Frequently Asked Questions

The Office of Advancement works to further public understanding and recognition of Sewickley Academy and its important mission to inspire and educate students to engage their hearts, minds, and hands to cultivate their full individual and collective potential in the service of a greater good. The department is responsible for a range of activities that provide the framework for building strong support and lasting relationships with a variety of constituencies, including parents, alumni, community members, donors, the media, and friends. The Office of Advancement includes development, alumni relations, marketing, communications, and community and media relations.

The Annual Fund, provides money for the current-year operating expenses. In many ways, it functions as a checking account that helps the Academy accomplish its daily work. Gifts to the Annual Fund make up the difference between what tuition covers and the actual cost of running the school. Regardless of the size of the gift, 100% participation is essential to sustaining excellence. We count on our families and alumni to give to the Annual Fund each year.

Campaigns, such as PICTURE THIS, are conducted periodically to provide significant funds for additions to endowment or to support campus additions or renovations. Pledges to a campaign are often paid over three to five years. Sewickley Academy has conducted three formal campaigns since the 1980's. Every Sewickley Academy campaign has strategically propelled our school forward, meeting the needs of current and future generations of students.

If tuition was increased to cover the actual cost of all programs, many could not afford to send their children to our school. This could mean a drop in enrollment, resulting in a cutback of our programs and steeper tuition increases in order to fund all operations.

No. Independent schools rely on the generosity and loyalty of their constituencies to support yearly operating costs. Very few, if any, independent schools meet full operational costs with tuition alone.

Capital campaigns are conducted periodically to provide significant funds for additions to endowment, construction, renovation, or extensive equipment purchases. Contributions are generally pledged over three to five years. Annual giving is designed to offset annual operating expenses; if the gift is pledged, it is generally payable by the end of the academic year.

We hope that alumni, parents, and other friends of the school consider supporting both efforts to the best of their ability.

Yes. If there is a specific project you would like to fund, please let us know. Capital campaigns generally provide named gift opportunities. The endowment fund secures Sewickley Academy's long-term future and generates an important and significant part of the annual operating revenue. The principal of an endowment gift is preserved and only a portion of the interest and earnings are used. Endowment gifts are professionally invested and managed to provide income for the Academy's operating budget, financial aid, and faculty support in perpetuity. Gifts to the endowment may be of any size and may designated for a particular purpose.

Yes. Sewickley Academy has always benefited from the loyalty and generosity of the people whose lives it has touched and transformed. Your support makes the difference in securing the future of Sewickley Academy. Opportunities for planned giving include bequests, gifts of retirement assets or life insurance, and charitable gift annuities, remainder trusts and lead trusts.

The Annual Auction is a great community building activity and is one of Sewickley Academy's primary fundraising initiatives. All funds raised during the Auction help to offset current year operating expenses such as faculty and staff salaries; student financial aid; and academic and extracurricular programs. We hope that you will choose to participate in and support the Auction by attending the event, placing an advertisement in the Auction catalog, donating an item for Silent or Live Auction, or serving as a volunteer.

Yes. When you send in your contribution, be sure to let us know that you would like to be anonymous and we will be happy to honor your request. As a donor, you can choose one or all gifts to the school to remain anonymous.

Yes. The individual or family will be notified of the gift, if appropriate.

Absolutely. Matching gifts are an easy way to double or, in some cases, triple your gift to the Academy. Please let us know when you contribute that your company offers matching gifts. You may also use our Employer Matching Gift Search.

All cash contributions are fully tax deductible according to IRS guidelines. Please check with your tax advisor for details regarding your individual circumstances.

Yes. Volunteers are crucial to our success. Please contact the Office of Advancement if you would like to volunteer or discuss creative ways in which you may become involved.

Yes, the board of trustees approved a formal Gift Acceptance Policy on November 21, 2011.