September 21 – October 30, 2026

The St. John's Fund, the School's Annual Fund, is the most important source of philanthropic support each year. It provides unrestricted funding that strengthens the School's annual operating budget while allowing St. John's to respond to its greatest needs and invest in new opportunities.

Because the St. John's Fund is unrestricted, School leadership can direct support where it is needed most each year, ensuring every dollar has the greatest possible impact.

Tuition revenue covers only approximately 71% of the School's annual operating budget. Like most independent schools, St. John's relies on annual unrestricted giving to help bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the actual cost of educating each student.

If tuition were raised to cover the full cost of educating each student, it would price out many families and reduce socioeconomic diversity in the community. Schools try to balance excellence with access.

Independent schools also invest heavily in things that aren't predictable year-to-year — faculty enrichment, curriculum innovation, safety upgrades, financial aid, arts, athletics, and enrichment programs.

Annual funds like the St. John's Fund allow the School to respond quickly to needs, retain excellent faculty, and fund programs that tuition alone is too rigid to support. In practice, tuition + giving together is what makes the model work: tuition provides stability, and philanthropy provides excellence and flexibility.

Leadership Gifts are gifts of $2,500 or more to the School and/or the St. John's Fund, providing leadership-level support for the School and its mission (see the Giving Levels section for full benefits by tier).

Absolutely! Every gift — regardless of size — makes a difference. Combined with gifts from other parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends, your contribution helps sustain the programs and opportunities that benefit every St. John's student.

Parent participation is one of the strongest indicators of confidence in a school. High participation demonstrates our community's commitment to St. John's, strengthens applications for foundation grants, reflects positively to prospective families, and helps the School plan confidently for the future.

We ask that pledges be fulfilled by May 31, 2027. Making your pledge commitment by October 30, 2026 helps the School forecast revenue as the Board of Trustees begins planning next year's operating budget, even if you choose to pay your pledge later. Monthly payment options are available.

Yes! Your gift counts toward your St. John's Fund commitment.

You may support the St. John's Fund through cash, check, credit card, stock or appreciated securities, donor-advised funds, matching gifts, qualified charitable distributions (where applicable), or planned/estate gifts. All gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Make a secure online gift at: www.stjohnsschool.org/fund

Visit our company matching gift page to see if your company, or your spouse’s company, offers a matching gift program. Corporate matching programs can double the impact of your gift at no additional cost to you. If your company is eligible, you should request a matching gift form via your company’s intranet or HR department.

Complete the form and send it to Director of Philanthropy Elizabeth Smith in the Development Office and the school will do the rest.

Note: You will be recognized at the Giving Level that reflects your total giving, including corporate matching gifts.

Your gift is 100% tax deductible. St. John’s Episcopal School Tax ID number is 75-2147746. A gift of stocks or securities is eligible for charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the gift without capital gains tax on appreciated stock. A deferred or planned gift has potential tax benefits as well.

To learn more, contact Director of Philanthropy Elizabeth Smith.

Elizabeth Smith, Director of Philanthropy — esmith@stjohnsschool.org

The Eighth Grade Class Gift is a special tradition that allows graduating families to leave a lasting legacy at St. John's while honoring the teachers who have made a meaningful impact on their children's education. This year's class gift benefits the Teacher Endowment Fund, which provides permanent support for faculty salaries and benefits. A gift to the Teacher Endowment Fund also counts toward your family's participation in the St. John's Fund.

The St. John's Fund supports today's students; a Capital Campaign builds tomorrow's School. The Fund provides unrestricted annual support for academics, faculty, arts, athletics, technology, and campus improvements each year, while a Capital Campaign is a separate, time-limited initiative for transformational projects like new buildings or major renovations. Both are essential, but they serve different purposes.