Dear Friends,
Each year we ask you to give to the annual fund. That being said, why do we ask when you pay tuition? Maybe you just donated last year?
We've created a Q&A to help explain why your generosity is a necessity, and the true impact you are making on the leaders of tomorrow.
What exactly is the annual fund?
The annual fund, which operates with our fiscal year from July 1 to June 30, provides essential, unrestricted dollars to help the school strengthen and improve the St. Richard's educational experience and continually offer great opportunities for our students. It is comprised of gifts from board members, faculty and staff, current and past parents and grandparents, alumni, and friends of the St. Richard's community.
Why are you still asking us to give during a global health crisis?
For 60 years, the St. Richard's community has successfully provided an outstanding education. Even through previous economic, social, and political crises and historical moments, St. Richard's families and friends provided the support and encouragement necessary for our school to have continued success for our students. Today, we need the same from all of our families and friends in the St. Richard's community. For ongoing stability and maintaining the high intellectual, spiritual, and social standards for our students during a time of social unrest and a global health crisis, we need your ongoing generosity. By giving to our annual fund, you provide hope for today and future generations of Dragons.
Doesn't tuition cover the full cost of a St. Richard's education?
Tuition covers about 84% of the actual cost of a student's education. The annual fund helps close this gap. To address the roughly 16% shortfall in tuition dollars, we petition families and friends of the school to contribute to our annual fund.
What does the annual fund do for the St. Richard's community?
In addition to covering the roughly 16% shortfall in tuition dollars, the annual fund helps us recruit and retain top talent by maintaining competitive salaries and benefits for our talented and dedicated faculty and staff, provides students and teachers with updated technology (such as new MacBooks, Chromebooks, and Meeting Owl conferencing cameras), allows for continual upgrades to the school building to ensure a safe and healthy teaching and learning environment, strengthens the student experience through programs like the musical and the Service of Lessons and Carols, and encourages growth to build a global and diverse community.
In the midst of Covid-19, the annual fund provides additional support for increased health and safety measures such as PPE, disinfectant supplies, bipolar ionizations units, improved air flow in the building, and more.
The annual fund is St. Richard's top philanthropic priority because it ensures that students can benefit from St. Richard's now and in the future, all while continuing to learn and embody the values of knowledge, honesty, integrity, and service.
How can I donate to the annual fund?
Making an online gift via credit card is quick, easy, and secure. You can make a one-time, multi-payment, or recurring gift on our website here.
Call us at (317) 926-0425 and we can process your gift by phone. Prefer that we call you? Email us at development@sresdragons.org with your name and phone number and we will give you a call.
If you'd prefer to give by mail, please make your check payable to St. Richard's Episcopal School, include "AF 2020-2021" on the memo line, and mail it to:
St. Richard's Episcopal School
Development Office
33 E. 33rd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46205
We humbly ask for your generous support by making a gift to the annual fund today. As we celebrate our 60th school year, please look out for other ways to give to the annual fund. Thank you for all that you do.
With gratitude,
Your Development Team at St. Richard's Episcopal School
