Types of Gifts

The Annual Fund is a yearly fundraising initiative that provides 5% of SPA’s operating budget. The qualities that make a SPA education distinctive for every student are made possible by gifts to the Annual Fund. Last year, the difference between tuition and the full cost of instruction for each student at SPA was approximately $6,500. Gifts to the Annual Fund help make up an important part of this necessary income. Like all other independent schools, SPA relies on the generous support of members of our community each year.

Our donors give for as many reasons as there are to love SPA:

• Parents of current students give because they know their children are the real beneficiaries.
• Grandparents give because they see their grandchildren enjoying a vibrant, challenging, and supportive educational experience. 
• Alumni/ae give in appreciation for the exceptional education and meaningful experiences they had as students. 
• Parents of alumni/ae give because they are grateful for the ways in which SPA prepared their children to embrace their futures. 
• Faculty and staff give out of a commitment to an independent school that values their talents and contributions to the community.

We hope all donors will make SPA a philanthropic priority and contribute generously. Overall, SPA has fewer donors than a private college or university, and a smaller pool of individuals from whom to seek support. Your gift to SPA, regardless of size, matters and is greatly appreciated.

For more information about the Annual Fund, contact Coco Millard, Director of Annual Giving and Alumni/ae Engagement by email or at 651-696-1302.  

Leadership giving--gifts to the Annual Fund of $2,500 and more--are a cornerstone of philanthropy at SPA.

Donors making annual gifts of $2,500 or more to the school are members of the Leadership Giving Society (LGS); these generous individuals and families are honored annually by the Head of School and Board of Trustees at the Leadership Giving Society Evening and receive distinctive recognition in the Annual Report and Honor Roll of Donors. Donors are part of one of three giving circles: Ambassador’s Circle ($2,500-$4,999); Partner’s Circle ($5,000-$9,999) and President’s Circle ($10,000+).

For more information about the Leadership Giving Society, contact Alyse Simondet, Senior Development Officer, by email or at 651-696-1320.

Gifts to our endowment provide a permanent and reliable source of income for the school. St. Paul Academy and Summit School is fortunate to steward more than 100 named endowed and current-use funds. Income from the endowment offsets 8% of the school’s budget, including support of faculty, scholarships, the fine arts, programs and facilities.

For more information about establishing a new endowed or restricted current-use fund, contact Alyse Simondet, Senior Development Officer, by email or at 651-696-1320.

Memorial and Honor gifts are meaningful ways to honor or remember someone who has been significant in the St Paul Academy and Summit School community. Your tribute gift will be shared with the individual honored or the family of the memorialized individual.

To make a tribute gift, please visit the online giving form or contact Coco Millard, Director of Annual Giving and Alumni/ae Engagement by email or at 651-696-1302.

We are available to talk with you about including SPA in your long-term estate or financial plans.  Planned gifts can include bequests, real estate, personal property, life income gifts or other types of appreciated property.

Profile: Harry M. Drake - Giving For A Liftetime

All planned gifts are considered part of the school's Torch and Lamp Society. Torch and Lamp recognition is bestowed upon all donors who notify us that provisions have been made for the school in a will or an estate plan.

Learn more about planned gifts to SPA by visiting our Planned Giving website or contact Alyse Simondet by email or at 651-696-1320.