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“I love supporting The Summit because I am passionate about giving back. I enjoy volunteering and helping people in need. With that being said, since my daughter is a new early learner, I want her to have the tools to succeed at The Summit. I also want all of her classmates and fellow students at the school to succeed.”
– Summit Parent
As a non-profit independent school, The Summit truly operates independently. We are not supported by state or federal tax dollars, educational, or religious affiliates. Each year, our school relies on donor contributions to our annual Raven Fund to provide critical support to our operating budget.
Your gift helps 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.
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 the gift, your contribution is important. The only gift too small is the one not made at all.
The Raven Fund is the core of The Summit’s fundraising efforts and makes up the difference between what tuition covers and the cost of running the school.
These gifts will help us provide an exceptional education for our students today. Through this support, The Summit is able to:
Our goal is 100% parent, Board of Trustees, faculty and staff participation in the Raven Fund. This tells the community we value the welfare and education of all students at The Summit. In addition, participation rates have an impact on outside funding sources. Most foundations will consider participation rates before donating funds to a private school.
Make your donation today to The Raven Fund today to support independent education in the Ozarks!
Gifts of $5,000 or more are eligible for the Raven Partners.
For questions or more information about annual giving, please contact The Summit’s Development Office, or consult your financial advisor.
The Summit is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. All gifts made to The Summit are deductible to the extent provided by state and federal law.
Not ready to donate today? Make a pledge to the Raven Experience Fund to be paid at a later date.
Online: Make your donation directly through our fundraising page by clicking here.
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 Experience Fund.
In-Person: Visit us at school to make your gift in person by cash, check, or credit card.
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: Contact the Development Office to set up a giving plan to make payments in installments to be paid in full by the end of our fiscal year, July 31, 2025.
The Raven Fund makes up the difference in what tuition covers and the actual costs of operating The Summit.
This fund allows The Summit to maintain small classes providing a more individual and personal approach to each student. Like other nonprofits and private schools, The Summit supplements costs through The Raven Fund. These donations are tax-deductible donations, unlike tuition. The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) recommends that 26% of an independent school’s budget should be fundraising revenue.
The money donated to The Raven Fund is used within the current fiscal year and supports teacher salaries and benefits, educational equipment and technology, continuing education for staff, and keeping the lights on.
$50 would cover the cost of medical supplies at the front desk for one month.
$100 would cover the cost of sending the Raven Report for one month.
$500 would cover the cost of copying and printing for one month.
$750 would cover the cost of athletic activities for one month.
$1,000 would cover the cost of online student subscriptions for one month.
$2,500 would cover the cost of hosting one school concert.
If the tuition price was increased to include all costs, many families would be unable to afford an independent school experience. We know this would exclude the talented and deserving young students who would add so much to The Summit community. A diverse student population enriches the educational experience for all of our students and their families.
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 family 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 August and July would make a total donation of $600 towards The Raven Fund.
Yes! The Summit is a truly independent school. We are not supported by federal tax dollars, educational, or religious affiliates, so every gift matters.
Last year 65% of donations to The Raven Fund were $100 or less.
When you participate in The Raven Fund, whether it’s $10 or $1,000, your donation becomes a part of many other donations. Before you know it, you’ve helped us met our $50,000 goal!
No, you can pledge your gift now and indicate a payment schedule that is most convenient for you. Our fiscal year runs from August 1st to July 31st. Please email or call The Summit’s Development Office to arrange a payment schedule.
If you have questions or need additional information about donation opportunities, we would welcome the discussion. The Summit’s strengths lay with our students, parents, and our community support. We look forward to speaking with you about how your gift makes a direct impact on independent education at The Summit!
