Annual Fund
The Annual Fund is the cornerstone of the Waldorf School of Philadelphia’s growing philanthropic efforts. Each year, parents, teachers, trustees, staff, alumni, grandparents, and friends, meet the financial needs of the school through generous and thoughtful gifts to the Annual Fund.
Our goal for the 2018-19 Annual Fund is to raise $72,000 which will help to -
- Support our diverse and innovative arts-integrated curriculum
- Improve our student's experience
- Attract and retains talented teachers
- Provide for our financial assistance program
- Support our historic campus
participation counts
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. When we say that every gift counts, we mean it. The more parents, teachers, alumni, and friends engage in annual giving each year, the greater the message we send about a Waldorf education: that those who know the school best believe in what we do.
how does the Annual Fund fit into the financial picture of the school?
Our school has several revenue streams designed to help meet the financial needs of the school and minimize the need for tuition increases, thereby making Waldorf education accessible. Like other independent schools, we use an annual philanthropic appeal to help bridge the gap between income and expenditures. Charitable giving allows our entire community to share the responsibility for supporting our school and unlike tuition, donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Although there are other opportunities to express your support throughout the year, the Annual Fund is when we ask everyone to give.
do other schools ask parents to give on top of tuition?
While tuition levels vary, all independent schools supplement operating expenses with charitable gifts. Approximately 4% of our school's operating expenses are funded by charitable gifts.
does this apply to me if I receive tuition assistance?
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.
how much of a difference can my gift really make?
When we say every gift counts, we mean it! While you may not think your gift will make a difference, consider 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. The more parents, alumni, and friends of the school engage in annual giving each year, the greater the message we send about a Waldorf education: that those who know the school best believe in what we do.
how much should I give?
The average gift to the 2017-18 annual fund was $300 but gifts range in size from $5 to over $15,000. The gap between our income and operating expenses is approximately 4% and so whatever a donor can contribute toward this gap is helpful to the school. No gift is too small and every gift is appreciated. The goal for the 2018-19 Annual Fund is to raise $72,000 by June 30th, 2019.
leadership gifts
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 a gift of $1,000 or above.
what is the best method for making a gift?
Checks or cash offer the best value to the school as we are not charged fees on transactions. However, any gift method is truly appreciated.
can I pledge a gift now and pay later?
Yes. A pledge is a commitment to make a financial gift within a specified time. You can pledge now and make a gift by the end of the fiscal year, June 30th. You can also break your gift into monthly installments by becoming a sustainer.
become a sustainer
We recognize that it can be difficult to allocate a lump sum donation. Please consider becoming a monthly sustainer, and make an ongoing monthly gift that allows you to spread your gift throughout the year. Sustaining gifts help the school to plan for future costs, and ensure that we can step up to unexpected challenges, no matter the time of year. You can become a sustainer by clicking the Donate button and following the instructions.