List of 19 frequently asked questions.

• What is the Crusader Fund?

  The Crusader Fund is the name for St. Michael’s Annual Giving program. It is the highest financial priority of the school each year. Gifts to the Crusader Fund support the operations of the school, funding everything from financial aid to professional development, science equipment to art supplies, instruments, and performances. Crusader Fund gifts combine the traditional role of a PTA or booster club fundraising with comprehensive annual giving. Ensuring St. Michael’s has the flexibility to respond to pressing needs and promising initiatives, the Crusader Fund is the primary way for current parents, past parents, alumni, and friends to make annual gifts to the School.

• Why doesn’t St. Michael’s charge enough to cover operating costs?

  If tuition increased to cover the actual cost of all programs, many families could not afford to send their children to our school. This could mean a drop in enrollment, resulting in a cutback of our programs and steeper tuition increases in order to fund all operations, which would affect the quality of your child’s education.

• Is annual giving unique to St. Michael’s? 

  No. Successful independent schools have long relied upon the generosity and loyalty of their constituencies to advance their institutions. Very few, if any, private, independent schools meet full operational costs with tuition alone.

• What amount should I give?

  Only you can decide. We ask you to remember that your contribution, along with those of all our donors, will directly enhance your child’s education. We hope that every member of our school community will participate. If you are able to do so, we ask that you try to cover the $2,500 gap that exists per student.

• What does The Crusader Fund fund?

  Like all independent schools, tuition does not cover the true cost of a St. Michael’s education. The Crusader Fund is a critical source of non-tuition revenue and helps the school meet yearly operating expenses. The Crusader Fund provides the school with the financial means to attract and retain the very best faculty, serve a talented and diverse student body and enhance and maintain state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, donations to The Crusader Fund are 100% tax deductible, and many donations qualify for additional contributions from corporate Matching Gift Programs.
  
  

  The Crusader Fund currently contributes approximately 11% of the school’s operating budget, which helps to support and sustain the educational opportunities central to St. Michael’s mission. Donations to The Crusader Fund act as immediately expendable income for financial aid, funding for student activities, the fine arts programs, state of the art technology, support for athletic programs, and faculty salaries, among other things.

   

  Gifts to The Crusader Fund help to make up the difference between the dollars brought in from tuition and the actual cost of educating a St. Michael’s student each year. Without a strong Crusader Fund, costs would be passed on in the form of higher tuition. Every gift made to The Crusader Fund is vital to St. Michael’s’ growth and success.  It is St. Michael’s largest and most important fundraising effort.

• Why do you ask parents for donations? There are many foundations that could support the school. Do you ask them, too? 

  Yes, we do. St. Michael’s development efforts include soliciting foundations and local businesses. These prospective donors want to see initial support from the inside before they will commit to the effort. There are lots of educational organizations and faith based entities competing for these outside funding opportunities and it is critical that we remain competitive.

• May we make a contribution of something other than cash?

  Of course. There are many ways to make a contribution to St. Michael’s. Suzanne Bautch, Director of Donor Relations in the Advancement Office can help you determine what type of gift is most appropriate for your circumstances and the school’s needs.

• Can we make a gift to a specific purpose? 

  Certainly. The Crusader Fund allows donors to designate gifts to particular areas of the operating budget that they find most meaningful. If there is a project that you would like to fund, please let us know. Capital Projects and Campaigns generally provide names gift opportunities.

• Can I direct or restrict my gifts?

  Parents can direct to one area or multiple with our impact areas. Restricted gifts within the operating budget are also welcome. If a parent would like information on how to make a gift for a specific project in addition to his or her Crusader Fund gift please let Sara-Blake Jernigan (sjernigan@smca.com) know.

   

  We encourage everyone to give to the Crusader Fund first because it is such an important piece of our budget! Crusader Fund first!

• Why should I contribute to The Crusader Fund when I already pay tuition?

  Full tuition only pays for a portion of the actual annual cost to educate a St. Michael’s student. Every St. Michael’s student receives a hidden scholarship partially funded by your annual support.

  • Gifts from The Crusader Fund help fill in the gap between what is paid in tuition and the real cost of an St. Michael’s education.
  • There is a gap of approximately $2,500.00 per student

• What is a matching gift?

  Matching gifts come from corporations or foundations that “match” an employee or other person of interest’s contribution. This allows parents to double or even triple the amount of their contribution to the St. Michael’s.

• How are donors to the Crusader Fund Recognized?

  Gifts received by St. Michael’s during any given fiscal year (July 1-June 30) are recognized in the school's annual report by giving level and membership in specific giving societies for The Crusader Fund. Donors that give at the Leader level and above also receive special recognition.

• Is my Crusader Fund gift counted toward my class goals and participation?

  Yes. All gifts to the Crusader Fund count toward class goals and class participation. The Crusader Fund operates on a fiscal year calendar. The Fiscal Year for St. Michael’s runs from July 1 to June 30

• I have multiple children, do I make separate gifts?

  No. You only give once and you will be counted as participating for each grade. 

• I cannot afford to make a large gift. Is my contribution even worth it?

  Yes! Every gift, no matter the size, has real impact. Your participation is a voice of support and confidence. High Crusader Fund participation is a testament to our community’s belief in our mission and enables us to apply for outside funding opportunities from foundations.

• When is the best time of year to make an annual gift or pledge to the Crusader Fund?

  Our fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30. 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. The earlier you pledge your support, the maximum the benefit to our students and overall programs. Financial support early in the school year provides actual budget dollars instead of budget projections.

• Is my gift tax deductible?

  Yes. St. Michael’s is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and gifts to St. Michael’s are tax

  deductible as allowable by law. Please consult your tax advisor with specific questions.

• What is the difference between annual giving and a capital campaign? 

  In contrast to Crusader Fund annual gifts, which support the current fiscal year’s operating budget and day-to-day operating, capital gifts launch curricular programs and building projects that assist the long-term growth of the school. Capital Campaigns are conducted periodically to provide significant funds for additions to endowment, construction/renovation or extensive equipment purchases. Contributions are generally pledged over three to five years. Annual Giving is designed to offset annual operating expenses and provide educational excellence; if the gift is pledged, it is expected to be payable by the end of the academic year.

• Are we expected to give to both the HALO Project and Crusader Fund? 

  We hope that all parents would consider supporting both efforts to the best of their ability. Because of the exceptional nature of capital campaigns, we ask that all gifts to the HALO be made in addition to annual gifts to the Crusader Fund, not in lieu of.