Like all non-profit independent schools, Sequoyah fulfills its mission by relying on donations in addition to tuition and fees to sustain the quality of its program. Volunteering your time, and contributing money and expertise make a difference. It all adds up to a dynamic, thriving school community that supports each student from their first day to their graduation.
Our collective giving is an acknowledgment that we share responsibility for the school’s success — and every student’s success. Our expectation is that each family will give according to their means and participate in ways that make the most sense for them. Consistent generosity over time assures that Sequoyah is an extraordinary, inclusive, and socioeconomically diverse school community.
In so many ways this generous community spirit enriches a student’s day to day learning. Because of your involvement Sequoyah can provide a powerful education that “challenges the mind, nurtures the heart and celebrates human dignity”.
Why is everyone in the school community asked to contribute to the Annual Campaign?
The success of the Annual Campaign is fundamental to Sequoyah’s financial health. Tuition revenue doesn’t cover it all.
Funds raised through the Annual Campaign allow the school the flexibility to address long-standing budget obligations and unanticipated costs. Salaries and benefits represent more than 70% of the school’s operating budget expense, which also includes classroom materials, facilities maintenance, technology systems and equipment, transportation, utilities, etc. Gifts typically range in size from $5 to $50,000 and the total amount raised is expended by the school in same budget year. In addition to parents/guardians, grandparents, alumni, trustees, foundations, and businesses through corporate matching also contribute to the Annual Campaign.
The Annual Campaign does not fund large facility projects or special initiatives such as the purchase of property and establishing endowments. Donors who give to capital or endowment campaigns also give to the Annual Campaign because it addresses immediate needs. Independent schools count on both types of fundraising, and bequests, to maintain financial sustainability and to fulfill strategic visions.
What if I want to give to something in particular?
Capital campaign gifts, or special purpose gifts, fund strategic initiatives or programmatic growth beyond what is allocated in the school’s annual operating budget. Director of Advancement Elena Phleger would be happy to meet with you to discuss how your interests may align with the school’s planning and development priorities.
How to Give
All gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of the law and can be paid in cash, or by check or credit card. You may also choose to donate appreciated securities or to pay via a wire transfer. For those instructions please contact Director of Advancement Elena Phleger.
You may wish to make a gift to the Annual Campaign or direct your gift to an endowment or particular purpose.
Gifts to Sequoyah’s major gift initiatives or campaigns help us to plan and achieve long term goals that tuition alone cannot possibly address, sustaining access and affordability for families through indexed tuition, establishing a strong commitment to recruiting and retaining extraordinary faculty who bring their passion and experience to their teaching, stewardship of historic campuses, and building endowment to secure the future.
You may be able to leverage your gift through your company’s matching gift program. Please check with your company’s human resource department to inquire about eligibility and return forms to Sequoyah as soon as possible.
We are grateful for your investment. Thank you for joining present and past parents, trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who all support Sequoyah.
For more information contact
Elena Phleger
Director of Advancement
