Annual Fund

Since our founding in 2004, the School has been blessed by gifts of time, talent, and treasure – investments that have established the foundation of a vibrant community anchored in faith and service with a reputation for excellence. Now as an established school, the generosity of our dedicated parents, grandparents, alumni, and parishioners is just as crucial. The margin of excellence that is a St. Patrick’s education is made possible by the philanthropic support of the community.

St. Patrick’s School Annual Fund

Your generosity ensures we can continue to guide students to develop their fullest potential through academic, interpersonal and leadership skills and empower them to live out the gospel in their world. Every year the expenses associated with delivering this type of education increases as does the need for financial assistance for families that desire our faith-based education.

To simplify how to best support the students of St. Patrick’s School, the Annual Fund has been established as the primary fundraising effort. This annual campaign is the most efficient vehicle for support as there is no fundraising cost for this effort and 100% of each tax-deductible contribution is used for school needs. All St. Patrick School families, friends and alumni, staff and parishioners are asked to participate in the Annual Fund in a way that is meaningful to them. When you support the Annual Fund, you give a vote of confidence to the St. Patrick’s leadership ensuring they will have the resources they need to fully allow our faculty and students to thrive.

Your Support Makes A Difference!

Gift Recognition

Gifts of every amount are important and appreciated. Giving levels allow donors to contribute at the level that is meaningful and appropriate for their family. All donors to the Annual Fund each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) will be recognized in the Annual Report, unless they wish to remain anonymous.

FAQs

Why does the School need an Annual Fund now?

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.

Why does 100% Participation Matter?

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!

What is an appropriate amount to give?

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.

Learn more about the Annual Fund!

To learn more or if you have questions about your support, please contact annualfund@stpatrickadw.org.
To make a gift by mail, please make checks payable “St. Patrick’s Catholic School” with “Annual Fund” in the memo line, and send to:

St. Patrick’s School
4101 Norbeck Road
Rockville, MD 20853

St. Patricks School is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (Federal Tax ID #520847510)
Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.