Annual Fund
Overview
The Annual Fund campaign is one of the most important ways you can help Sanford meet its immediate needs. It is our most important source of unrestricted funds. If you can only make one gift each year, please make it to the Annual Fund.
Each year, all members of the Sanford Community—- parents, faculty, alumni, past parents, grandparents, businesses and other friends - are asked to make gifts to the Annual Fund to augment the budget. These vital dollars support every student by bridging the gap between tuition (which covers roughly 90% of the actual cost to educate our students) and the actual cost of providing a Sanford education.
While gifts to the Annual Fund have traditionally been left unrestricted that is, used at the School's discretion for its most urgent needs—many donors have expressed their desire to have more say in how their gifts are used. As a result, you may now designate your gift to any one of the four critical areas within the School's operating budget.- Areas of Greatest Need
- Arts and Athletics
- Instruction and Technology
- Financial Aid
Annual Giving provides you the opportunity to make a personal investment in the school. Sanford depends on a healthy Annual Fund, which in turn depends on us. Join us by participating in the Annual Fund today. The Annual Fund runs concurrently with the school fiscal year, July 1st – June 30th. All donations are tax deductible as allowable by law. For more information about the Annual Fund, contact the Director of Annual Giving, Karen Riordan, at riordank@sanfordschool.org or call 302-239-5263.
Levels / Giving Clubs
Below are the current gift levels for the Annual Fund
| Leadership Gift Levels | |
| Head’s Circle | $10,000 and up |
| 1930’s Club | $5,000 – $9,999 |
| Ellen Q. Sawin Club | $2,500 - $4,999 |
| Sunny Hills Club | $1,000 - $2,499 |
| Gift Clubs | |
| Sanford Club | $650 - $999 |
| Founder’s Club | $350 - $649 |
| Sanford Pines Club | $150 - $349 |
| Chapel Valley Club | $50 - $149 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My family is already paying tuition. How does it benefit my child when I make a donation to the Annual Fund?
The bottom line is this: Your gift supports the people and the programs that make Sanford so special. This means the talented teachers, small classes, and exceptional offerings in everything from the arts to athletics. When your child is in school, all this translates to more personal attention and increased intellectual stimulation. Tuition only covers 90% of the school’s operating budget, and the Annual Fund bridges that gap.Why should I give? My child’s school has beautiful grounds and lovely buildings. It does not look like it needs money.
It’s easy to overestimate how affluent schools are. Because Sanford charges thousands of dollars for tuition and enjoys attractive facilities, you may assume the school is rich, the teachers are well paid, and the financial needs are minimal. But, for our school, and the vast majority of independent schools, tuition covers less than 90% of the full cost of educating each child.The annual fund makes up the difference between what tuition covers and the actual cost of operating the school. It acts like a checking account, helping the school to accomplish its daily work. It helps with all expenses from teachers salaries to equipment to supplies for the classroom. That is why your giving is so critical.
If I can only make a small gift, does it really make an impact?
Yes! Sanford has fewer supporters than a university or large charity. Because the number who can give is small and the need large, then every gift counts. Regardless of the size of the gift, it is an expression of your support. Participation matters!Why is participation so important?
High participation is a vote of confidence, a sign that parents support the school mission. We strive for 100% participation. The high percentage is immeasurable when we are seeking gifts from outside sources, as most foundations consider parent participation before agreeing to donate funds to a school.How much should I give?
This is a question that only you can answer. Because of the direct impact that these gifts have on the day to day activities at Sanford, we hope you will give at the highest level you feel is most comfortable. Every gift counts.What is the best time to give?
We encourage individuals and families to pledge and make gifts early in the school year (between September and December). Early donations translate into lower administrative and communications costs per dollar raised. However, you can give at any time during the Annual Fund period which, coincides with the school’s fiscal year from July 1st through June 30th.Can I spread my payments out over time or do I have to pay it all at once?
Yes, you can spread your payments out over time. While your pledge amount to the annual fund must all be paid by June 30th, you can elect to pay monthly, quarterly, etc. Just contact the Development Office to determine the right plan for you.
Benefits
There are approximately 600 reasons to give to the Annual Fund – each with a unique face and talent. A gift to the Annual Fund directly benefits every child and can be seen in the many accomplishments across our diverse student body.
A gift to the Annual Fund supports these important school priorities:
- Rich academic, athletic and arts programs
- Retention of our skilled, motivated and caring faculty
- Maintain our exceptional campus and facilities
- A safe place for students to take the kinds of risks that lead to greatness and stretch our students beyond their comfort zones
- Your belief in the education Sanford has offered for over 75 years.
Tell Us How You Want to Direct Your Annual Fund Gift!
Areas of Greatest Need
Sanford is a non-profit school that follows a traditional independent school model of setting tuition at less than the full educational cost— bridging the difference (nearly 10%) through donations to the school. Gifts designated to “Areas of Greatest Need” are unrestricted and are among the most valued.
- Allows the school to respond to critical, often unexpected needs and emerging opportunities.
- Touches every aspect of the school.
- Helps Sanford maintain its financial strength and flexibility from year to year
Arts and Athletics
Sanford has a strong tradition in performing arts, visual arts and athletics. Last year alone, Sanford made history by winning both the boys’ and girls’ basketball state championships, and our choir and band earned first place and “best overall” in regional competition. By designating your gift to “Arts and Athletics” you help ensure that we maintain this tradition of excellence.
- Provides support for concerts, recitals and theater production.
- Sponsors visiting artists and museum field trips.
- Supplies uniforms, sports equipment and transportation costs to athletic competitions.
Instruction and Technology
A strong academic program is the cornerstone of a Sanford education and our faculty are at its heart. For generations, Sanford students have been taught by exceptional teachers in all disciplines. By designating your gift to “Instruction and Technology” you support the work of our faculty and ensure we have the academic and technological resources to provide students with the experiences to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
- Allows for new technology, such as smartboards, netbooks and Elmos for the classroom.
- Competitive faculty compensation — keeps student/teacher ratios low.
- Support summer grant programs for teachers.
- Enhance classroom and laboratory resources.
- Procure library materials and sponsor guest speakers.
Financial Aid
Sanford has a generous financial aid program based solely on demonstrated financial need which allows us to maintain a student body that is representative of the cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of our surrounding community. Gifts to "Financial Aid" ensure Sanford continues to embrace this vital part of our mission.
- Makes a Sanford education accessible to a student who would not otherwise be able to experience it.
- Provides a multicultural, diverse environment for our children.
- Enriches the entire school community.
How Can I Make a Gift – Who to Call?
Sanford has a variety of options to make giving easier. The school accepts gifts made by check, cash, credit card or publicly traded securities. Gifts can be made by using our online donation form Donate Now or by mailing your pledge/gift to the Development Office at Sanford School. For more information, please contact Karen Riordan, the Director of Development, at riordank@sanfordschool.org or call 302-239-5263 x 229.
| Sanford Development Office | |
| Address: | PO Box 888 Hockessin, DE 19707 |
| Phone: | 302-239-5263 |
| Fax: | 302-239-5389 |