Fundraising & How to Give
Why Fundraising is Important
If you attended private school or have children in other private schools, then you are very familiar with the many paths of giving that are necessary to maintain and grow a healthy independent school. Sophia Academy, like all private schools, is very dependent on funding outside of the core tuition. We look first to our parents to supply this extra support, and then seek additional funding from foundations and friends. As an independent school, Sophia Academy does not receive any financial support from federal, state or local governments. Tuition covers part of our operating budget, but gifts made to the school help to bridge the shortfall.
Birthday Book Donation (PDF)
Shop online through OneCause to benefit Sophia Academy
Stream Energy: Help Sophia Academy with your natural gas bill. Please connect by visiting www.sophiaacademy.igniteinc.biz.
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How To Give
There are six major funding sources that are important to all private schools. They include:
The Annual Fund: This is a line-item in our budget designed to "bridge the gap" between tuition and the actual cost of educating your child. It pays for teacher training, teaching resources, gym equipment, unexpected repairs, etc. It is very necessary to have a strong Annual Fund each year to minimize the need for dramatic tuition increases. Strong parental support for our Annual Fund is also important because it is a signal to outside charitable foundations that we are united in our commitment to Sophia Academy. This is a very important consideration for foundation committees, which evaluate our grant requests for outside funding. A substantial increase in a school's Annual Fund is a major sign that the parents have a vested interest in the future of the school. Parents may inquire with the Advancement Director about gifts of stock or real estate and how these may be converted for Annual Fund credit. Gifts may be pledged now and paid later in the year. For more information, please contact:
Cathi Athaide
Advancement Director
extension 105
cathaide@sophiaacademy.org
Capital Campaigns: These are larger, often multi-year fund-raising efforts designed to pay for capital expenses, such as a new building, program or equipment purchase. Our $2.4 million "The Dream Continues" campaign is funding a new Multipurpose Building including a gym.
Foundation Grants: This outside funding is what truly raises the bar for non-profits and private schools. There are hundreds of local and regional funds that make significant annual contributions to worthy organizations. Newer private schools, such as ours, can apply for these grants, but have more success when they can show strong fundraising efforts from within.
An Endowment: This long-term bank account ensures the future health of the school. Money is set aside and invested so that the interest can be used for tuition scholarships, teacher grants and to guard against the effects of inflation. Sophia is creating an endowment as a part of its long-range plan.
Parent Council Fundraiser:. Each year, our Parent Council creates fun ways to raise money for our school. It's important that every family contributes to these efforts so that we can demonstrate our internal support to outside funding sources. These Parent Council efforts include the Kroger and Publix shopping rebate program, the annual gift- wrap sale, Spirit Day t-shirts and The Masterpiece Gala, which is an evening event including an auction. Funds raised through these efforts allow us to supplement the operating budget and provide parent and family social events, Spiritual Life activities and Teacher Appreciation Week.
Planned Giving: Many families choose to include their child's or grandchild's school in their estate planning. Often, parents designate for gifts to be directed to these schools as memorials for special family members. Please contact Cathi Athaide in our Advancement Office to learn how you can participate in planned giving.
How you can help - Donate Online
If you are already a member of the Sophia Academy community, you can help us meet today's goals and build toward our future. If you are a friend or interested foundation, please consider sharing your resources with us. As Atlanta continues to grow, the need for schools such as ours continues to expand.
An estimated 20 percent of the population has a diagnosed learning disability. Many more flounder in classrooms undiagnosed. Yet, often, these are the very children who hold that special "something extra" that could allow them to blossom as celebrated artists, innovators and leaders. We hope you will be a partner with us in turning these lives around. At Sophia Academy, we are nurturing the entrepreneurs of tomorrow – and we need your help!
You may contribute stock or real estate to Sophia Academy as an annual gift. To contribute stock:
Tax ID#: 58-2448273
Morgan Stanley
Account #: 632-015839-0-088
DTC Code: 015
Contact: Frank Corrigan
404-365-3500
