Saint Ann's Annual Fund
Since our founding sixty years ago, Saint Ann’s has been a home for the creative and the curious; a place that nurtures childhood wonder; a school that encourages children to question the world around them.
Why does Saint Ann’s need an Annual Fund? Why not just raise the tuition?
As with all independent schools, tuition alone does not cover the full cost of educating a student at Saint Ann’s. The Annual Fund makes it possible to balance our budget while continuing to prioritize socio-economic diversity among our student body.
What is the best way to give to Saint Ann’s? Can I support a specific initiative?
A gift to the Annual Fund is the most important annual philanthropic commitment you can make to the School because the fund is unrestricted. This means that the School can use the funds where they are needed most. If you would like to support a specific initiative, e.g. financial aid, non-tuition aid, or musical instruments, you may contact Hannah Swacker Kurnit ’97 at hkurnit@saintannsny.org or 718.522.1660 Ext. 345 to learn more.
Can my gift be matched by my employer?
Yes! You may be able to increase the impact of your gift to Saint Ann’s. Use the corporate matching searchbar on our giving form or check with your employer for more information.
Who is asked to give to the Annual Fund?
Everyone! The Annual Fund is a collective community effort. All members of our community—including faculty and staff, parents/guardians, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, trustees, and friends—are asked to participate every year, and every year we aim to grow participation from all constituent groups.
I cannot afford to make a large gift to the Annual Fund. Is my contribution even worth it?
Yes! Every gift, no matter the size, has real impact. Last year, 35% of Annual Fund donors contributed less than $100. Your participation is a voice of support and confidence. High Annual Fund participation is a testament to our community’s belief in our mission and enables us to apply for outside funding opportunities from foundations with the best possible chance of award.
When is the best time of year to make a gift to the Annual Fund?
As early in the school year as possible! Our fundraising year mimics the academic year and ends on June 30. However, gifts and pledges received before the end of the calendar year (December 31) allow the School to plan and budget more effectively and inspire others to give.
May I make my gift in memory of or to honor someone?
Saint Ann’s welcomes gifts that commemorate a special individual. In a note accompanying your check or in the memory/honor section of our online form, please note the name of the individual for whom the gift is in memory of or to honor.
Why doesn’t Saint Ann’s host an annual fundraising event?
Instead of hosting an annual benefit or fundraising gala, Saint Ann’s prioritizes the Annual Fund and community events throughout the year. Tickets to annual events like Picnic with a View and the Skating Party are priced to cover event expenses and to make them affordable for our entire community. Our Celebrate Saint Ann’s series, also cost-neutral with an average ticket price of $50, features notable and innovative voices and talent from across our parent/guardian and alumni community. This series includes readings, films, plays, conversations, and other gatherings that bring our community together to celebrate the centrality of the arts at Saint Ann’s.
Does my gift to the Holiday Fund for faculty and staff count as Annual Fund participation?
The Holiday Fund occurs each December and is a separate initiative from the Annual Fund. At Saint Ann’s, extraordinary teaching is at the heart of our mission. Families who want to recognize and appreciate the work of their child’s teachers are invited to do so with personal thank you notes. Direct monetary or in-kind gifts to faculty and staff from families are not permitted. As an alternative to individual holiday gift giving, families may contribute through the Advancement Office to the Holiday Fund, which will be distributed equally among all school employees each December.
Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes! Saint Ann’s School is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and gifts to Saint Ann’s School are tax deductible as allowable by law. Please consult your tax advisor with specific questions.
What are some of the different ways to give?
Saint Ann’s accepts several types of donations. Commonly used methods are gifts by credit card and check; contributions from Donor Advised Funds (DAFs); gifts of appreciated assets like stocks, bonds, or mutual funds; and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from retirement plans. Please visit the Ways to Give page on our website for additional options and more detailed information, and please contact the Advancement Office with any questions.
I’m ready to give! What should I do now?
Wonderful! Thank you! The best way to make a gift is by using our online giving form
Checks should be made payable to Saint Ann’s School and mailed to:
Saint Ann’s School Advancement Office, 129 Pierrepont Street Brooklyn, New York 11201
For wire transfers or gifts of stock please contact the Advancement Office at 718-522-1660 ext. 224 or email advancement@saintannsny.org. For more information on making a Campaign commitment or including Saint Ann’s in your estate plan, please contact Hannah Swacker Kurnit ’97 at 718-522-1660 ext. 345.
