Ways You Can Support Saint Ann’s School
As a nonprofit organization, Saint Ann’s relies on donations to meet the needs of our students and achieve our mission. Like most independent schools, a combination of tuition and donor support allows us to manage expenses including our robust financial aid program, building maintenance, salaries and benefits, and classroom needs. At Saint Ann’s, net tuition covers approximately 88% of the cost of educating a student. Making Saint Ann’s a philanthropic priority is one way you can help ensure that every program we offer operates at the highest standards and is accessible to all students. Every child who walks through our doors deserves an exceptional educational experience, and our partnership with committed donors makes that possible.
At Saint Ann’s, a high school student who is passionate about math can study algebra AND non-Euclidean geometry while also taking photography and playwriting. Our lower schoolers learn science from the same faculty who teach advanced physics, and our kindergarten students craft their own poetry weekly. Our commitment to a broad and deep curriculum is fundamental to who we are; this commitment comes at an increased cost.
The three main ways of donating to Saint Ann’s are via the Annual Fund, Capital Campaigns, and through Planned Giving. All donations made to Saint Ann’s are 100% tax-deductible.
THE ANNUAL FUND
An unrestricted donation to the Annual Fund is the most important gift you can give Saint Ann’s. The Annual Fund is an essential, collective, community effort and an opportunity to share your belief in our mission and partner with the School. The Annual Fund helps fund financial aid, attract the most expert faculty, enhance our academic program, and maintain our campus. Every year, members of the community including parents/guardians, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, trustees, faculty, and staff come together to meet this philanthropic need. All gifts to the Saint Ann’s Annual Fund are valuable and deeply appreciated, no matter the amount. Your consistent support of the Annual Fund is a wonderful way to express your belief in the School, uphold our mission, and invest in our future. If you have any questions about the Annual Fund, please contact Regan Murphy, Director of Annual Giving, at rmurphy@saintannsny.org.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS
Capital Campaigns are a targeted form of giving toward specific projects that require significant funding. In considering a Capital Campaign gift, we ask donors to also maintain their level of giving to the Annual Fund. Capital Campaign gifts are an additional commitment that goes beyond Annual Fund contributions.
Our current Capital Campaign, Now + Tomorrow, was launched to fund our campus expansion at 142 Pierrepont Street. The addition of 142 will consolidate Saint Ann’s footprint around the four corners of Clinton Street, and feature our first ever Lower School Science Lab, an Arts & Community space, a Movement Space, a rooftop playspace, and more! Please contact the Director of Advancement, Hannah Swacker Kurnit ’97, at hkurnit@saintannsny.org to discuss supporting the Campaign.
PLANNED GIVING
Planned and estate gifts reflect your family’s philanthropic priorities and serve as a deeply meaningful tribute, whether your intention is to ensure access to education for future generations of Saint Ann’s students, to honor a loved one’s memory, or to recognize the incredible contributions of faculty members.
There are many types of tax-advantaged planned giving vehicles, several of which provide the increasingly popular option of “giving while living” so that you can begin to see the impact of your legacy immediately. If you are interested in discussing planned giving options, or if you have already included Saint Ann’s in your will or estate plans, please contact Emma Rippee, Director of Donor Partnership, at erippee@saintannsny.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Saint Ann’s need an Annual Fund? Why not just raise the tuition?
As with all independent schools, tuition alone does not cover the full cost of educating each student at Saint Ann’s. The Annual Fund makes it possible to balance our budget while continuing to prioritize socio-economic diversity among our student body.
What is the best way to give to Saint Ann’s? Can I support a specific initiative?
A gift to the Annual Fund is the most important annual philanthropic commitment you can make to the School because the fund is unrestricted. This means that the School can use the funds where they are needed most. If you would like to support a specific initiative, e.g. financial aid, non-tuition aid, or musical instruments, you may contact Hannah Swacker Kurnit ’97 at hkurnit@saintannsny.org or 718.522.1660 Ext. 345 to learn more.
Can my gift be matched by my employer?
You may be able to increase the impact of your gift to Saint Ann’s. Check with your employer for more information.
Who is asked to give to the Annual Fund?
Everyone! The Annual Fund is a collective community effort. All members of our community— including faculty and staff, parents/ guardians, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, trustees, and friends—are asked to participate every year, and every year we aim to grow participation from all constituent groups.
I cannot afford to make a large gift to the Annual Fund, is my contribution even worth it?
Yes! Every gift, no matter the size, has real impact. Last year, 35% of Annual Fund donors contributed $100 or less. Your participation is a voice of support and confidence. High Annual Fund participation is a testament to our community’s belief in our mission and enables us to apply for outside funding opportunities from foundations with the best possible chance of award.
When is the best time of year to make a gift to the Annual Fund?
As early in the school year as possible! Our fundraising year mimics the academic year and ends on June 30. However, gifts and pledges received before the end of the calendar year (December 31) allow the School to plan and budget more effectively and inspire others to give.
May I make my gift in memory of or to honor someone?
Saint Ann’s welcomes gifts that commemorate a special individual. In a note accompanying your check or in the memory/honor section of our online form, please note the name of the individual for whom the gift is in memory of or to honor.
Why doesn’t Saint Ann’s host an annual fundraising event?
Instead of hosting an annual benefit or fundraising gala, Saint Ann’s prioritizes the Annual Fund and community events throughout the year. Tickets to annual events like Picnic with a View and the Skating Party are priced to cover event expenses and to make them affordable for our entire community. Our Celebrate Saint Ann’s series, also cost-neutral with an average ticket price of $50, features notable and innovative voices and talent from across our parent/guardian and alumni community. This series includes readings, films, plays, conversations, and other gatherings that bring our community together to celebrate the centrality of the arts at Saint Ann’s.
Does my gift to the Holiday Fund count as Annual Fund participation?
The Holiday Fund occurs each December and is a separate initiative from the Annual Fund. At Saint Ann’s, extraordinary teaching is at the heart of our mission.
Families who want to recognize and appreciate the work of their child’s teachers are invited to do so with personal thank you notes. Direct monetary or in-kind gifts to faculty and staff from families are not permitted. As an alternative to individual holiday gift giving, families may contribute through the Advancement Office to the Holiday Fund, which will be distributed equally among all school employees each December.
Fall Community Event: Picnic with a View
Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes! Saint Ann’s School is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and gifts to Saint Ann’s School are tax deductible as allowable by law. Please consult your tax advisor with specific questions.
What are some of the different ways to give?
Saint Ann’s accepts several types of donations. Commonly used methods are gifts by credit card and check; contributions from Donor Advised Funds (DAFs); gifts of appreciated assets like stocks, bonds, or mutual funds; and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from retirement plans. Please visit the Ways to Give page on our website for additional options and more detailed information, and please contact the Advancement Office with any questions.
I’m ready to give! What should I do now?
Wonderful! The best way to make a gift is by visiting us online at www.saintannsny.org/giving or scan the QR code below.
Checks should be made payable to Saint Ann’s School and mailed to:
Saint Ann’s School Advancement Office 129 Pierrepont Street Brooklyn, New York 11201
For wire transfers or gifts of stock please contact the Advancement Office at 718-522-1660 ext. 224. For more information on making a Campaign commitment or including Saint Ann’s in your estate plan, please contact Hannah Swacker Kurnit ’97 at 718-522-1660 ext. 345 or hkurnit@saintannsny.org.
Financial Assistance
As part of our School’s mission, Saint Ann’s prioritizes fostering an equitable and socioeconomically diverse learning environment. Financial aid is critical to providing access to families who would not otherwise be able to afford tuition.
A robust Annual Fund helps our School enhance student financial aid opportunities and improve the experience of all students. The Annual Fund directly supports our extensive financial aid program and nearly 29% of our students receive financial aid.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Advancement Office welcomes volunteers to help with a variety of activities that support our programs including the Annual Fund, the Alumni Advisory Committee, and special events such as the Skating Party and Picnic With A View. Dedicated volunteers make a tremendous impact on the success of our efforts and help build the Saint Ann’s community.
If you are interested in learning more about our volunteer opportunities, please contact the Advancement Office at advancement@saintannsny.org.
Members of the 2024–2025 Parent/Guardian Annual Fund Volunteer Team in May 2025
Every Gift Makes a Difference
At every level, donors to the Annual Fund help make our bold vision of education a reality. A look back at the 2024–2025 fiscal year:
If you have any questions about giving to Saint Ann’s, please contact the Saint Ann’s Advancement team.
Hannah Swacker Kurnit ’97 Director of Advancement hkurnit@saintannsny.org
718.522.1660 Ext. 345
Emma Rippee Director of Donor Partnership erippee@saintannsny.org
718.522.1660 Ext. 341
Regan Murphy Director of Annual Giving rmurphy@saintannsny.org 718.522.1660 Ext. 317
Jacob Goodhart Alumni Relations Manager
jgoodhart@saintannsny.org 718.522.1660 Ext. 323
Thank you for your support of Saint Ann’s School.
