How does the Academy Fund benefit my family now?
The success of the Academy Fund appeal has a direct impact on the
quality of education we offer our students. Gifts to the Academy Fund
help the school to maintain small class sizes, enhance innovative
curriculum and programs, maintain the Academy’s 12-acre campus and
facilities, and enrich athletics, the arts, and extracurricular
programs. All students benefit directly from funds raised.
Why should I donate to the Academy Fund? Isn’t tuition enough?Independent schools like Staten Island Academy depend on annual gifts
from parents, alumni, trustees, faculty, and friends to help cover the
gap between tuition dollars and the actual cost of educating each
student. In addition, participation in the Academy Fund is a show of
support.
When the Academy is under consideration for grants from large donors
or foundations, the level of community participation in annual giving
plays an important role. Your participation demonstrates your support
and sends a clear message to other prospective donors that our parents
and alumni care about the school and its students.
Why not raise tuition to equal the cost of educating students?
A school whose mission is academic excellence is labor-intensive and
people-oriented. It is the cost of faculty salaries and benefits that
drive the cost of an independent school education. Also, it is not in
the interest of the school to have ever-higher tuition excluding
qualified students from the school. It benefits all students to have
economic diversity. We do that by offering financial aid to outstanding
students who might not otherwise be able to attend. In addition, since Academy Fund gifts are tax-deductible, parents may maximize their education dollars by writing off their donation.
Are my gifts tax-deductible?
Yes. Staten Island Academy is a federally registered 501(c)3
non-profit, which means that gifts to the school are tax-deductible to
the extent allowed by law. All donors get a formal acknowledgement of
their gift to present to their tax professional.
Can I designate my gift to a specific area?
Yes. If you wish to underwrite a specific item for the school, please
contact development@statenislandacademy.org directly.
Can the Academy help me fill out matching gift forms?
The Academy’s Development Office is happy to help with all forms and
processing details. Contact development@statenislandacademy.org.
Can I make my gift in installments?
Yes. You may make a gift using quarterly or even monthly payment
plans. Donors who prefer to automate the process may give the
Development Office a credit card, set up a giving schedule, and have
their pledge payments made automatically.
Can I make my gift anonymously?
Yes. You may choose to be completely anonymous, or keep only the
amount of your gift private and still be listed as participating in
the Annual Report.
How much should I give?
Only you can decide the amount that is appropriate for you. We ask
that you participate to the fullest extent possible for you and your
family. We request that parents make the Academy their highest
philanthropic priority while their children are enrolled in the school
and that our alumni recognize the importance of their education and
experiences at the Academy and help us offer these benefits to the
students who follow them. Gifts to the Academy Fund range from $25
to more than $15,000. Though leadership gifts can be transformative,
every gift matters to us.
How can I help the Academy Fund?
There are many ways you can make a difference. You can join the
Academy Fund Committee to help spread the word about the importance of
the Academy Fund and ask other members of the school community to
participate in the Academy Fund Appeal. You can also participate as a
volunteer for the spring fundraising event. Alumni also have a role
to play as volunteers.
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