The Power of Partnership: A Guide to Giving at Saint Ann’s School
Since our founding in 1965, Saint Ann’s has been a home for the creative and curious; a place that nurtures childhood wonder; a school that encourages finding joy in learning for its own sake. Our classrooms, theaters, laboratories, and art studios overflow with vibrancy and life, and we are committed to making our school a welcoming home for all students for many generations to come. None of what we do is possible without the support of our entire community.
Ways You Can
As a nonprofit organization, Saint Ann’s relies on donations to meet our budget. Like most independent schools, a combination of tuition and donor support allows us to meet expenses including financial aid, building maintenance, salaries, and classroom equipment. At Saint Ann’s, tuition covers approximately 87% 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 equitably. Every student 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 have poetry classes every week. 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 Planned Giving.
Support Saint Ann’s School
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 partner with the School. The Annual Fund keeps the lights on and the furnace churning. It helps fund scholarships, attract the most expert faculty, and maintain our campus. Every year, members of the community including alumni, parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, 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 support of the Annual Fund is a wonderful way to express your belief in the School and our mission.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS
Capital Campaigns are a targeted form of giving toward specific projects or programs that require significant funding. In considering a Capital Campaign gift, we ask donors to maintain their level of giving to the Annual Fund. Capital Campaign gifts are an additional commitment that goes beyond Annual Fund contributions.
PLANNED GIVING
Remembering Saint Ann’s in your will or estate plan ensures your legacy while providing for the School’s future. Your planned gift is an opportunity to help secure our vision of the School for future generations of students and teachers. There are many kinds of planned gifts, all of which offer significant tax benefits to the donor.
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. Tuition is set below the true cost of education in order to make it as affordable as possible and to provide a tax-deductible giving opportunity.
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.
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, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, trustees, and friends—are asked to participate every year, and every year we aim for 100% 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. 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.
When is the best time of year to make a gift to the Annual Fund?
Our fundraising year mimics the academic year and runs from August 1 through June 30. 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.
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 if I want to give art, real estate, or an alternative gift to the School?
Please contact the Advancement Office to discuss gifts of this kind.
I’m ready to give! What should I do now?
Wonderful! The best way to make a gift is by visiting us online: www.saintannsny.org/support/giving
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 Kurnit at 718-522-1660 ext. 345.
Who to Contact in the Advancement Office About Making a Gift
If you have any questions about giving to Saint Ann’s, please contact the Saint Ann’s Advancement team.
Hannah Swacker Kurnit ’97 Interim Director of Advancement
hkurnit@saintannsny.org
718.522.1660 Ext. 345
Regan Murphy Director of Annual Giving
rmurphy@saintannsny.org
718.522.1660 Ext. 317
Jacob Goodhart
Alumni Relations and Volunteer Manager
jgoodhart@saintannsny.org
718.522.1660 Ext. 345
you for your support of Saint Ann’s School.
Thank
