From time to time, the Board of Trustees may initiate a campaign to fund major projects like buildings, renovations, endowments or other significant needs. Many independent schools, including St. Stephen's, embark on this effort to avoid raising tuition or fees unrealistically. Gifts to a capital campaign are tax-deductible and allow the school to raise dollars more quickly than by adding a fee.
Our current capital campaign, Think. Love. Grow. was developed in response to the school's "Moving Forward to Fifty" strategic plan, and is our most ambitious capital campaign ever undertaken.
Generations have shared the heritage of our treasured school. Throughout our history, the St. Stephen's community has looked to the future by supporting capital projects and renewing or refurbishing facilities to meet the changing needs of students, faculty and 21st century education. Today’s students are the beneficiaries, and now more than ever - as we celebrate our school's 50th Anniversary - we need to build this support for our children, our future leaders of tomorrow.
Here are some FAQ's about Think. Love. Grow. The Campaign for St. Stephen's:
What is a capital campaign? A capital campaign is a fundraising effort, usually extended over a period of years, to raise substantial funds to finance major building projects and renovations, to increase endowment funds, and to meet other significant needs demanding extensive resources.
What is the Think. Love. Grow. campaign raising funds for? Our campaign is raising funds to reach some major goals in the "Moving Forward to Fifty" strategic plan. The funds will be allocated to three pillars:
- The Main Highway Pavilion, a new facility
- The General Endowment, focused on faculty support
- The Financial Aid Endowment, focused on student diversity
What will the Main Highway Pavilion include? This building will include a 1,100 sq. ft. space for technology and language learning, classrooms for pre- and junior kindergartens, a new Heart of the Grove retail space, and offices. The entire building will be "green" and LEED certified. It has been designed by Miami architect, Jenifer Briley, an alumni parent and parishioner. Each morning we pledge as a community to help protect our Earth, and this building will continue to live out our pledge.
What is LEED certified? LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and is determined in varying certification levels by the United States Green Building Council: www.buildgreenschools.org. Amongst many other examples, green schools have reported:
- Lower energy costs
- Lower student and teacher absenteeism
- Higher test scores
- Healthier, safer and more productive environment
What is Endowment? An endowment fund is like a savings account for the school. The funds are invested, and earn interest. As this principal amount grows, the school may spend the interest.
What about our Capital Assessment Fee? The fee you pay for each child with your tuition is a part of tuition. It is not a gift or a contribution, and goes toward paying unretired debt on existing facilities. The Capital Assessment Fee is not tax-deductible.
What about the Annual Fund? This is still very important to the school, to use for classrooms, school enhancements and incremental projects throughout the year. You will have the opportunity to combine your Annual Fund and Capital Campaign contributions into one, tax-deductible pledge.
What is our timeline for the Campaign? The Main Highway Pavilion is currently under construction. The construction phase of the project is targeted to be completed within one year, by Summer 2010. The campaign has a five-year pledge payment option so collections may last for the next five years.
How much will the Campaign raise? The overall need for the campaign is $10 million. The Main Highway Pavilion will cost approximately $5 million and the remainder of the funds will be applied towards the two Endowments.
How can I make a gift? You may have already attended a class awareness event about the campaign, or met with a member of our staff or Campaign Cabinet. There you will hear all about the project and the plans. You are welcome to meet with any of our leaders. Families are able to pledge, or plan their gift, over a period of five years. A portion of your gift each year may go to the Annual Fund, as you direct on the pledge form. You may also choose a Naming Opportunity, so that your gift may be recognized on a plaque or a sign.
For any inquiries, and to participate in this critical endeavor, please call Pell Fender, Director of Development at 305-537-1251 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Our students, teachers and generations of families before and after you appreciate your support!
