ANNUAL FUND

The Annual Fund is Aspen Academy's yearly giving initiative, and is the foundation of our fundraising efforts. The Annual Fund plays a pivotal role in enabling the school to advance its mission of teaching our students to grow, learn, and lead. Supporting the Annual Fund directly touches lives through critical program funding: faculty professional development, safety and security, program innovation, and financial aid. We invite you to contribute to the Annual Fund and support the continued success of our students and their educational journey.

All independent schools rely on a blend of tuition income and contributions from donors to cover yearly operational costs. Tuition alone does not cover the full expense for a student to attend Aspen Academy. As an independent school and 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the school relies on the generous support of our community to fund critical areas of the school’s program. We encourage each family to make the school a philanthropic priority, especially while your children are in attendance. If donations surpass the designated area's allocated requirement, the school will redirect excess contributions to the area of greatest need. Any gifts without a specific designation will be directed to areas of greatest need.

Each year, contributions to the Annual Fund come from parents, grandparents, alumni, trustees, and team members. 100% participation is the aim of this community effort. Your donation dollars create the highest educational impact for your child and preparation for the future. Aspen Academy’s program strength is dependent upon your Annual Fund gift.

Engagement in the Annual Fund demonstrates each community member’s commitment to ensuring excellence and continual improvement in the school’s operations and program.  Every dollar and every donor holds significance and creates an impact and each donation, regardless of the amount, contributes to our participation rate.

According to the National Association of Independent Schools, the average Annual Fund gift per student is $2,500.

Annual Fund gifts are recognized in the yearly Gratitude Report, Annual Report, newsletter, donor recognition board, and in a letter of appreciation. Donors contributing at the $2,500 level and more are extended invitations to attend the Head of School reception. For those who opt for anonymous giving, your preferences will be honored without exception. For further details, please contact development@aspenacademy.org

Your donation is entirely tax-deductible. Aspen Academy's tax identification number is 20-0896938.

All gifts of cash, stock or securities, and in-kind goods and services directly benefit our community, no matter the size. We are committed to only spending dollars raised – so every dollar counts! While we are proud to operate without a gap between tuition revenue and expenses, your contributions make it possible for us to focus on achieving our mission of developing extraordinary, world-class, future leaders.

Explore the Ways to Give Page to check whether your company or your partner’s company participates in a matching gift program. Corporate matching initiatives have the potential to double the influence of your donation without any extra expense from you. If your company is eligible, please request a matching gift form through your company’s portal or HR department. Fill out the form and send it to Nicole Witcher in the Accounting Office; the school will manage the rest. Please note: Your recognition will align with the Giving Level that encompasses your total contribution, including corporate matching gifts.

The Annual Fund campaign runs from November 11 - December 10. The earlier you contribute, the sooner your donation can make an impact and set an example for others. Any pledge commitments made can be fulfilled in monthly installments, and/or completed by the end of our fiscal year, June 30. All options are available on our giving page. In order to benefit from a tax deduction for the current year, we respectfully request that you make your donation by December 31.

The Annual Fund  provides essential funding for the ongoing operational expenses for the school year.

The Capital Fund raises money for a specific chosen capital project such as construction, facility renovations and campus improvements. Read more about the Capital Fund here.

Both are extremely important to the sustainability and growth of the school.

The Annual Fund is led by a volunteer team of parents, grandparents and faculty supported by the Community Engagement and Development Department. Please contact the CED office if you are interested in participating in this important team!