The SCH Fund FAQs

List of 16 items.

• What is The SCH Fund?

  The SCH Fund is Springside Chestnut Hill Academy’s annual fund, which provides unrestricted giving to where the school needs it most. It is the most direct way for alumni, parents, and friends to support SCH. Donations made to The SCH Fund support the student experience such as scholarships and financial aid, faculty support, classroom resources, athletic equipment, and more. Donations to The SCH fund make the SCH experience a reality. They take us from good to great!

• Why is The SCH Fund necessary?

  The SCH Fund provides the maximum amount of financial flexibility to fund our immediate needs. Revenue from tuition typically covers 80 - 90% of the student experience; unrestricted support from alumni, parents, and friends bridges the gap between tuition and the actual cost of an SCH education.

• Where does my SCH Fund gift go?

  Your gift supports all areas of the school: academics, athletics, faculty compensation, robotics, the Sands Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, outdoor programs, and so much more. Gifts to The SCH Fund represent approximately 7% of the annual operating budget.

• What is the difference between The SCH Fund and other types of giving?

  Gifts to The SCH Fund are spent during the fiscal year they are given. The fund year runs from July 1st to June 30th each year. Gifts to the endowment are invested and the interest from that investment is spent. Restricted gifts are spent on specific funds designated by the donor, whereas annual fund gifts are spent on immediate needs.

   

• SCH has an endowment. Why not use the money from that?

  Although a strong endowment provides annual income that enhances the educational program at SCH, many endowment gifts are restricted to specific funds. The SCH Fund provides over $1.5 million in unrestricted gifts annually towards the operating budget. SCH cannot thrive on endowment gifts alone.

• How much should I give?

  The amount you give is entirely up to you. Every gift is important and appreciated. Make a gift in whatever amount your are capable. Gifts to The SCH Fund range from $5 to $250,000 or more!

• How do I make a gift?

  You can make a gift by going online to www.sch.org/giving or you can get in touch with The SCH Fund staff:
  

  • Lynn Burke, Director of The SCH Fund, 215-261-6754

  Make a gift today!  
  

• Who is asked for gifts?

  Everyone in the school community is asked—trustees, parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, as well as faculty and staff. 100% of our trustees make a gift to The SCH Fund, and this year a record-breaking 96% of our faculty and staff have made a contribution.

• Why is participation so important?

  All gifts of every size matter. Many prospective families, as well as outside organizations such as corporations and foundations, look at the rate of participation when making a decision to invest in SCH. A high percentage of participation shows confidence in the school, which is why it is critical to give this year and every year.

• As a parent, I pay tuition for my students. Why should I donate to the school too?

  Tuition dollars cover approximately 80 - 90% of the academic experience for our students. Gifts to The SCH Fund help keep tuition as low as possible. Your participation in the annual fund also demonstrates your confidence in the school and the education your child receives.  

• What sort of recognition do I receive for giving?

  Every person who makes a gift receives a thank-you letter and acknowledgement of their contribution. As a donor, you will also be listed in our annual honor roll and may be invited to attend special events for donors.

• What does it mean to make a leadership gift?

  A leadership gift means you are making a financial gift of at least $1,500. Alumni, parents, and friends who make a leadership gift are a part of the Wissahickon Leadership Society. These donors are given special recognition for giving at the $1,500 level or higher. Additionally if you graduated between 2004 and 2018, you are eligible to be a Young Alumni Leadership donor with gifts of $250 or more.

• Will my gift be eligible for tax credit?

  Absolutely! Your gift to The SCH Fund is fully tax deductible in accordance with federal tax laws.

• What is SCH’s nonprofit tax ID number?

  The SCH nonprofit tax ID number is 23-1352681.

• What is a matching gift?

  A matching gift is a type of corporate giving program in which a company matches donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. Many companies have a matching gift policy, some match 1:1, 2:1, or more, which increases your contribution. Check our site to see if your company has a matching gift program.

   

• I have a question or need more information. Whom should I contact?

  You can contact:
  
  Lynn Burke, Director of The SCH Fund, 215-261-6754