Issuu

& GETTING INVOL

Giving Society

Description

Lead Donor Society

Lifetime Giving 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.

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.

ANCHOR FUND CO-CHAIRS

ANCHOR FUND AMBASSADORS

MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM

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.

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.

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.

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).

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!

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.

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!