Annual Fund

Click here to download Authorization of Recurring Gift form

What is the Annual Fund?

The Spartanburg Day School Annual Fund is the school’s most important source of revenue other than student tuition. It is a vital part of each year’s operating budget, contributing to every part of the school’s operation, such as Fine Arts, Athletics, Technology, Professional Development, and Financial Aid. Annual Fund gifts allow us to keep our classes small, allow for flexibility in programming, provide our students with state-of-the-art technology, and offer financial aid for deserving students. In brief, these funds are used to run the school.

How can I contribute?

You can choose to donate by cash or check, use your Visa or Master Card, make a pledge, donate stocks or an employer-matching gift. You may consider making a gift in memory of a loved one or in someone else’s honor such as a child, faculty member, friend, etc. You can also make a donation online. The Development Office at the school collects and records all gifts.

How much should I give?

While contributions of $1,500 or more represent the critical mass of gifts to the Annual Fund, gifts of every size are gratefully appreciated. Only you can determine the amount that’s right for you and your family. But please give as generously as you can. An investment in Spartanburg Day School is one that will pay life-time dividends for your children.

How important is the Annual Fund?

Without the Annual Fund, the school would need to reduce every budget line to cover expenses. Unrestricted giving each year enables SDS to enhance programs and facilities, and to attract top-notch teachers, while helping to keep tuition in check. Participation in the Annual Fund is doubly important when we approach charitable foundations for additional funding. One important question they ask is, “What percent of your alumni, or parents, or trustees give to the Annual Fund?”

Why not just raise tuition?

Tuition covers only a portion of the total cost (roughly 70%) of educating a student. If independent schools relied solely on tuition income, they would price themselves well beyond the means of most families. In addition, gifts to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible and tuition is not.

Who supports the Annual Fund?

Today, as in the past, each Spartanburg Day School family plays an active role in the school community.  Our parents, grandparents, alumni, trustees, friends, faculty and staff share the responsibility of meeting the school’s educational goals and ensuring a soundly governed and financially healthy institution. Many donors take advantage of their employers' matching gifts programs, doubling or tripling their gifts to the school.

Gifts received by December 31st of the year are ellegible for a match by the Romill Foundation of $1 for every $2 dollars received, effectively increasing every gift by half.  Through the magnanimous generosity of this foundation, SDS has received millions of dollars, which have had a significant impact on the school’s ability to deliver the excellent level of education that founders envisoned 51 years ago.

When should I give?

In order to qualify for the Romill Foundation match, donors are encouraged  to give to the annual fund no later than December 31st of each year.

Who raises money for the Annual Fund Drive? 

This effort is volunteer-driven. Gifts are solicited by members of the school community who will make calls, write letters, send mailings and work in collaboration with the Development Office, ensuring that 100% of all gifts received go directly to the school.