Guide to Giving
Sustaining Quality Education At St. John’s Episcopal Parish Day School, maintaining the highest quality education is the number one priority of the School. To maintain excellence in education means hiring the best faculty, attracting top students, and providing facilities, resources, and experiences that allow those students to thrive and succeed in school and in life. As an independent school, St. John’s receives no financial support from federal, state, or local governments. The sole sources of revenue are tuition, charitable gifts, income from invested reserves, and proceeds from special activities. As a result, St. John’s must raise additional funds beyond tuition revenue to balance the budget and provide for the future.
Minding the Gap Anyone who has traveled around Britain’s capital city on ‘the Tube’, London’s iconic underground railroad, is aware there is a distance (the ‘Gap’) between the platform and the train. Independent schools use the same phrase to describe the difference between what it costs to educate each child and the tuition charged to do so. This is our current ‘business model,’ one many parents want to better understand. St. John’s relies on the support and involvement of our entire community – current and past parents, grandparents, trustees, alumni, faculty, and staff. Through the Eagles Fund, our primary annual fundraising effort, special events organized by our Parents’ Club and Dads’ Club, and volunteer opportunities, St. John’s offers numerous ways to become involved and help us “Mind the Gap.” We hope the following guide helps you navigate the major fundraising projects at St. John’s.
An extraordinary life begins with an extraordinary childhood. An exceptional education is integral to both. – Hug h Jebson Head of School
Eagles Fund What is the Eagles Fund? The Eagles Fund (formerly known as the Annual Fund) is the cornerstone of all giving to St. John’s and supports the ongoing day-to-day operational expenses of the School, and the gap between the cost of educating each child and the cost of tuition. It allows us to attract and retain talented faculty and staff, provide exceptional academics, technology upgrades, and offer tuition assistance. Tuition accounts for 90% of total incoming funds. As such, the Eagles Fund is key to helping St. John’s deliver the mission, contain costs, and strengthening long-term financial sustainability.
What is the St. John’s ‘g ap’ in dollar terms? The difference between tuition and the cost of educating each student is influenced by a number of factors and can vary annually. For the 2019-2020 school year, the ‘gap’ per student is projected to be $1300.
Why not just close ‘the gap’ through tuition increases? This is certainly an option. The advantage of doing so is that the focus of our fundraising efforts could then be directed exclusively towards program enhancements and improvements that make every child’s experience even stronger. At the same time, we fully recognize the decision to invest in a child’s education is not taken lightly and involves significant sacrifice on the part of parents and others.
What is my gift to the Eagles Fund used for? Gifts to the Eagles Fund have an immediate and positive impact on our school community and benefit every child by supporting a wide range of school programs and needs. Examples of what is made possible through the Eagles Fund include: teacher salaries, educational technology, classroom supplies, field trips, arts materials, and tuition assistance.
@ For more about the Eagles Fund, contact us at advancement@ stjohnseagles.org.
Ways To Give How can I make a gift to the Eagles Fund? Each St. John’s family has a part to play in the success of the Eagles Fund. Donations are 100% tax deductible. You can make your gift in one of the following ways:
Credit Card
Make your donation securely online by visiting https://stjohnseagles.org/support-st-johns/, or call the Office of Institutional Advancement at 813-600-4353. We will gladly take your credit card donations by phone.
Checks
Make checks payable to St. John’s Episcopal Parish Day School, and note on the check memo line the Eagles Fund. Checks can be mailed to: St. John’s Episcopal Parish Day School 240 S. Plant Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606 Attn: Office of Institutional Advancement
Matching Gifts
Many companies offer matching gift programs to encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations. Some provide matching funds to support employee volunteer hours. Most of these programs match contributions dollar for dollar, and some will even double or triple the amount of your gift! If you would like more information, the Office of Institutional Advancement can assist with arrangements on an individual basis.
Stocks / Securities
To transfer stock to St. John’s, please use the following: > The account is titled St. John’s Episcopal Parish Day School. > Our brokerage account is with BT Wealth Advisors 601 Bayshore Blvd, Suite 960, Tampa, Florida 33606 Located in the Bank of Tampa building. > Our account number is 1571-7009 The clearing firm is LPL Financial, DTC #0075. Please keep us informed on the date of the transfer. Our policy is to sell the stock as quickly as possible so that the sale price will be valued as close to the price when you gave the stock as possible. We will provide you documentation for your tax purposes.
Planned Giving
Planned giving presents an opportunity for donors to structure a gift that not only provides for the future of our young people but also achieves a variety of financial objectives. Deferred gifts include bequests, life insurance, trusts, and gifts of stock or real estate. If you would like more information, the Office of Institutional Advancement can assist with arrangements on an individual basis.
Memorial and Named Gifts
A family member, faculty member, student, alumnae, friend or loved one may be honored through a special named or memorial gift to St. John’s. Many varied opportunities exist. If you would like more information, the Office of Institutional Advancement can assist with arrangements on an individual basis.
Eagles Fund Levels of Recognition Circle of Excellence Platinum Eagle Gold Eagle Bronze Eagle Crimson Eagle
Eagles Fund
Partner Benefactor Supporter
$25,000 and more $10,000 - $24,999 $5,000 - $9,999 $2,500 - $4,999
$1,000 - $2,499 $500 - $999 Under $499
What is the deadline for my gift? In the fall, the Office of Institutional Advancement will contact St. John’s families by telephone, mail, or in person to request an Eagles Fund gift. Pledges are payable by June 30; however, many contribute before December 31 to take advantage of a tax deduction for the current year.
How are donors to the Eagles Fund recognized? Many parents and friends step forward with gifts at the Circle of Excellence leadership level of $2,500 or more. These leadership gifts are essential to help the School meet the educational needs of the entire community. These donors are recognized yearly in our annual report, through special car magnets, and at the Circle of Excellence VIP Party, a cocktail reception hosted on Friday, May 1, 2020. Wherever you give, you will be supporting the St. John’s experience for current students and future generations to come.
Parent’s Club How else can I get involved as a parent? St. John’s has an active and motivated Parents’ Club, overseen by a board. Its purpose is to support special funding areas that further the School’s mission through enrichment of our programs and culture. The Parents’ Club works throughout the school year, raising funds and coordinating functions that build our sense of community such as student parties and dances, appreciation events to acknowledge our faculty and staff, and other informational and social opportunities for our families. The Parent’s Club organizes two main fundraising events each year. All proceeds from these events go directly to the School and create opportunities for enriched learning experiences for our children.
St. John’s Santa Run
Saturday, December 7, 2019 The St. John’s Santa Run is our seasonal fundraising event. This 5K and 1M Run engages team of friends, family and co-workers who run or walk to support our School and spread holiday cheer. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this fun event. Sponsorships are available.
Celebratio
Friday, February 21, 2020 Celebratio is the largest fundraising event coordinated by the Parents’ Club. Opportunities for involvement include: • Corporate sponsorships • Live and silent auction items • Event expense underwriting
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For more about the Parents’ Club, contact us at parentsclub@ stjohnseagles.org.
Dads’ Club Are there ways to volunteer throug h service? The Dads’ Club is focused on community service. It is open to all fathers or guardians of current St. John’s students who desire to assist and enhance the School culture. Dads plan, volunteer for, and financially support community projects done by students, including a Thanksgiving food drive, a Christmas toy drive, and a springtime Day of Service.
Golf Tournament
Friday, October 18, 2019
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Monday, November 4 – Friday, November 15, 2019
Christmas Toy Drive
Monday, December 2 – Friday, December 13, 2019
Day Of Service
Friday, January 31, 2020
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For more about the Dads’ Club, contact us at dadsclub@stjohnseagles.org.
With Gratitude Your partnership is essential to delivery of our mission and preparing our children for lives of leadership, learning, and service. In advance, thank you for your support of St. John’s Episcopal Day School. If you need more information or have additional questions, please contact our Office of Institutional Advancement at advancement@ stjohnseagles.org.
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Empowered to Lead. Inspired to Serve.
240 S. Plant Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606
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