Each year, the school relies on contributions to provide critical support to our operating budget beyond the cost tuition. Gifts to the Raven Fund limit our reliance on tuition and help us sustain the unique approach to education that can only be found at The Summit. These gifts have an immediate and direct benefit to each student and faculty member, as well as to the quality and range of all school programs.
Tuition does not cover the full cost to educate students of The Summit; the Raven Fund supports our operating budget each year. Those unrestricted, current-use funds give the school the flexibility it needs to address its most pressing issues.
The Raven Fund is the core of The Summit’s fundraising efforts. These gifts will help us provide an exceptional education for our students today. Through this support, The Summit is able to:
We count on the philanthropic support from our community, including parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to give a meaningful, heartfelt donation to the Raven Fund each year. No matter the size of gift, your contribution is important.
Make your pledge to the Raven Fund today to support independent education in the Ozarks!
For questions or more information about annual giving, please contact The Summit’s Development Office, or consult your financial advisor.
Your gift is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.
Mail: Send your donation or pledge information to The Summit Preparatory School at 202 E. Walnut Lawn Street, Springfield, MO 65807. Please make a note that your gift is for the Raven Fund.
Credit Card: Use this link or call the school at (417) 869-8077 to make a contribution by credit card.
In Person: Visit us at school to make your gift in person.
Stock Gifts: A gift of stock saves two ways. You avoid capital gains tax on the increased value, and you receive a deduction for the full market value of the stock at the time you make the gift. Please email or call The Summit’s Development Office, to let us know that a stock gift is being arranged.
Pledge: You may pledge a gift to the Raven Fund and make installment payments arranged with the Development Office to be paid in full by July 31st.
The Raven Fund is critical because tuition alone does not cover the costs of operating The Summit. Like other non-profits and private schools, The Summit supplements costs through the Raven Fund where donations are tax deductible, unlike tuition. The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) recommends that 10% of an independent school’s budget should be fundraising revenue.
The money donated to the Raven Fund is used within the fiscal year received and supports faculty salaries, program development, and daily operational needs, such as the maintenance of facilities, classrooms, and equipment.
Augmenting tuition through charitable gifts helps keep tuition at a competitive rate, provides many important programs and improvements that are essential to fulfilling our mission, while maintaining the small, close-knit community that makes The Summit such a special place. It also provides an opportunity for you to make a tax-deductible donation to our school to the extent allowed by law.
We ask The Summit community to make the school its highest philanthropic priority, giving to the best of one’s ability and at a level that demonstrates the value placed on an exemplary education. One hundred percent participation is our foremost goal.
We strongly encourage families to consider a monthly gift. For example, a monthly gift of $50 for every month between January and July would make a total donation of $350 towards the Raven Fund.
Each gift makes a difference for our students – the only gift too small is the one not made at all. The Summit also supplements financial needs through the help of outside foundations. These foundations want to see a school that has strong giving from constituencies. It is key that every single parent give to the Raven Fund – strong support on the “inside” leads to even more support on the “outside”.
No, you can pledge your gift now and indicate a payment schedule that is most convenient for you. We will be happy to remind you when your pledge is due. Our fiscal year runs from August 1st to July 31st. A gift now or pledge to be paid by June 30th will save us from contacting you again regarding the Raven Fund this fiscal year.
Looking to schedule a tour, ask a question, or request more information? Fill out our contact form to get in touch with us.
