SA Annual Fund 2007-2008
Like clockwork, every year, every student, every opportunity, every gift
The annual fund campaign runs each year from July 1 to June 30 and is the heart of our fundraising efforts at Sonoma Academy. Annual fund gifts are essential to all independent schools that rely primarily on tuition and donations for annual revenue. Our goal this year is to match or exceed last year’s level of $200,000 in unrestricted gifts and to increase last year’s parent participation level of 89%. Every gift of any size is greatly appreciated. Only with your help will we achieve these goals. All gifts are tax deductible.
Who gives to the Annual Fund?
Our gifts come from all our constituents: parents, guardians, trustees, faculty and staff, grandparents, former parents and alumni, foundations, and friends from all over the U.S. We are delighted to report that in the 2006-2007 school year, 89% of our parents, and 100% of our trustees made annual gifts to SA. As a young school, we do not yet have a large alumni body to support annual giving; therefore we depend on our entire community to support this essential fundraising effort.
How are annual fund dollars used?
Virtually no part of our school is untouched by our annual fund. Field trips and retreats, faculty salaries, drama productions, on-campus speakers and up-to-date technology all benefit from annual fund gifts. Because monies raised through the annual fund are unrestricted, they give us the flexibility to meet immediate needs and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
What size gift should I make?
While we hope our donors will be as generous as possible; it doesn’t take a huge annual fund gift to have a significant impact. Whether your gift is $5 or $20,000, added together, gifts to the annual fund sustain the school’s values and operations. Last year your generous gifts contributed $200,000 in unrestricted funds to our school through annual giving and every penny went directly to programs that impacted all students.
Are there other funding sources outside the school community?
We are always on the lookout for new sources of funds and gifts. It’s important to know, however, that foundations and new donors to SA always examine the level of support provided by our parent community as a key factor when deciding whether to make a gift to our school. Potential contributors regard a high level of support for the annual fund as a vote of confidence by our core community, which encourages them to join in the culture of opportunity we have created here for all students.
What are matching gifts?
Many corporations offer their employees a matching gift program and will match your annual gift to SA dollar for dollar, or sometimes even two to one! Please ask your employer if your company has a matching gift program.
Who do I contact to learn more?
Contact Annual Fund Manager Cathy Wilson at (707) 636-2466 or at cathy.wilson@sonomaacademy.org.
Making a gift
To make a secure on-line credit card donation to the annual fund, click here.
If you would like to give a gift of stock/securities, please download and complete the stock transfer request form.
Annual Fund Giving Levels
Academy Angels ($25,000 +)
Trustees’ Circle ($15,000 +)
Leadership Council ($10,000 +)
SA Benefactors ($5,000 +)
Head’s Society ($2,500 +)
Dean’s List ($1,000 +)
Honor Roll (any gift welcome)
Sonoma Academy is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Gifts to the school are tax-deductible. You will receive an official receipt for your gift in the mail.