Invest in our Boys. Create the Exceptional. Give to the Academy Fund.
Cabinet
Paul M. Quick, Semmes Foundation Head of School
Joseph Shields ‘05, Board of Trustees Chair Academy Fund Co-Chairs
Dawn and Bruce Walker
Committee
Lauren and John Browning '89
Paige and Clark Cadwallader '03
Nerea and Alan Claiborne
Leah and James Eller
Kristen and Parker Hanzel
Erin and Morriss Hurt
Lauren and Ryan Malitz
Lauren Tarbox-Mancuso and James Mancuso
Veronica and Kyle Martin
Sekinat and Ted McCormick
Elizabeth and Paul Powell
Amber and Lance Reed '03
Laura and Jason Ritterbusch
Helen and Paul Rohlfs
Salaie and Raul Ruiz
Mo and Barrett Shipp
Tinsley and Chad Smith
Faith and Blake Stouffer
Carole and Elgin Wong
Case for Support
Invest in Our Boys. Create the Exceptional.
When an Academy boy steps onto campus, his education will stretch beyond a core curriculum. He will start each day with chapel, where what it means to be honest, to be kind, and to be the best he can be will become indelible. He will go to his classroom with the most talented, brightest teachers who will teach in a way that is intentionally crafted for boys.
His day will include a family-style lunch, little buddy and big buddy moments, and teamwork. He might bait a hook, compete in a sport, or memorize lines for a Shakespeare play. He will try things he didn’t know he could do and unearth talents he didn’t know existed. He will recognize when to follow and when to lead and realize the importance of his impact within and outside the Academy gates.
As he crosses the stage at commencement, we will be drawn to the exceptional promise radiating from him. He will know how to embrace challenges and persevere. He will understand that his mistakes create valuable lessons. He will set goals and make plans to achieve them. He will take risks, he will ask questions, and he will thrive. He will have discovered some of his innate gifts and will have begun to understand how they benefit others. He will have become a scholar, a leader, a young man of integrity, and a brother; in short, he will have become an Academy Boy.
Give to the Academy Fund.
Just as an astute investor recognizes the value of a promising venture, his experience yields immeasurable returns.
Your gift makes a significant difference at San Antonio Academy by providing valuable resources and opportunities that turn the expected into the exceptional. Your gift fosters academic programs, leadership initiatives, a secure campus environment, and athletic endeavors. Your gift guarantees that we have the means to attract, retain, and enrich the finest educators. Every gift to The Academy Fund represents a commitment to support San Antonio Academy’s mission to offer an exceptional education intentionally crafted for boys.
Invest in our Boys. Create the Exceptional. Give to the Academy Fund.
Categories for Giving
Intentionally Crafted for
Boys
The Academy’s Greatest Need
Giving where The Academy needs it most allows us to address crucial and diverse needs, ensuring that resources are allocated strategically to support every aspect of our students' education and overall development, thereby creating an exceptional experience.
Exceptional Academic Programs
Giving to academic programs at San Antonio Academy helps foster a dynamic learning environment that is intentionally crafted for boys and equips the boys with what they need to excel and become well-rounded, confident individuals prepared for future success (e.g., STEM class, character education, digital music software).
Enriching Exceptional Faculty
Your gift directly impacts the educational growth of our faculty that, in turn, ensures an exceptional educational experience that is intentionally crafted for boys (e.g., Gurian and Spalding Trainings).
Ensuring An Exceptional Campus
A secure and well-maintained campus safeguards our students, staff, and the rest of our Academy community. Your gift helps to provide a safe campus, an environment conducive to optimal learning and growth, as well as a place that attracts incoming families (e.g., security infrastructure, campus beautification, state-of-the-art playground).
Exceptional Alumni Involvement
Since 1886, the Bond of Brothers at San Antonio Academy has extended beyond commencement. Alumni involvement ensures a legacy of support and mentorship for the foreseeable future. Your gift provides alumni programming that perpetuates the bond among Academy graduates for a lifetime (e.g., Gather Under the Oak Tree, Alumni & 8th Grade Luncheon, Alumni Lacrosse Game).
Exceptional Athletics
Athletics are an avenue through which boys learn leadership and teamwork skills, along with lessons in victories and defeat, which are key to preparing our boys for success. Your gift ensures that we continue to provide a competitive and fun experience that supports the boys’ physical, mental, and social development (e.g., strength, speed, and agility equipment; collegiate-level uniforms; Health and Human Body curriculum).
Ways To Give
The Academy Fund campaign begins June 1, 2025, and will continue through May 31, 2026. The Parent portion of the campaign will begin September 14, 2026, concluding the week before Fall Family Fair.
Once an individual or family has committed to donate to The Academy Fund, they will not be solicited again, with the exception of our spring fundraising event.
To Make a Gift By Mail: The Academy Fund
San Antonio Academy 117 East French Place San Antonio, TX 78212
To Make a Gift by Phone: Call 210.733.7331, extension 219
To Make a Gift or Pledge Online: www.sa-academy.org/academyfund
Matching Gifts
There are many companies in the San Antonio area that have matching gift programs. If you or a family member work for one such company, your donation to The Academy Fund could more than double. Appropriate documents can be secured from your company’s Human Resources Department and submitted with your gift. We are happy to help you with this process.
Recurring Gifts
Ways To Give
Donors may make a recurring gift transaction through the Academy website or gift envelope. This option enables donors to contribute larger gifts in installments for a preset period of time.
Memorial and Honorary Gifts
Honor a loved one while supporting The Academy at the same time. There is a place to designate an honoree or indicate a memorial on the online giving page or pledge envelope. A special card will be sent to the family of the individual who is being honored announcing that a gift was made to the school (omitting the amount of the gift).
Making an Anonymous Gift
Any gift to San Antonio Academy may be made anonymously should the donor choose that as an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do other schools ask parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends to make an annual donation?
Yes, all independent schools in the United States have an annual giving campaign.
I am already paying tuition, why should I make a gift?
Your gift makes a significant difference at San Antonio Academy by providing valuable resources and opportunities that turn the expected into the exceptional. Your gift fosters leadership and academic initiatives, a secure campus environment, and athletic endeavors. Your gift guarantees that we have the means to attract, retain, and enrich the finest educators. Every gift to The Academy Fund represents a commitment to support San Antonio Academy’s mission to offer an exceptional education intentionally crafted for boys.
Why is participation in The Academy Fund important?
Foundations, corporations, and those capable of giving very large gifts are more willing to donate to The Academy if a significant number of their constituents are contributing to capacity. It’s a powerful statement about the importance of The Academy in the San Antonio community and a signal to potential donors that San Antonio Academy is worthy of their support.
What areas does The Academy Fund support?
The Academy’s Greatest Need
Exceptional Academic Programs
Enriching Exceptional Faculty
Ensuring An Exceptional Campus
Exceptional Alumni Programs
Exceptional Athletics
Frequently Asked Questions
If I am unable to make a large donation to The Academy Fund, does a small gift really make a difference?
Yes! San Antonio Academy benefits from gifts at every level. Donors of relatively smaller but consistent gifts make a key difference so that we can ensure each boy’s Academy experience is exceptional.
How much should I give?
An amount or range will be suggested in the letter that each member of the community receives based on their previous gift to The Academy Fund. However, we want everyone to give at a level that suits their family.
Why do volunteers need to be the ones to do the asking?
Peer-to-peer asks are more successful because people are more likely to give when asked by someone who shares their values.
Who decides how the funds are allocated?
It is the responsibility of The Head of School, CFO, and Senior Staff to spend the money within the budget parameters set by the board of trustees. Money designated by a donor for a specific purpose will be used for enhancing the educational experience in the specified area.
Tips for Being a Successful Volunteer
Read the Volunteer Guide. It will answer most of the questions you will encounter when asking for donations. Make your own gift first and invite others to join you in making their gifts.
Focus on the individual when meeting with or communicating with a donor. Engage them in conversation topics that are meaningful to them.
Make initial contact however you are most comfortable. The first call, text, or meeting is a great opportunity to thank someone for their previous support and share with them particular information that is meaningful to them, especially information from their child’s grade or division.
Tell your Academy love story. We have chosen you to volunteer because you love The Academy. Personalize the approach by telling why you love The Academy, and what makes it exceptional to you.
Make the ask E-A-S-Y
Engage your prospect in conversation.
Answer any questions they might have.
Say a specific amount or gift range when asking.
Yes is the magic word! However, no matter their answer, be sure to thank them for their time and/or commitment to donate.
Follow Up. End each conversation with next steps. Suggest that you will see or speak with them again to continue discussion. Maintain the momentum with follow-up a couple weeks after.
Say thank you, again. Acknowledge donors personally by writing a thank you note to each donor you solicit when he/she makes a pledge or gift. Although donors are thanked by our office, a personal note from you will mean a great deal and will help strengthen The Academy’s relationship with the donor.
What if I hear...
“I already made a gift this year. “ Thank you so much! Let Bethany know that they believe they have already contributed to this year’s Academy Fund.
“Yes, I am planning to participate.“ Wonderful! Would you like me to send you the options for methods of payment?
“I will make my gift later in the year.“ or “We cannot give right now.“ We are delighted to hear that. Take your time and make the gift at a time that is comfortable for your family. The Academy Fund campaign will be ongoing until May 31, 2026.
“I have concerns about…” Tell them you understand their concerns and urge them to share them with Bethany Smith. Please make Bethany aware of the conversation so that they can ensure someone at SAA reaches out to them.
“We are doing all we can to afford tuition at this time.” I certainly understand. Thank you so much for your time.
“San Antonio Academy does not need my money; other organizations do.”
The Academy appreciates that there are likely many charitable organizations that are special to you. Should you change your mind, know that The Academy Fund does make a significant difference to The Academy Experience.
Invest in our Boys. Create the Exceptional. Give to the Academy Fund.
