FUNDRAISING
As a private, not-for-profit 401(c)3 corporation, Sweetwater Episcopal Academy must meet all of its financial needs through tuition and fundraising. Tuition provides about 80% of the operation of the school. All contributions of money and other resources are tax-deductible, in accordance with IRS regulations for charitable giving.
The Office of Development--under the direction of the Board of Trustees and the Head of the School--exists to secure funding. These resources enable SEA to strengthen and expand its excellent curriculum, programs, and facilities. Fundraising projects include social events, annual fund campaigns, and capital campaigns.
Like most independent schools, SEA conducts an Annual Fund Campaign to defray operating costs and provide new and ongoing programs. It is chaired by SEA parents and begins early each fall with an appeal via letters, e-mails, and telephone calls to all current and alumni parents. Several appeals are made throughout the year to encourage each family to participate in giving to the Annual Fund.
Our recent Capital Campaign raised funds to pay for Gray Hall, a multi-purpose building that contains classrooms, a full commercial kitchen, stage, gymnasium, and large meeting space for a plethora of church and school activities. The building has become such an indispensable part of our campus that it seems as though it has always been here! We are still making substantial monthly payments for this important facility, however; so please consider making a donation to the Building Fund at your earliest opportunity. Every little contribution counts. Call Tracy Buzzell, Director of Marketing, at extension 139 to find out how you can “leave” your legacy on the Giving Tree, a memorial to the very generous patrons who made Gray Hall a reality.
Among our social fundraising events each year, the Spring Fling Gala is the most elaborate and elegant. Parent volunteers plan and coordinate nearly every aspect of the adults-only affair, the next of which will be on the 23rd of April, 2010. Parents of current and alumni students are invited; and everyone is welcome to attend. Guests enjoy a sumptuous meal, entertainment, and a lively auction, featuring unique and valuable items donated by local businesses. Last year’s event produced over $70,000! Funds are designated to meet the needs of the school according to SEA administration. In the past, this has afforded professional development for school staff and provided a substantial amount for the Building Fund. This year’s gala—coordinated by Liz Best—will have the theme SEA Rocks! Save the date! You won’t want to miss this one.
Our Annual Report is customarily published each fall and recognizes those who have contributed to the school in the previous fiscal year. It also presents the financial statement for the previous fiscal year. To conserve resources, we will publish this on-line and provide a link through this website for you to view these reports.
Funds raised through our Development efforts allow our school to:
1. Give our students everything they need to succeed academically.
2. Provide dedicated educators and encourage their professional growth.
3. Improve and maintain programs and facilities.
Your participation is essential to SEA Development. Together, we are making The Kind Zone --its 25th year of Academic Excellence in—better than ever in preparing young people to excel throughout their lives.