2026-2027
Guide
To
GIVING
Introduction At the Wesley School, we have a vision for the future. These past few years have been an exciting time for growth. We’ve seen our campus expand and our community come closer together. We have seen an increasing number of applicants, thriving, innovative programs, and a deeper commitment to diversity and inclusivity. As we look back on these accomplishments with pride, we must also look forward to the path ahead and what we are still looking to achieve. Like most independent schools, tuition alone covers only part of the cost of providing a Wesley education and generous donations from our community make up the difference. In fact, currently, tuition and fees make up only 90% of this cost. Fundraising, therefore, is critical to our School’s financial health and to the educational experience of all our students. It is vital that each family understands how important their philanthropic participation is to the fabric of the Wesley community. Our school’s philosophy is to focus on a few, targeted fundraising activities, as we do our best not to overwhelm families.
Because of this, we ask for 100% participation from our families in The Wesley Fund Campaign. We value our diverse, down-to-earth environment and community at Wesley. In nurturing this atmosphere, we rely on the principle of proportionate giving. Everyone steps forward and contributes a meaningful gift relative to their financial ability. Our fundraising program thrives on the range of talents and resources within our Wesley community. In addition to the intentionally limited number of fundraisers from the Development Office and the coordinated programs benefiting the Parents' Association (PA), you will sometimes receive information about optional fundraising events or sales held to help raise money for grade-level projects or community service programs. These funds do not impact our school directly, but are part of our commitment to help the greater community and those in need. Later in this pamphlet, you will find a breakdown of the different fundraisers you will encounter at Wesley, including who runs them and what they support.
Giving to the Wesley Fund has a real impact on our community and in the classroom. Your gift, no matter the size, inspires our students to learn, discover and find extraordinary ways to work hard and put good out into the world. Our Giving Campaign will launch on October 1st, and close on October 30th. All gifts and pledges to The Wesley Fund should be made during this time frame in order to help us reach our goal. Your contributions have a powerful and lasting impact on all of our students, whether they enable us to expand programs for our children, send our outstanding faculty to stimulating professional development conferences, or provide new technology throughout the grade levels. As we welcome new families and begin the school year, it is essential that each family understands that it takes our entire community of parents, educators, trustees, alumni, grandparents, and friends to lead our students on their journey of transformative learning experiences. The rich personal discoveries our students make while here at Wesley are enhanced by the collective generosity of our community, and we thank you! When making your annual contribution, you will have the opportunity to select an area of interest that matters most to you and your family.
To the right are a few of Wesley's top priorities. Check out some of the many ways that your gift can impact an area of interest and let us know what your top priority is when making a gift to The Wesley Fund this year. Note: Should an area of interest exceed a fund's budget limit, the school may redirect to the area of greatest need.
What Matters Most to You? Academic Programs Implementation of new lower school phonics and writing program, as well as a school-wide math curriculum update Updated materials for new and existing programs Arts Production sets and costumes for performing arts Supplies and materials for fine arts and music program Buildings & Grounds Maintenance and improvement of facilities Safe and secure learning environments DEIB and Social & Emotional Learning Student and parent educational seminars and speakers to further our DElB mission Dedicated counseling program to support the social and emotional needs of all students Faculty & Staff Development Recruitment and retention of exceptional faculty & staff with competitive compensation and benefits Opportunities for professional development conferences and trainings Financial Aid Makes a Wesley education accessible to more students Ensures that all students are able to learn in a culturally and socio-economically diverse community Outdoor Learning, Play, and Experiences Enhancing interactive outdoor play and creativity tools Class trips and retreats that focus on personal reflection, commitments to service, and community building Technology & Innovation Infrastructure for 1:1 device program Smart classroom and software upgrades The Wesley Fund Wesley's area of greatest need any given school year
The Wesley Fund Gifts made annually to The Wesley Fund support the day-to-day operations of Wesley and must be replenished each year. We strive for 100% participation from parents, employees, and board members. We also reach out to alumni families, grandparents, and foundations.
Run for a Cause
Development Fundraisers
Gala The Gala occurs every other year and is both a fundraising opportunity and a community building event. Silent and Live Aucton purchases support the general operating budget of the school, and a “Fund a Need“ paddle raise supports a specific cause at Wesley.
Formerly known as the Jog-a-thon, students participate in this annual event by running and reaching out to family and friends in support of Wesley and a chosen charity. It also helps by engaging new people with the Wesley community.
Capital Campaigns
Teacher Outings
Capital Campaigns take place over defined time frames and fund larger scale capital improvements to Wesley‘s campus and programmatic offerings, such asconstruction of a new building or renovation of an existing space. Capital projects are guided by the long-term vision and master plan for Wesley.
Every Year, the Wesley teachers and staff plan outings which families bid on or purchase. Funds go the general operating budget.
Block Party A fun, adults only event that is a casual take on Gala off years.
Party Book Throughout the year, parents can host parties for adults or students and sell tickets to raise money for the PA.
Parents’ Association FUNraisers
Wesley Rewards
Special Events
Holiday Boutique
Wesley partners with companies like Menchie’s, Ralphs, and many others to give back some of what you spend to the PA.
Unique opportunities for the community to connect and celebrate together.
The PA creates an on campus boutique in the social hall where the kids can buy holiday gifts for their families.
Operation Santa Claus
Food Pantry
The Wesley community provides toys for children in need in partnership with the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry.
CODI Cooking Series Wesley families host virtual cooking parties featuring cultural dishes. Funds go to the Community of Diversity and Inclusivity to support DEIJ initiatives at the school.
The Student Council organizes an ongoing drive to donate cans to the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry.
Book Fair Funds go the Wesley Library.
Other Fundraisers
Frequently Asked Questions doesn’t tuition cover the entire cost of a Wesley Q Why education? setting each year’s tuition, the Board of Trustees A Inweighs many factors such as curriculum enhancements, recruitment and retention of exceptional faculty and staff through competitive salaries, technology updates, and most importantly, continuing its ongoing commitment to make a Wesley education affordable to a culturally and economically diverse community. Additionally, your Annual Fund donation to Wesley is tax deductible; tuition is not. Many employers even have matching gift programs that allow you to double or triple your support to the Wesley School at no extra cost to you. By relying on charitable contributions, we ensure that your dollars have a greater impact and that our school community achieves our goals of educational excellence and increased social awareness and responsibility. is the most important fundraising initiative at Q What Wesley? Wesley Fund campaign is Wesley’s largest and most A The important fundraiser. Contributions to the Wesley Fund are unrestricted gifts made on a yearly basis that support all aspects of a Wesley education. We ask that all parents participate by making a meaningful gift as a monetary contribution or a pledge and to do so by the end of our giving campaign (October 30, 2026). All pledges must be paid by the end of the school year (June 30, 2027).
Q What are Wesley's Giving Levels? recognize the generosity of our donors with the A We following giving levels in our Annual Report each year: Up to $999 - Community Circle $1,000 - $2,999 - Lions Circle $3,000 - $4,999 - Leadership Circle $5,000 - $9,999 - Head of School Circle $10,000 - $14,999 - Visionary Circle $15,000 - $24,999 - Founders Circle $25,000+ - Legacy Circle Those who contribute $3,000 or more annually will receive an invitation to our Leadership Donor Appreciation event. families who receive financial aid asked to Q Are contribute to the The Wesley Fund Campaign? Everyone in the Wesley community is asked to A Yes. participate at a level that is meaningful to them. All gifts, no matter the size, make a direct impact on our school and demonstrate support for Wesley's mission and commitment to educating our students.
is the difference between the annual fund and Q What the Wesley Fund? Wesley Fund is a new rebranding initiative for what A The was formerly known as the Annual Fund. The Wesley Fund is still comprised of unrestricted gifts that are given annually within the school's fiscal year. These gifts feed into the operating budget and support all aspects of a Wesley education. The Wesley Fund will also now allow you to choose an area of interest within the school that means the most to you and your family. is an area of interest and how does that impact Q What my giving? A An area of interest consists of several categories that
are considered some of Wesley's top priorities. In each area, there are a few examples of the many ways that your gift could be utilized in a given school year. Each year, The Wesley Fund automatically supports these various areas of interest at our School. By selecting what matters most to you and your preferred area of interest, it allows us to survey and see what segments the Wesley community would like to focus on the most. If by chance an area of interest exceeds a fund's budget limit, the school may redirect to Wesley's area of greatest need.
Q How long is The Wesley Fund Campaign? A The Wesley fundraising program runs on a fiscal school year from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The Wesley Fund Campaign will launch on Thursday, October 1, 2026 and ends on Friday, October 30, 2026.
is the difference between the Development Office Q What fundraisers and the Parents' Association (PA)
A
FUNraisers? The Development Office is managed by Wesley employees who are responsible for overall fundraising for the Wesley School operating budget. The PA is a parentled volunteer group that works with school administration to coordinate many activities around campus, community building events, and FUNraisers. Money raised from admission to PA events and profits made from selling items and activities are NOT part of the Wesley operating budget. The PA relies on these revenues to subsidize and enhance the many on and off campus activities and events that foster the sense of community that defines Wesley. The PA budget has to be replenished each year and any money left over is donated back to the school as a gift.
does the Gala take place and how can I Q When participate? Wesley hosts an in-person Gala every other year. Our
A next one is planned for the 2028-2029 School Year, which will be our 30th Birthday celebration event. When the time comes, we strongly encourage all parents to join in on the fun and attend this wonderful evening of community celebration and support! Support of this event should be considered in addition to your Wesley Fund contribution. can I reach out to if I still have additional questions Q Who about Philanthropy at Wesley? A Tammy Rodriguez Director of Development trodriguez@wesleyschool.org 818-508-4542 ext. 2551.
Kevin Elbo Assistant Director of Development kelbo@wesleyschool.org 818-508-4542 ext. 2552
How Can I Give? CARD: You can make a gift in one or more installments by credit card by going to wesleyschool.org/give. CASH/CHECK: If you would like to give by cash or check, you can bring it in to the school office made out to "The Wesley Fund.” STOCK: If you would like to make a gift via stock, reach out to the Development office at development@wesleyschool.org for transfer information. PLEDGE: If you would like to make a pledge to be paid before the end of the school year, email development@wesleyschool.org. Scan to Give
Matching Gifts Many employers will match gifts that their employees make to nonprofit organizations like Wesley. Some will match double or even triple what you gave. This is a fantastic way to increase your impact at the school, and matching gifts count toward your giving level and for invitations to the Leadership Donor Appreciation Event. Check with your employer's HR department or go to wesleyschool.org/match to see if they will match your gift, and if you need any help, reach out to development@wesleyschool.org