Guide to Giving & Getting Involved at GSL

GUIDE TO Giving & GETTING INVOLVED AT GSL

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION................................................................................PAGE 2 ANCHOR FUND..................................................................................PAGE 3 ENDOWMENT....................................................................................PAGE 12 CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS.......................................................................PAGE 13 PLANNED GIVING..............................................................................PAGE 13 PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION..................................................................PAGE 14 ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB...............................................................PAGE 16 PERFORMING ARTS BOOSTER CLUB................................................PAGE 17 SCHOOL EVENTS...............................................................................PAGE 18

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INTRODUCTION Dear GSL Families, I am thrilled to share with you this Guide to Giving & Getting Involved at GSL. As you read through these pages, I hope you are inspired by the many ways you can become meaningfully involved in the life of Lukers at GSL. Your involvement in our special community will positively impact your family’s GSL experience and that of many others. Getting involved will strengthen our community while helping you forge new friendships and deepen existing relationships.

Our community is only as strong as its members, and the GSL community continues to be one of our most celebrated and cherished assets. On behalf of Grace-St. Luke’s, thank you for thoughtfully considering how you can personally be an active member of our school community.

Go, Saints!

Brenda E. Berry Director of Advancement

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ANCHOR FUND An anchor is something that provides strength and support. And just like an anchor, an annual fund provides monetary support and strength to a school. As such, GSL’s annual fund is named the Anchor Fund.

GSL relies on tax-deductible donations for the continued strength and success of our academic program.

Gifts to the Anchor Fund enhance the learning experience at GSL, equip classrooms with the latest technology, help with facilities and maintenance needs, and ensure that faculty/staff have professional development opportunities and excellent compensation packages.

Every member of the GSL community is expected to contribute each year to the Anchor Fund. We seek 100% participation at a level that is appropriate to each family’s circumstances.

Gifts to the Anchor Fund follow the school’s fiscal year, starting on August 1 and ending on July 31 of the following year. Gifts made to the Anchor Fund will be recognized in the fall Giving Report.

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GIVING LEVELS

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Giving Category

Level of Support

Head of School’s Heroes

$10,000+

Anchor Allies

$6,000-$9,999

Luker Leaders

$3,000-$5,999

Saint Supporters

$1,500-$2,999

Grace Givers

$750-$1,499

Red & White Club

$350-$749

Community Corner

$1-$349

GIVING SOCIETIES Giving Society

Description

Lead Donor Society

Donors who give $750 or more to GSL in the current school year are members of the Lead Donor Society. This group receives special recognition in the Giving Report and is invited to the annual Lead Donor party, typically held in August.

Lifetime Giving Society

GSL’s Lifetime Giving Society recognizes donors whose lifetime contributions reach transformative levels. These donors are acknowledged in the Giving Report for lifetime contributions starting at $100,000.

Consecutive Giving Society

GSL’s Consecutive Giving Society recognizes donors who renew their support every year, regardless of gift amount or purpose. These donors are acknowledged in the Giving Report for contributions in 10, 15, and 20+ consecutive years.

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ANCHOR FUND CO-CHAIRS Each school year, two families agree to serve as Anchor Fund Co-Chairs. This two-year commitment is a special way to give back to the GSL community, and no fundraising experience is required! If you are interested in serving as an Anchor Fund Chair, email Brenda Berry, bberry@gslschool.org.

ANCHOR FUND AMBASSADORS Anchor Fund Ambassadors support GSL by giving a gift to the Anchor Fund and encouraging other families to also contribute to this important fund. The time commitment is minimal, the impact is significant, and no fundraising experience is required! If you are interested in serving as an Anchor Fund Ambassador, email Brenda Berry, bberry@gslschool.org.

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MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM Thousands of companies match their employees’ donations! When you make a donation to Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School, many employers will donate the same amount. Some companies may match a retiree’s donation, too! Matching gift programs help you double your gift to GSL. To see if your company will match your gift to GSL, and to access the forms, guidelines, and instructions that you need to submit a matching gift, visit gslschool.org/support-gsl/matching-gift-program.

TEXTATHON Each year, GSL has a textathon event when current families who have not yet pledged or donated to the Anchor Fund are contacted by volunteers. These volunteers encourage families to donate to GSL and help answer any questions families may have regarding the Anchor Fund.

GIVING WEEK Each year, GSL hosts a weeklong Celebration of Giving to GSL. During this giving week, all GSL community members are encouraged to donate to GSL’s Anchor Fund. The week includes a special video featuring GSL students, faculty, and staff aimed at increasing the culture of giving at GSL and highlighting our special community.

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FAQs Why is participation important?

High levels of participation demonstrate our community’s collective desire to support our students and the school’s mission.

The higher the participation, the more we can achieve for GSL. High participation also demonstrates to philanthropic foundations that the GSL community is invested in the school and worthy of additional, outside support.

How much should I donate to the Anchor Fund?

Every gift, regardless of the amount, makes a difference. We ask that you give a gift according to your family’s means.

All families, regardless of any financial assistance they may receive, will be asked to donate to the Anchor Fund.

I pay tuition, so why is it important for me to give money to the Anchor Fund?

Like most independent schools, tuition does not cover the full cost of educating each student. Anchor Fund contributions enable the school to cover these costs in the school’s annual operating budget.

Why not just raise tuition rates to cover all operating expenses?

When compared to other independent schools in the Memphis area, GSL’s tuition is competitively priced in the middle.

A significant increase in tuition could discourage some mission-appropriate students from reenrolling or applying, which would ultimately negatively impact our diverse and robust community. GSL is a nonprofit organization, meaning all donations to the Anchor Fund are tax deductible. Tuition, however, is not tax deductible.

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What is the difference between a donation and a pledge?

A donation is when you give a gift to GSL. A pledge is when you commit to giving GSL a gift of a specific amount within the school’s fiscal year (August 1 - July 31).

How are my Anchor Fund gifts used?

When donating to GSL, you get to decide whether your gift will be unrestricted and restricted.

Unrestricted donations benefit every aspect of life at GSL and support the school’s annual operating budget, including tuition assistance, technology upgrades, faculty/staff professional development, and facility maintenance and repairs.

Restricted donations (sometimes referred to as designated donations) support a specific area of the school as requested by the donor. For example, a restricted gift to the library ensures that your donation will specifically support GSL’s library.

When will I be asked for a donation?

In the fall, you will receive an email or a letter in the mail asking you to support the current school year’s Anchor Fund.

However, there is no need to wait—donations are accepted and appreciated every day of the year!

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FAQs Will I be recognized for my donation?

Absolutely. Every fall, donors are recognized in the The Anchor Giving Report and on the school’s website for gifts made during the previous school year. (Donors always have the option of remaining anonymous if desired.) In addition, all donations are acknowledged with a thank-you letter and a receipt for tax purposes.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes, all gifts to the GSL Anchor Fund are 100% tax-deductible. GSL’s Tax Identification Number is 62-0611549.

Can I donate stock?

Yes! To give a gift of stock, contact Advancement Associate Kate Shelton at kshelton@gslschool.org or 901-278-0200.

How do I make a donation or pledge?

There are a number of ways to donate to GSL’s Anchor Fund.

Online: Visit gslschool.org/give to give a gift or make a pledge.

Check or Credit Card: Mail your donation to Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School, Attn: Advancement Department, 246 S. Belvedere Blvd., Memphis, TN 38104.

Sale of Stock: Contact Advancement Associate Kate Shelton at kshelton@gslschool.org or 901-278-0200 to assist with your sale of stock.

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What is the difference between money raised for the Anchor Fund and money raised through Parents’ Association events?

The Anchor Fund, along with tuition and ACE: After School Care & Enrichment, are the primary revenue sources for the school’s annual operating budget. All donations to the Anchor Fund are tax-deductible and are recognized in the school’s Giving Report published each fall.

Money raised by the Parents’ Association (P.A.) supports the school in different ways, including funding teacher wish list items and helping fund special projects such as security enhancements. Most P.A. fundraisers involve purchasing items or experiences. When a good or service is received in exchange for money, that disqualifies it from being considered a taxdeductible donation. Only donations given to the P.A. with no goods or services received in return are recognized under the P.A. Donor List section of the school’s Giving Report.

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ENDOWMENT The endowment helps ensure GSL’s strong financial future. Donors to these funds are recognized in the Giving Report.

The Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School Endowment consists of six funds: The Endowment Anchor Fund fosters, enhances, and furthers GSL's programs consistent with the school's mission statement.

The Dennis Cain Facilities Fund supports the maintenance of the school buildings and grounds, including construction of new facilities, debt service, and other items related to the physical plant that aid the mission of the school. It is named in memory of Dennis Cain, GSL Director of Facilities from 1998-2014.

The Scholarship Fund provides need-based financial assistance to eligible families of current or prospective GSL students.

The Library Fund supports the GSL library.

The Technology Fund provides appropriate technology to students, faculty, and staff consistent with the educational goals and mission of GSL. The Arts Fund promotes and supports GSL’s art activities, including performing and visual arts.

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CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS Capital campaigns are large-scale fundraising efforts conducted periodically to provide significant funds for growth over a defined period of time. Money raised during a capital campaign often funds important enhancements that enable GSL to grow while ensuring its long-term sustainability. Unlike an annual fund, which raises money for the school’s general operations, capital campaigns have either a single objective, such as new construction, or a number of smaller objectives, such as significant facility improvements, funding for the endowment, and financial aid.

PLANNED GIVING Planned gifts, also known as legacy gifts, are contributions that are designated to a charitable organization in life or as part of an individual's estate plan. A planned gift is one of the most personal and impactful gifts a donor can make to Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School. Establishing a planned gift to GSL is a meaningful and generous way to support the school’s mission for generations to come.

To learn more about how you can create your legacy at Grace-St. Luke’s with a planned gift, contact Director of Advancement Brenda Berry at bberry@gslschool.org or 901-278-0200.

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PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION Each year, the GSL Parents’ Association (P.A.) supports the mission of the school through a variety of community building and fundraising events. Money raised during the school year helps fund classroom enhancements, new curriculum, and teacher wish list items. All parents/guardians are members of the P.A. and are encouraged to get involved in P.A.-sponsored events throughout the school year. No experience is required, and the GSL staff will help guide anyone interested in volunteering!

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P.A. EVENTS Spirit Wear Faculty/Staff Appreciation Charleston Wrap Fundraiser Trivia Night Novel. Fundraiser Italian Dinner Sweetheart Dance (Grades 4-8) Son-Day Fun Day (Grades 4-8) Anchor Auction Preschool/Lower School Book Swap Saints Slam Tennis Tournament Luker2Luker

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ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB Open to all families and friends of GSL, the Athletic Booster Club supports and enhances our Middle School Athletic program. By purchasing an annual Booster Club membership, you can help provide quality enhancements and benefits to the GSL Middle School Athletic program, such as new uniforms, concession stand and locker room renovations, and other improvements. Membership also means your immediate family gets FREE ADMISSION to all the regular season 5th-8th grade home games at GSL. Discounted grandparent memberships are also available. Click here to join today.

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PERFORMING ARTS BOOSTER CLUB Open to all families and friends of GSL, the Performing Arts Booster Club (PABC) helps fund tiered seating in McClure Hall for performances, playbills, improvements to sound and lighting, and a videographer and graphic designer to make each performance as memorable as possible. Members have their names listed in all show playbills and receive access to the exclusive PABC ticket pre-sale and priority seating to the theater on show nights. Discounted grandparent memberships are also available. Click here to join today.

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SCHOOL EVENTS Community building and volunteer opportunities are available throughout the school year at each grade level and at these school events! See the weekly eNews for details on how to get involved with these events and more.

Back-to-School Night In August, families are invited on campus for a Community Life Fair, spirit wear sale, and to meet their children’s teachers.

All-School Picnic In the fall, families are invited to this annual event at GSL’s Snowden Field, 2233 Harbert Ave. Grandparents’ Day On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, GSL hosts this special event for grandparents and special friends.

Attendees enjoy a chapel service and classroom visits with the students.

8th Grade Internship Program Eighth grade students intern for a few days in a career field of interest. We are always looking for businesses to mentor students during this unique experience.

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3rd Grade Presentation of Stations of the Cross On Maundy Thursday, third grade students present the Stations of the Cross in the church.

4th Grade Leadership Breakfast Each fourth grader invites a member of the community who exemplifies good citizenship to this spring event. Volunteers are needed to help the fourth grade teachers organize and serve breakfast to students and their special guests.

Chapel Families are welcome to attend All-School Chapel every Thursday at 8:05 a.m. in the church.

Celebration Chapel Families are invited to attend Celebration Chapel every Friday at 8:05 a.m. Celebration is held in the church or Anchor Center Gym. Check the school calendar for the location each week.

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