DEVELOPMENT

SEA is a private, not-for-profit 401(c)3 corporation and as such must meet all of its financial needs through tuition and fundraising efforts throughout the year.  Tuition covers about 80% of the operation of the school.  As a nonprofit organization, contributions and in-kind donations are tax-deductible (in accordance with IRS regulations for charitable giving.)

The Development Office at exists to secure funding, under the direction of the Board of Trustees and Head of School that will provide the resources to strengthen the excellent curriculum, programs and facility that is SEA.  Typically, funds raised through the Development Office are not raised with special events, but rather with personal or letter solicitations specifically for the Annual or Capital Campaigns.

As with all independent schools, SEA’s Development Office utilizes its Annual Fund to defray the operating costs of providing SEA’s programs. SEA also conducts Capital Campaigns to secure major gifts to meet our building needs. The Annual Fund campaign is conducted every school year to raise funds to be used to offset the operating costs of the school for that year. The Annual Fund campaign is chaired by SEA parents and begins early each fall with an appeal via letter, email and phonathon to all current and alumni parents. Several appeals are made throughout the school year encouraging each family to participate in giving to the Annual Fund. 

SEA is currently conducting a Capital Campaign to address major capital needs for a new Multi-Purpose Building which will house an indoor gym, cafeteria, commercial kitchen, large music room, stage and two additional classrooms.  This Capital Campaign was initiated and approved by the SEA Board of Trustees and is supported by both current and alumni families.  This campaign involves fundraising events, as well as appeals via letter and personal meetings for support with the Head of School or Board of Trustee members.

SEA’s Spring Fling Dinner and Auction is the major annual fundraising and social event held each April.  Parent volunteers plan and coordinate every aspect of this event.  Current and alumni parents are invited to this event, which raises significant funds.  SEA’s administration determines where these funds will be applied each year.  In past years, the event has raised funds for professional development as well as for the capital campaign.

 SEA’s Annual Report, published each fall, recognizes all those who have contributed to SEA the previous fiscal year and presents the financial statement for the previous fiscal year.  SEA strongly encourages every family to participate in and contribute to each of these important giving initiatives.  Please contact Cheryl Bair, the Director of Development at ext. 333.

Funds raised through our Development Office allow our school to do three things:

• Help Students

• Provide Dedicated Educators

• Improve Programs and Facilities

Separate from the campaigns conducted through the Development Office are the fundraisers conducted by the Parents’ Club each year.  These very important fundraisers are organized and coordinated by volunteers through the Parents’ Club.  The Sally Foster Gift Wrap Sale and Entertainment Book Sale are held each September and the Fall Festival each October.   Additional fundraisers may be held throughout the year.