Annual Fund

The Annual Fund is the Schools’ most important charitable giving program. The Annual Fund is the primary way in which parents, alumni, and friends make philanthropic gifts to Sacred Heart. Last year nearly 700 donors contributed, making the Annual Fund the Schools’ most broad-based source of gift revenue. Current families are encouraged to make it their first giving priority while their children are enrolled.

Gifts are unrestricted and are used immediately for current programs such as tuition assistance, faculty compensation and professional development opportunities, curriculum enhancements, arts, athletics, religious education and community service programs. For current families, gifts to the Annual Fund help bridge the gap between tuition and the full cost of education, an amount equal to about $3,000 per student annually.

Small classes, exceptional teachers, a diverse student body—operating a school like Sacred Heart is a costly undertaking. Tuition does not cover the full cost of operating The Schools, falling short on average by about $3,000 per student. We could increase tuition, but we feel there’s a place for fundraising in a school like ours. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution, donations to Sacred Heart are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.Tax deductible giving is a smart way to channel needed funds to Sacred Heart for daily operations and also help moderate tuition increases from year to year.

The Annual Fund Goal for 2021-22 is $1,225,000. Please give or pledge today to help us meet emerging needs of the school.

The Schools have a strong track record of achieving the Annual Fund goal from year to year. Should gifts fall short, across the board budget cuts would be required and pressure would be placed on the coming year’s tuition to make up anticipated shortfalls.

All gifts made to the Annual Fund between July 1 and June 30 are included in Annual Fund totals, but the Fund really gets underway in September. A parent-organized phonathon takes place in October and written appeals continue throughout the year. Some donors make a cash gift immediately; others initially specify a pledge to be completed before the end of the school year. Because the Annual Fund supports current purposes, pledges and gifts made early in the school year provide the greatest flexibility in delivering the Schools’ mission.

Contributions may be made with a check, credit card or through the transfer of stocks and securities. Please visit the Ways to Give page for more information, or give online today!

The Annual Fund is led by the Annual Fund Council, a group of dedicated parents, alumni and alumni parents. The Council is supported by the Schools’ Development Office and the Department of Institutional Advancement.

The Head of Schools and Board of Trustees determine the Schools’ budget and spending priorities. Annual Fund gifts provide the Head of Schools with the greatest flexibility for immediate priorities.

Gifts of all sizes are welcome and range from less than $10 to over $25,000. There is a place and purpose for every gift. Current parents are encouraged to make the Annual Fund their top giving priority.

All gifts are recognized in the Annual Report, mailed each fall. Periodic updates are provided online and via our Annual Fund acknowledgement plaque outside the chapel. Leadership donors are celebrated at the Cor Unum Reception in the fall and Merci Beaucoup Mass and dinner in the spring. Donors also have the option of giving anonymously.

Yes. Corporate matching gifts count toward the Annual Fund goal and also toward gift society memberships. Please enter your employer's name below to find out if your company has a matching gift program for which Sacred Heart is eligible. Employers require you, as the donor, to initiate the process for matching your gift to Sacred Heart. Results may take a few seconds to load.

Absolutely! Every gift is vital. Together, our gifts have a real and direct impact on the continued quality of Sacred Heart education in Chicago!

Leadership gifts are fundamental to the success of the Schools.

Leadership donors include current families with Annual Fund commitments beginning at $3,000, which is approximately the difference between the cost of tuition and the actual cost of educating each student at Sacred Heart. Leadership donors also include alumni, parents of alumni and friends who make Annual Fund gifts of $1,000 or more.

Last year, more than 120 current families gave at the leadership level. Approximately 20% of those contributing at the leadership level were alumni, parents of alumni, faculty/staff or grandparents. Sacred Heart remains grateful to those who make such a dramatic difference in the Schools' operating resources.

Leadership donors are recognized in the Annual Report and are celebrated at the Cor Unum Reception in the fall. Donors also have the option of giving anonymously.

If you are interested in making a leadership gift, please contact Alexandra Voigt, Development Director, at 773.681.8410.