Annual Giving

Contributing to Annual Giving is the way in which parents, trustees, grandparents, alumni families, and friends keep our school at the forefront of providing an outstanding education to our students. The Annual Giving Program is our number one philanthropic priority and the first gift we ask of all members of our school community, as tuition covers only part of our annual per student expenditure. We rely on Annual Giving donations for 10% of the budget which translates to approximately $3,946 per student. 

Unrestricted annual gifts may be put to use immediately in the area of greatest need to support programs that make SCDS distinctive. Our students are grounded not only in academics, the arts, and athletics, but also in environmental science, philanthropy, ethics, cultural literacy, social responsibility, and leadership skills, which are essential tools for 21st century citizenship. Annual gifts also support our commitment to attracting, retaining, and nurturing our excellent faculty.  

All gifts are welcome, needed, appreciated, and tax deductible. Regardless of the amount, gifts go to work immediately and impact every corner of campus life.

Annual Giving FAQs
 
Q. Why do we need the Annual Giving Program?
A. Sonoma Country Day receives no funding from local, state or federal governments. To support its operating budget, SCDS relies on tuition, fees, and charitable gifts. For parents, making a tax-deductible contribution to Annual Giving is better than having non-deductible tuition raised even higher. Tuition alone does not allow for the continued growth and well-being of the school. While tuition pays a majority of the costs to educate a child at Sonoma Country Day, Annual Giving dollars help fund projects and programs that keep SCDS in the academic forefront of independent schools. In a sense, the Annual Giving Program provides the “hidden scholarship” that all students receive to broaden their education. This “scholarship” is approximately $3,946 per student, and is the difference between the amount of tuition paid and the cost to educate each child for the current year. 

Q. How are gifts to the Annual Giving Program used? 
A. Donations given without restriction enhance all aspects of SCDS programs for all students. Gifts directly support such things as classroom instruction, faculty salaries, the arts, and athletics programs. Contributions without restrictions allow Head of School Brad Weaver the flexibility to apply the funds where they will have the greatest impact. 

Q. May I restrict my Annual Giving gift for a specific purpose?
A. Donors may request that their gifts be earmarked for a specific purpose:
  • Faculty Salaries
  • Facilities and Classrooms
  • Academics
  • Athletics
  • Enrichment (e.g. Art, Music, Garden, Drama)

Q. What is the Founders’ Circle?
A. The Founders’ Circle was established to recognize the extraordinary generosity and service of those individuals who have dedicated their time and resources to SCDS since it was established in 1983. Every year, donors of $2,500 and up to Annual Giving, along with donors of other major gifts, are invited to an annual acknowledgment cocktail party which takes place in February or March. These individuals stand out for building upon the founders’ inspiration and securing the presence of this premier educational institution in Sonoma County. 
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Sonoma Country Day School

4400 Day School Place
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
phone: 707.284.3200
fax: 707.284.3254
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The premier, fully accredited, independent TK-8 college preparatory school in Sonoma County. Located in northern Santa Rosa and proud home of The Jackson Theater, SCDS offers a challenging academic program rich in fine and performing arts, music, world languages, and social and emotional learning. For more than thirty years SCDS has been the school that brings learning to life.

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