Annual Fund
 
WHAT IS THE ANNUAL FUND AND WHY TO I NEED TO CONTRIBUTE?
            The Annual Fund (formally the “Family Pledge”) is our primary fundraising program that helps bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating each student.  Unlike tuition, donations to the Annual Fund are 100% tax deductible.  Contributions ensure our operating budget is met:  teacher salaries, education materials, facility maintenance and tuition assistance are all supported by the Annual Fund.  In addition, the Annual Fund supports St. John enrichment programs such as art, music, physical education, technology and science labs.  It is critical we receive 100% community participation as grants and corporate matching programs are more receptive to schools with 100% parent participation.


ARE THERE OTHER FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES BESIDES THE ANNUAL FUND?
            Yes.  In addition to the Annual Fund and Fundraising Events such as the Jog-A-Thon, Crab Feed and Spring Event, the Parish will periodically launch Capital Campaigns.  A Capital Campaign is targeted to achieve a more specific goal such as capital improvements beyond the operation expenses.  For example, the Building Faith and Future Campaign will enable us to remodel our church and build a gym.
 
HOW MUCH SHOULD I DONATE TO THE ANNUAL FUND?
            We encourage our parents to make St. John’s their highest philanthropic priority while their children are students here. While it is important to keep in mind there is a $1000 gap per child between tuition and the actual cost of education, a gift of any amount is encouraged and appreciated!  Annual fund gifts range in size from under $10 to over $10,000.  We ask each person or family to participate at a level appropriate for their circumstances—but it is crucial we achieve 100% participation.
 
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO ACHIEVE 100% PARTICIPATION?
            Each donation represents benefits beyond the direct financial contribution.  St. Johns values the inclusive nature of its community and participation in the Annual Fund is an important priority.  In addition, many foundations we will apply to for grants will look more closely at participation figures.  Such foundations are more likely to support schools demonstrating 100% participation.  NO GIFT IS TOO SMALL TO ACHIEVE 100% PARTICIPATION.
 
 
This is what the Annual Fund has helped accomplished in the PAST:
·         Computer lab updated with new computers, software and furniture
·         Computer networked school and state-of-the-art technology program
·         Designated Computer and Science Lab Teacher
·         Designated Library and Resource Learning Center
·         Creation of an Art Studio and student Art Program
·         Maintenance of School Garden
·         Part-time Math teacher
·         Music instruction
·         Science Lab
·         New Science software to support Smartboards
·         Sports equipment

With your help, these are FUTURE DREAMS the Annual Fund can accomplish:
·         Performing arts programs and stage improvements
·         Ongoing promotion and expansion of student diversity within Catholic Education
·         Expanded after school sports and educational programs integrated with the Capital Campaign improvements
·         Continuing Education and Faculty Training
·         Continuous upgrades of curricular software and textbooks
·         Continued expansion of Technology Program—expansion and training in use of Smartboards
·         Expanded Spanish language program

For further information about the Annual Fund, please contact Denise Sylvestor at 224-8388 or dsylvester@stjohnscatholic.org .