Sierra Waldorf School Annual Giving Fund

“The Sierra Waldorf School is a garden where the community gathers to grow each other” – is the opening line of our vision statement at the Sierra Waldorf school. Each year, parents, teachers, trustees, staff, friends, grandparents, and neighbors impact the lives of our students by contributing to Annual Giving in order to sustain that growth.

Annual Giving contributions are essential to the day-to-day operations of the school, as tuition does not cover the full cost of a Waldorf education. Your gift will help underwrite everything that facilitates the teaching in the classrooms, like instructional materials and equipment, facilities and utilities, and faculty and staff salaries.  In addition, these gifts make it possible to have an accessible to all tuition program which in turn makes it possible for children to attend who otherwise could not.

Please join with us in ensuring that the Annual Giving Campaign continues to be a secure foundation upon which to build the future of the school by making your tax deductible contribution today. Our campaign goal is $45,000 and will run through January 15, 2010, but your donations will be gratefully accepted throughout the year. Donors can also pledge to contribute a specific amount each month using our pledge page.

Make a secure tax-deductible donation to Sierra Waldorf online.

Or send your check made out to SWS Annual Giving and mail to:
Sierra Waldorf School • 19234 Rawhide Rd • Jamestown, CA 95327

Why Is Annual Givng Necessary?
Tuition and other fees cover about 70% of the annual operating expenses of the school, and the purpose of Annual Giving is to help bridge this 30% gap.  We design our own program and curriculum, operate without financial support from federal or state government agencies, and are self-governed.  Unlike public schools, which are funded by tax dollars, independent schools rely solely upon tuition revenues and philanthropic gifts to meet operating and capital expenses.

Do Corporations And Foundations Support The Annual Giving Campaign?
Corporations typically contribute to independent schools by offering matching gifts to their employees’ contributions. Several families in our school are able to double their personal contributions through their employer’s matching gift programs - you may want to check with your employer to see if such a program is in place where you work. Foundations generally give to Annual Giving appeals when there is a direct personal connection to the school. Usually they are much more interested in specific projects that are within their funding guidelines and advance their specific areas of interest.

Why Is Participation Important?
No matter the size of your gift, your donation supports the ongoing operations of the school. In addition to the annual monetary goal, the Sierra Waldorf School Annual Giving Campaign has a 100% participation goal from current parents, trustees, and employees. High participation is a vote of confidence, a sign that parents invest in their children’s welfare and support the School’s mission. This percentage can also have an impact on gifts from outside sources such as foundations, businesses, and individuals. When these potential donors know that the immediate community supports the school, they feel confident that their gifts will be well utilized. 100% is a way for each of us to make a gift to each other, to know that we thrive together as a community.

Can I Donate Stock To The Annual Giving Campaign?
Yes. This is a great way to make a gift to the school. Giving appreciated securities provides you with a tax deduction for the appreciated value of the stock without incurring capital gains tax. Our office can provide you with details on how to make stock gifts.

Can I make a pledge and/or make monthly payments?
Yes. Please let us know what your pledge is, the payment date or a monthly payment installment you would like to make. Arrangements can be made to accommodate such pledges in the office or online at www.sierrawaldorf.com.
Thank you for supporting the school!