How will the school spend my donation?
This year, the Annual Fund will support 21% of our operations budget across the board- so in a way, it supports everything we do. That includes academic and extracurricular programs, teacher salaries and ongoing increases, professional development, tuition assistance for families in need, improvements to our campus, and lots more. Our school simply could not achieve what we do - not even close - without gifts to the Annual Fund.
Why don't you just raise tuition?
It is core to Cascades Academy's values to be accessible to as many families as possible. We all want a diverse student body, and we also want a society that offers a pathway to excellent education for everyone. As such, our Board of Trustees tries to keep tuition as low and affordable as possible. To achieve this, we rely on gifts. Unlike tuition, these gifts are 100% tax-deductible, which is advantageous to many donors. By funding the school in this varied way, we create the community we're all looking for. This is a standard funding model for independent schools all across the nation.
When is the best time to make a gift?
Although there is no "wrong" time to make a gift, there will be two explicit opportunities during the school year when you'll be asked to consider a gift. The first is during our fall Annual fund campaign (October - December). This is when the majority of donors give and a time that is most helpful for the school's planning. The second ask will be through your participation in our spring Auction on April 28, 2023. Gifts must be received by June 30, 2023, to count for this fiscal year.
What is a "good" gift?
The amount of any gift is dependent on personal circumstances. While we do seek 100% participation from every current family at the School, there is no "right" or "wrong" amount. We only ask that you consider making a gift every year that is appropriate and meaningful for your family. Our staff and volunteers may ask you for a specific gift amount or range. These asks are based on rough estimates and ambitious hopes of what we believe might be appropriate for your family. We know we won't always get those ask amounts right. We welcome your feedback, and hope you will give the amount that feels great for your family this year.
What are all the ways I can make a gift?
You can give online through the Cascades Academy website. You can mail in a check, or call in a credit card number. You can make a gift of stocks and securities, or give through your donor-advised fund of family foundation. You can wire transfer funds. You can leave a bequest in your will. And there are even MORE ways to give! To discuss creative, tax-wise ways to give, or to pledge a multi-year gif, contact Holly Sereni, Director of Advancement, at sereni@cascadesacademy.org or (541) 382-0699
We can't give much this year. Is it even worth giving?
Oh, yes!! Even if you can only give $5, please make an annual fund gift each and every year! Your participation alone speaks volumes. The higher our participation numbers, the more attractive we become to funding partners in the community, like foundations and corporate sponsors who like to help organizations that are supported by their own communities. Your gift amount is private, but your act of giving is loud and clear.
