As a new school, we have been fortunate in that our costs for maintenance, capital improvement and other expenses associated with older schools have been relatively low. This meant that all tuition could be used to recruit and retain the best faculty and invest in new educational programs and tools such as Project Lead the Way and a 1:1 ratio of students to Chromebooks in our Junior High School. Therefore, in the past we were able to largely meet our school operating budget through tuition and fees. As our facility needs and other expenses increase, this is no longer the case. While School policy remains to operate under a balanced budget, the Annual Fund will allow us to maintain an affordable tuition rate and close the gap between tuition income and the true cost of the excellent St. Patrick’s education.

Our 100% participation goal for School families, faculty and staff is important as we approach outside supporters and foundations for grant opportunities and donations. Most external sources of money require a demonstration of strong internal support for the school through an Annual Fund as a factor in determining the level at which they will, in turn, support the school. Every alumni, grandparent, and parent of alumni gift further helps us tell the story of the impact of a St. Patricks education!

We hope that St. Patricks families will make the Annual Fund their top philanthropic priority each year as it goes directly to benefit each teacher and student. We ask each family to decide on an amount that is most appropriate for them.

The success of the St. Patrick’s Annual Fund relies on gifts of all sizes. During the 2020-2021 Call to Arms campaign, families gifted over $200,000 in gifts ranging from $10 to $25,000. This year, supporters can choose between making their meaningful contribution in one gift or consider a making a larger gift that can be spread over time with recurring monthly gifts. Additionally, employer matching gifts are attributed to that family’s giving level.