Leaders for Life Annual Fund
This year, a gift to SJK's Leaders for Life Annual Fund Campaign will be one of the best investment choices that you will make.
What is the Annual Fund Campaign? What is the money used for?
The Annual Fund Campaign is SJK's most important fundraising program. Each year, like other independent schools, St. John's Kilmarnock School depends on Annual Giving to make up the difference between tuition and the actual cost of operating the school on a year-to-year basis. Annual giving allows us to keep tuition fees down while adding to classroom resources for an enriched educational environment. The Annual Campaign supports the intellectual, technological and support resources that students need to enhance their learning.
How do we find out about the Campaign? Who supports it?
The Leaders for Life Annual Fund Campaign is launched in the fall and will run through to the end of the fiscal year. The Campaign launch is primarily communicated through a personalized letter mailed to all current parents and Alumni, with details of the goals and objectives of the Campaign. Updates and additional information will appear throughout the year in newsletters, websites and other personal communications to our families.
Why should I participate?
In additional to raising funds to cover the actual costs of educating each child, the Annual Fund Campaign is important because it demonstrates the support of our community for the School. The Leaders for Life fund is a way for families currently benefiting from SJK to help ensure that other families will have the same opportunity in the future.
I donated to the Gala, Founders' Day and Prize Day. Doesn't that take care of my annual giving obligation?
Participation in any school fundraiser is deeply appreciated. However, the Annual Fund Campaign directly impacts the operating budget of the School in the area of student programming so your gift to Leaders for Life is an important and appreciated gift.
How much am I expected to give?
Recent gifts to the Annual Fund have ranged from $100 to $10,000. It is possible that your employer may also have a matching gift program for your charitable donations, which may enhance the value of the gift by as much as 100%.
Will my gift make a difference?
Absolutely! Every tax-deductible gift makes a difference to the school. It also sends a powerful message that you believe in the School and its mission. It's a strong indicator to others that SJK has made a difference in your life.
Are there any tax benefits for giving to SJK?
Definitely! SJK is a registered charity institution and, as a result, issues tax receipts at year-end for any donation made during the calendar year. Our Charitable Registration Business Number is 108023516 RR001.
How do we give to SJK?
Annual Gifts come in all forms and sizes. Gifts of cash, securities, gifts in-kind, matching gifts and pledges are welcome.
To maximize your gift, please take advantage of our Monthly Pledge program, where you can charge your gift to your credit card in easy installments.
Are there tax benefits for donating securities?
As of May 2006, the federal budget included a provision eliminating the capital gains tax on gifts of appreciated securities to charities. When you donate publicly traded securities (stock, bonds, options or mutual funds) directly to a charity, there is no tax on the increase in value, instead of the usual 50% on the capital gain if you sold them. Plus you receive a tax receipt for the full market value of securities, which you apply against up to 75% of your income.
| Scenario #1 | Scenario #2 | |
| Mr. Sample sells the shares and donates $50,000 cash | Mr. Sample donates the shares directly to SJK | |
| (A) Donation value | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| (B) Donation receipt | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| (C) Donation credit (48% of B) | $24,000 | $24,000 |
| (D) Gains on shares sold | $40,000 ($50,000-$10,000) | $40,000 ($50,000 - $10,000) |
| (E) Taxable Gain | $20,000 (50% of D) | $0 |
| (F) Tax on gain (48% of E) | $9,600 | $0 |
| (G) Net tax benefit (C-F) | $14,400 | $24,000 |
Donate now! If you would like to make a gift of any kind or have questions, please contact Kathryn Jeffrey, Director of Development, at 519-648-3602 ext. 21.
