Annual Fund FAQs

Like all independent schools, tuition along doesn't cover the full cost of the exceptional education we provide. Each year, we invite our community to make a donation to support our program so we can keep our tuition as reasonable as possible while continuing to deliver an outstanding program for our students.

We invite you to consider a gift that is meaningful to you. Please take a look at the Giving Circles to find a level that makes sense for your family.

Leadership Giving Circles

Laurel Circle: $20,000 or more
Bell Tower Circle: $10,000 – $19,999
St. George’s Circle: $7,500 – $9,999
Founder’s Circle: $5,000 – $7,499
Trustee’s Circle: $2,500 – $4,999
Gold Circle: $1,500 – $2,499
Blue Circle: $750 – $1,499
Friends: $1 – $749
20% Club: 20% more than you gave last year

Our campaign deadline is November 14, 2025. Although we gratefully accept any and all gifts by the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2026, an early commitment (gift or pledge) to the Annual Fund allows WES to plan and allocate resources to the students.

Yes, and yes! Gifts are tax-deductible. And if you're employed at one of the more than 550 American corporations that match their staff's philanthropic contributions, you can double or even triple your gift to WES! Simply reach out to your employer, or visit www.w-e-s.org/support/ways-to-give to learn more.

The WES Annual Fund is the school’s top fundraising priority and provides immediate unrestricted and tangible support to enhance the annual operating budget. Tuition alone does not fully cover the cost of educating each WES student. The Annual Fund supports the activities and programs that give our students the foundation they need to stride confidently into the world, delight in it, and contribute to it. Your gift gives the students and teachers the tools they need to succeed. Some examples of how your gift is used are below.

Examples of how your gifts are used annually:

• $100 will purchase a month of art supplies for one grade
• A gift between $100-$150 covers the cost of mulch for the Early Childhood Playground for one month.
• $250 covers the cost of the graduation ceremony/celebration for one student
• $500 covers the average cost of a field trip (excludes trips requiring airfare)
• $750 will purchase one month’s supply of new library books
• $1,000 will cover the average cost of Professional Development for one teacher (annually)
• $1,250 will cover annual science and STEM supplies for one grade (N-Grade 5)
• $1,800 pays for PE and sports for one grade for an entire school year
• $4,000 covers the difference between tuition and the cost of educating each student
• $10,000 will pay for one year of consultants, workshops, and speakers that benefit students, parents,
  and faculty

A robust Annual Fund Campaign ensures the best possible programs, facility, and faculty for the students. This Fund is the foundation of all fundraising at WES and the level of participation by parents is an important indicator of the loyalty and commitment of those closest to the school. We traditionally celebrate 90-100% parent participation and we hope to continue that tradition! For the last 16 years, 100% of the faculty has contributed to the Annual Fund.

Gifts to the Annual Fund range from $15 to $30,000. Large gifts are wonderful, but smaller gifts add up. Although we ask that each family give as much as possible, a high percentage of parent participation is also critical. We encourage every family to participate.

Yes. You can make recurring monthly payments by clicking make a gift or you can contact Bronwyn Roy in the Development Office at broy@w-e-s.org.

All gifts are important and appreciated. Donors who join many Giving Circles receive special recognition in the Annual Report.

Giving Circles:

• Laurel Circle: $20,000 or more
• Bell Tower Circle: $10,000 – $19,999
• St. George’s Circle: $7,500 – $9,999
• Founder’s Circle: $5,000 – $7,499
• Trustee’s Circle: $2,500 – $4,999
• Gold Circle: $1,500 – $2,499
• Blue Circle:$750 – $1,499
• Friends: $1 – $749
• 20% CLUB – Gift of 20% more than last year
• Wesley’s Circle (for Alumni): $100 – $749
• Young Alumni Circle: $1 – $99 (Alumni up to eight years out of WES)

The 20% club is a special recognition for donors who give 20% more than the previous year. Since expenses go up every year, the 20% gift increase helps cover these increased costs and enables WES to add even more program enrichment.

Yes. This is a great way to double your donation dollars! Please ask your HR department whether your employer has a matching gift program. Fill out and submit the appropriate forms and the Development Office will do the rest. You will receive recognition for the combined value of your gift and the matching gift in the Annual Report.

We have chosen not to do so for three reasons:

• Higher tuition might keep some parents from enrolling their children. We want to make WES available to as many people as possible, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

• Each family is asked to give as much to the Annual Fund as they are able; those who can give more are encouraged to do so.

• Contributions to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible.

Gifts to the WES the Annual Fund are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Some gifts, such as appreciated securities, have special value to the donor at tax time.

We prefer to receive all payments by June 30. When you make your contribution, you will be sent an official receipt that you may use for your tax deduction calculations in the tax year during that your payment was made.