Our Independent School Annual Fund

Like most private schools in the United States, LFSF runs an Annual Fund campaign. Tuition covers the cost of annual operations, but the school needs parent community donations and contributions to drive the investments that support its sustainability for future generations. Annual Fund gifts are unrestricted, meaning that the school will use the money wherever the need is greatest.  We provide you the ability to indicate a preference for where you would like your donation to be applied within operations. These designations do not affect predetermined budget allocations but help us identity donor interests. Please make your Annual Fund donation your top charitable contribution.

Annual Fund Contributions support budgeted programs that directly benefit students. The following programs are included:

• Wherever the school needs it the most supports the operating budget and allows the school flexibility.

• Financial Aid supports socio-economic diversity, essential to the equilibrium of the children in their day to day school environment. 

• Global Learning Program fieldtrips where our students are eager to explore the world, near and far. 

• Professional Development for our teachers & staff

• Technology covers the tools indispensable to an outstanding education. 

Tuition funds are allocated for immediate expenses such as maintenance, salaries, and other general expenses; thus, those funds don’t allow us to advance future growth. Every effort is made to keep tuition affordable and competitive with schools with the same high standards as LFSF. Tuition is non-tax deductible, but Annual Fund donations are.

The Board of Directors review of the operating expenses indicates that LFSF is already being run as a “lean” organization. We do a great deal with relatively modest resources. Most of the tuition revenue goes towards salaries, benefits, and fixed costs such as utilities and basic maintenance. Since the school’s strength lies in its extensive programs, small class size, and close personal relationships, any reductions would compromise the mission of the school.

Annual Fund campaigns are geared toward current projects and expenses. Your Annual Fund gift is a direct investment in your child(ren). Because LFSF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your gift to the Annual Fund is 100% tax-deductible. Think of how few opportunities there are to make a charitable gift that directly benefits your own children. You will be able to see the benefits of your gift every day as your child develops and grows. 

The Annual Fund helps secure support from external funding sources. All gifts send a message to outside funding sources that those who benefit most from LFSF support it. Corporate and outside donors invariably want to know if the parents, alumni, and grandparents support the school. Participation rates are measurable data points. 

We ask that you give proportionately, consistently, and unconditionally.

In the past, individual gifts have ranged from $25 to $25,000. While leadership gifts of $5,000 and $2,500 are crucial to the financial stability of the school, gifts of all sizes make a difference. 

Yes! A gift or pledge made early in the school year is a great advantage to the school because it allows us to know how much money will be available to support the budget. Because of this, we ask donors to make pledges by December 31st, but gifts may be paid through June 1st. Once you have made your annual gift or pledge, you will not receive another Annual Fund solicitation until the next school year.

Matching gifts are a type of corporate philanthropy where companies match donations their employees make to eligible nonprofits. They are important because they are essentially free money. In 2021-22 LFSF received $97K in matching gifts. 

Determine your match eligibility to see if your employer will match your donation. If your company offers a matching gift program, you can submit a match request to your employer. This amount will count towards your total donations.