Planned Giving & The SCDS Legacy Society

Honor the past. Invest in the future. Leave a legacy of learning.

At Sonoma Country Day School, our mission of Bringing Learning to Life is built to endure. Planned gifts—through bequests, trusts, or other estate commitments—play a vital role in securing the future of SCDS for generations to come.

By including SCDS in your estate plans, you become a member of the Legacy Society, a special group of donors whose generosity strengthens the foundation of our school and inspires others to follow their example. Membership requires only a promise to include SCDS in your planning—no minimum gift, age, or formal documentation is required. Sharing your intention with our Advancement Office allows us to celebrate your commitment and include your name in our fundraising efforts.

Legacy Society members have named SCDS as a beneficiary through:
  • Estate Plans such as wills, living trusts, retirement accounts, or life insurance policies.
  • Planned Gifts such as charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, donor advised funds, life estates, or charitable lead trusts
Trusted legal and financial advisers can help you explore thoughtful strategies that align with your philanthropic goals and financial needs. Whether your gift is immediate or deferred, modest or major, planned giving can enhance your financial position and make a lasting impact on the lives of SCDS students and educators.

We are deeply grateful to the members of our Legacy Society, whose enduring commitment reflects a profound belief in our mission and community. Their generosity is a lasting investment in the promise of SCDS.

To learn more or share your intention, please contact our Director of Advancement, Elizabeth Gleadall (elizabeth@scds.org or 707-284-3220). We’d be honored to help you shape a legacy that reflects your values and vision, and helps bring learning to life for decades to come.

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Question:
    Who should sign up?

    Everyone who cares about the mission of Sonoma Country Day School and wants to help ensure the School thrives for decades should consider joining us. Planned giving is not just for the wealthy or for seniors. There is no minimum gift required, and no expectation of payment while you are living.

  • Question:
    Why wouldn't I leave all of my estate to my children?

    Legacy gifts are usually only a percentage of your estate and demonstrate to your heirs your philanthropic commitment to organizations you value.

  • Question: How much should I give?

    There is no correct amount. It varies from person to person and must be what is right for you and your family. Any amount is appreciated. Some people will choose to give a set dollar amount, some will specify a percentage of their estate, and some will choose whichever is less (or more) of these two options.

  • Question: Do I need to tell the School how much I am intending to leave to them?

    No, the only thing the School would like to know is that you have included SCDS in your estate plan and if you would like your gift directed in a specific way. However, if you would like to share your intended amount, you are welcome to do so, though no gift amount will be recorded until it is received.

  • Question: May I change my gift later?

    Of course, if your circumstances change, you can adjust the amount of your gift.

  • Question: How do I join the SCDS Legacy Society?

    Please complete our Legacy Society Intent Form and return it to Director of Advancement Elizabeth Gleadall. Should you have any questions, she may be reached at elizabeth@scds.org or 707-284-3220.

The SCDS Legacy Society

Mari Aixalá
Shelby Belogorsky 
Michael and Karen Bergin
Julia and Michael Brigden
Michael and Sarah Browne 
Liam and Diana Callahan
Beatrice N. Coxhead and Gerald Anderson 
Chris Crispo and Audrey Bush
Catherine M. Daley and Steven H. Goody 
Marshall Dawson 
Nancy Doyle, M.D. 
Michael E. Duffy and Michelle N. Heron 
Fred and Juelle Fisher 
Robert ‘92 and Heather Fisher
Cappie and Thomas Garrett 
Kate and Chad Hawley 
David and Heidi Jacquin
Mary Louise and John Jaffray 
David and Joan Jasper
Cal and Lyn Kimes 
Jeff and Amy Kloes 
René and Scott Lummer 
Donald and Jackie McMillan 
Michael and Carol Mork 
Katie and Denny Murphy
Philip and Susan Nix
Scott and Chris Schadlich 
Cindy and Al Schmidt 
Curt and Tam Smith 
Mike and Jessica Sutton
Douglass and Felice Toth 
The Vivio Family 
Charles and Ellen Wear
Brad and Jeanne Weaver
Bev and Kirt Zeigler 
Friends of SCDS (3)
Sonoma Country Day School is 501 (c)3 non-profit, our Tax Id# 94-2910715

Sonoma Country Day School

4400 Day School Place
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
phone: 707.284.3200
fax: 707.284.3254
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We are…

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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