Supporting Prep...
The Development Department exists to raise funds and other resources to support the academic, capital and foundation needs of the school. This is done through the Annual Fund Drive, the Gala Auction and other special events, capital campaigns, and planned giving. This department also communicates the school's mission, vision and activities to parents, alums, students and the general public through the Alumni News Notes, web-based communications, as well as parent volunteer and alumni events.
Donations to Gonzaga Prep make a difference in so many ways and in so many lives. Gifts made to the school over the last several decades have provided 14,000 plus alums with the gift of a Jesuit education. Each generation has benefited from the generosity of the generations that went before it, and through continued fund raising efforts, many more generations will benefit as well. As Fr. John Hurley, S.J., said so simply many years ago, "it’s for the kids". Charitable gifts to Gonzaga Prep School or the Foundation are wise investments in the current and future education of our children - and our communities.
Annual Fund gifts are raised from alumni, parents, grandparents, friends, foundations and corporations, and help meet Prep's operating expenses. These important annual contributions help to fund academic and athletic programs, faculty salaries, fair share, and building and grounds maintenance. The Annual Fund helps make up the difference between tuition and the increasing costs of running a school.
Capital Campaign gifts are raised from alumni, parents, grandparents, friends and other donors for some special purpose like a new building or an increased foundation. Capital campaign gifts are above and beyond regular Annual Fund donations.
Matching Gifts occur when participating companies match (sometimes up to four times) the amount of dollars given to Prep by their employees and spouses, or retirees. The company matches the gift only after the donor has sent his or her gift to Prep along with the company's matching gift form. These forms can be obtained from the personnel offices of most companies. Check with your personnel office to find out what kind of gifts they match. Prep will count your matching gift toward your membership in the Leadership Clubs.
Endowment Gifts are placed in a permanent fund that allows only a percentage of earned income to be spent. The principal is invested. Prep has endowment funds for scholarship aid, faculty salaries, benefits and professional growth, and buildings and ground maintenance. The larger the endowment, the more income Prep will have to support the operating budget.
Planned Gifts are a long-term method of supporting the school, in which a gift's use by Prep is postponed until a specified future date. An example of a planned gift would be naming Prep as a beneficiary in one's will. Other planned giving mechanisms include charitable remainder unitrusts, life insurance policies, and transfers of residence and personal property where the donor retains a life estate.
Restricted Gifts are specified for particular uses by the donor. Examples of restricted gifts include scholarships, endowments and gifts that recognize a specific department of the school such as the library, athletics, or the Christian service program.
Unrestricted Gifts are donations made without specifying how the money should be used. Annual Fund gifts are unrestricted. These gifts enable Prep to expend the funds wherever the need is greatest. Such donations are vital, as Prep relies on the Annual Fund to meet operating costs, and balance the budget. Unrestricted donations are especially important during a capital campaign, because Prep needs to meet day-to-day operating expenses while funds are being raised for a special project.
Al Falkner - President
Karen French - Asst. to the President
Jennifer Doolittle- Development Director
Camille DeMarco - Director of Alumni Relations
Stella DeBarros - Director of Parent Relations & Volunteers
Wendy Griffin - Director of Special Events/Communications
Brenda Ryther - Database Manager
Ashley Shearer, J.D. - Capital Campaign Asst.
Development Office: (509) 489-6302