in the woods of the Wissahickon.

Gifts to the Waldorf School of Philadelphia’s Annual Fund support our operating budget, and we direct these contributions where there is the greatest need. Our school is committed to making Waldorf education accessible, so we keep our tuition as affordable as possible. Because of this commitment, our tuition does not cover the cost of running our school. This is precisely why our fundraising, and specifically the Annual Fund, is essential—to bridge the gap between our income and our expenses. The donation you make during the school year—whether it’s $100, $1000, or $5000—means that our Kindergarteners have cutting boards to chop apples on and our Sixth Graders have compasses and rulers. Philanthropy can feel like a word reserved for large donations that make headlines, but at our school, philanthropy is the work of the entire community. Every gift, no matter the amount, is not only appreciated, it's essential.

 

 FAQs about the Annual Fund

 
Four small children, bundled in winter gear, playing in mud.
 

  • The Annual Fund is an ongoing fundraising effort. Annual Fund dollars are used exclusively to support the Waldorf School of Philadelphia’s operating budget. Like other independent schools, we rely on an annual appeal to help bridge the gap between income and expenditures. Although there are other opportunities to express your support throughout the year, the Annual Fund drive is when we hope everyone will make a gift.

  • When we look beyond our school for support, consistent engagement and participation from our whole community—both past and present—is a vital key indicator to foundations and corporate donors. Every gift truly matters. The more parents, teachers, alumni, and friends engage in annual giving each year, the greater the message we send about Waldorf education: that those who know the school best believe in what we do.

  • While tuition levels vary, all independent schools supplement operating expenses with charitable gifts. Approximately 7% of our school's operating expenses are funded by charitable gifts.

  • When we say every gift counts, we mean it! Consider the fact that when private foundations determine whether or not to support the Waldorf School of Philadelphia, they ask us "How many of your parents and alumni families give?" Before they choose to support us, they want to be sure that we work to support ourselves.

  • Yes—we strive for 100% participation from our entire parent body, regardless of the size of the gift. Every gift counts. Please give a gift that is meaningful to you.

  • While no gift is too small and every gift is appreciated, we encourage families to consider giving a gift equal to 1% of their annual household income. Our school relies on donors who can make Leadership Gifts and the hundreds of individuals who make gifts at every level.

  • Checks or cash offer the best value to the school, as we are not charged fees on these transactions. However, gifts by any method are truly appreciated.

  • Yes. A pledge is a commitment to make a financial gift within a specified time. You can pledge now and make your gift by the end of the fiscal year on June 30th. Contact our Development Team to learn more.

    You can also break your gift into monthly installments by becoming a sustainer.

  • Yes. As a sustainer, you make an ongoing monthly gift, which helps the school budget for future costs and ensures that we can step up to unexpected challenges, no matter the time of year. Become a sustainer by clicking here and following the instructions.

  • The Waldorf School of Philadelphia is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and every gift made to us is 100% tax-deductible.

  • While the Waldorf School of Philadelphia relies on gifts of all sizes, Leadership Gifts are particularly critical to our financial sustainability. We consider Leadership Gifts to be those of $1,000 or above.