About Promise Fund
Like most independent schools, Saint Paul's Episcopal School's operating expenses exceed the revenue from tuition and fees. As a non-profit, educational institution, we depend on our parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends for voluntary support. All families are asked to contribute to the Promise Fund, which helps balance our operating budget. Unlike tuition, all Promise Fund contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law!
What is the Saint Paul's Promise Fund?
- It is by far the single most important source of unrestricted gifts in support of Saint Paul's Episcopal School each year.
- The Promise Fund provides real dollars to pay for real expenses in the year that this money is raised. Gifts made to the Promise Fund directly benefit the students, faculty, staff, and the entire Saint Paul's community in real time. The intent of your gift is realized immediately!
- Unlike tuition, gifts to Saint Paul's Promise Fund are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
When is Saint Paul's Promise Fund each year?
- The Promise Fund runs each year beginning July 1 through the following June 30 (the school's fiscal year).
How Can I Make a Promise Fund Gift?
- Through our secure, Online Giving Form using your credit/debit card or e-check.
- Via Venmo! Please note the payment is for the Promise Fund and include your name & address if you would like a tax acknowledgment as well. Venmo @SPES-1
- By phone, call SPES Head of School M'Lissa Howen at 254.753.0246
- Checks should be made payable to Saint Paul's Episcopal School and sent directly to the attention of Business Office (Saint Paul's Episcopal School, 517 Columbus Avenue, Waco, TX, 76701)
- Pledge - Donors may contact the Business Office to "pledge" to the Promise Fund in the fall to be paid out however you wish throughout the school year. You can pledge to make a gift of any amount and pay it once or in several installments.
- Additional giving methods include memorial gifts and honorariums, gifts of stock, including SPES in your will, corporate matching gifts, and more! Contact the Business Office for more information on personalized giving opportunities!
Who Gives to the Promise Fund?
- The entire Saint Paul's community supports the Promise Fund. Faculty and staff are the first to give to the Promise Fund and have an excellent tradition of 100% participation. Members of the Board of Trustees and Vestry also wholeheartedly support the Promise Fund as well. We need YOUR help to reach our Promise Fund goal, and we simply cannot do it without a contributions from each and every member of our school community!
What Should I Give to the Promise Fund?
- Promise Fund gifts typically range from $50 to over $10,000 and every family is depending on to give to the best of their ability. The education of your children is very important, and we hope you put St. Paul's at the top of your philanthropic giving. Each and every single gift is tremendously appreciated!
Will People Know I Gave to the Promise Fund?
Yes, unless you prefer to keep your giving to yourself. If desired, you may request that your gift remain anonymous and not included in any donor recognition efforts. Otherwise, it can be valuable for the school to demonstrate collective support to other potential donors - in other words, your gift may be able to persuade others to give as well!
Saint Paul's Episcopal School may occasionally publish gift giving levels, so the actual dollar amount that you gave is not listed.
SPES Promise Fund Giving Levels include:
- Pacesetter Circle: $25,000+
- Patron Circle: $10,000+
- Trustee Circle: $5,000+
- Founder Circle: $2,500+
- Blue & White Circle: $1,000+
- Pacer Circle: $500+
- Circle of Friends: $250+
- Pacer Pals: Up to $249