Support the Annual Fund of Sanford School in Hockessin, DE

YOUR DONATION KEEPS SANFORD STRONG!

Because tuition dollars do not cover the full cost of a Sanford education, the Annual Fund is an important source to help ensure each student benefits from an exceptional Sanford experience. The Annual Fund impacts every student, every day. If you are only able to make one gift each year, please make it to the Annual Fund.

Each year, we ask all members of the Sanford Community—parents, faculty, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, businesses and other friends—to pledge their support to the Annual Fund. The Annual Fund helps provide the tools, facilities and faculty professional development that maximize the learning environment, allowing students to grow in the classroom and through the arts, athletics and community service. With each gift, Sanford is able to be bolder, brighter, and stronger.

Your fully tax-deductible contribution may be made anytime between July 1st and June 30th and will go right to work supporting Sanford’s mission. Please donate now!

For more information about the Annual Fund, contact Megan Rushmore, Associate Director of Development, or call 302.235.6510.

Designate Your Gift

List of 8 items.

Why Designate?

While we all believe in the educational experience Sanford provides, we understand that Sanford has a unique meaning to each of us. We therefore offer ways for you to designate your gift or honor a member of the Sanford community, should you wish to do so.
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.

Gifts to this category
- Allow the school to respond to critical, often unexpected needs and emerging opportunities
- Touch every aspect of the school
- Help Sanford maintain its financial strength and flexibility from year to year.
Arts
Sanford has a strong tradition in performing arts and visual arts. The choir and bands are top ranked in regional competitions. Visual arts students receive regional and national honors and accolades. By designating your gift to “Arts," you help ensure that we maintain this tradition of excellence.

Gifts to this category
- Provide support for concerts, recitals and theater productions
- Sponsor visiting artists and museum field trips.
Athletics
With a legacy of achievement in boys' and girls' basketball, it's been wonderful to see our Warriors compete in post-season play in a number of other sports as well. Girls' soccer and field hockey, boys' soccer, tennis, and wrestling have all celebrated successful seasons as of late.

Gifts to this category
- Supply uniforms, sports equipment and transportation costs to athletic competitions
- Help with the necessary upgrades and improvements to our fields and facilities.
Faculty Support
A strong academic program is the cornerstone of a Sanford education, and our faculty is at its heart. For generations, exceptional teachers in all disciplines have educated Sanford students. By designating your gift to “Instruction," you support the work of our faculty and ensure we have the academic resources to provide students with the experiences to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Gifts to this category
- Allow for competitive faculty compensation
- Support summer grant programs for teachers
- Procure library materials and sponsor guest speakers.
Technology
Sanford strives to remain on the cutting edge of methodologies and materials that will aid in our lessons and give students the opportunities to learn and experience challenges in new ways. A gift designated to "Technology" will help Sanford to remain current with the newest tools and resources across our curriculum.

Gifts to this category
- Contribute to new technologies for the classrooms, labs, and libraries
- Enhance classroom and laboratory resources.
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.

Gifts to this category
- Make a Sanford education accessible to a deserving student who would not otherwise be able to experience it
- Provide a multicultural, diverse environment for all students
- Enrich the entire school community.
Honor a Sanford Community Member with Your Gift

Simply fill out the appropriate area with your honoree’s name. Once the gift is received, the Development Office will notify the person of your thoughtful gift, and all honorees will be noted in the Annual Report. What better way to say “thank you” than with a gift to the school!

Ways to Give

There are many ways to give to Sanford. We welcome gifts by check or credit card, by mail, phone or securely online.

Contributions of appreciated securities, stock, corporate matching gifts or planned gifts are also welcome.

If you wish to mail your gift, please make your check payable to:

Annual Fund
Sanford School
6900 Lancaster Pike
Hockessin, DE 19707

We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Please call us at 302.235.6512.

FAQs

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

Q. My family is already paying tuition. How does a donation to the Annual Fund benefit my child?

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 academics to the arts and athletics. When your child is in school, all this translates to more personal attention and increased intellectual stimulation. Tuition only covers approximately 85% of the school’s operating budget, and the Annual Fund bridges that gap.
Q. Why should I give? Sanford 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 has a high tuition and enjoys attractive facilities, you may assume the school is rich, the teachers are well-paid, and the financial needs are minimal. However, for our school (and the vast majority of independent schools) tuition covers approximately 85% 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 helps with all expenses from teachers salaries to equipment and supplies for the classroom. That is why your gift to the Annual Fund is so critical.
Q. Why doesn’t tuition cover all expenses?

The financial model that underpins independent school operations depends on three principal sources of revenue: tuition revenue, endowment income, and the philanthropy of alumni, parents and friends. Your annual support is a vital component of that financial equation.
Q. If I can only make a small gift, does it really make an impact?

Yes! Similar to other independent schools of its type, Sanford has fewer supporters than a university or large charity. Because the number who can give is small and the need large, every gift counts. Regardless of the size of the gift, it is an expression of your support and belief in our school. Participation matters!
Q. Why is participation so important?

High participation is a vote of confidence, a sign that parents support the school’s mission. We strive for 100% participation. The high percentage is immeasurable when we are seeking gifts from outside sources, such as grants, as most foundations consider parent participation before agreeing to donate funds to a school.
Q. How much should I give?

This is a question that only you can answer. Because of the direct impact 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.
Q. 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. You may, however, give at any time during the Annual Fund period, which runs from July 1st through June 30th each year.
Q. May I spread my payments out over time or do I have to pay it all at once?

You may spread your payments out over time. While your pledge amount to the Annual Fund must all be paid by June 30th, you may elect to pay monthly, quarterly, etc. The Development Office will be happy to help, once you have determined the right plan for you.
Q. May I designate my gift?

Absolutely. Annual Fund donations may be designated to Areas of Greatest Need, Arts and Athletics, Instruction and Technology, Financial Aid, or in honor of a Sanford community member.

Annual Fund $600,000 GOAL