Annual Fund Family Letter 

Annual Fund Family Contest

Annual Fund Pledge Card

What is an Annual Fund?

The Annual Fund is a program to raise funds to assist in paying the operating expenses of the school. We rely on charitable giving to close the gap between expenses and revenue. These funds help to support talented teachers, relevant resources, contributions in arts, athletics, mathematics, science, and much more. Individual gifts to the Annual Fund range from $10 to tens of thousands. Regardless of the amount, we need and appreciate every gift we receive. As a guideline, parents are asked to consider a minimum of $1000 (or $80 per month) toward our Annual Fund. Donors of $1500 or more join our Co-Founders’ Society. We strive for 100% participation from our families, staff, and faculty by the close of the Annual Fund.

I support Clear Water Academy by paying tuition. Why isn’t that enough?

Tuitions plus government grants do not fully cover the cost of an education at Clear Water Academy. The total cost of educating a student at Clear Water Academy averages $12,000.00 per year. The internal infrastructure required to deliver Clear Water Academy’s educational model fully and effectively is extensive. Further, our commitment to gender specific teaching requires an investment beyond that of co-educational environments. In order to make this formative and effective model of education financially viable while keeping our tuitions affordable for families, we endeavour to raise funds through our Annual Fund.

Charitable donations, such as those made through the Annual Fund, can also be eligible for a matching gift from your employer. This allows you to double or even triple your gift and helps a much larger community to become involved in supporting Clear Water Academy. Tuition is not eligible for such matching gifts.

I can’t give as much as I’d like. Should I just wait until next year when I can give more?

Please don’t wait! Every gift of any size is important to Clear Water Academy and our students. Your contribution at any level demonstrates your support of the Academy’s efforts on behalf of your children.

How are Clear Water Academy donors recognized?

Clear Water Academy’s Annual Report will recognize donors at the following levels:

Any family who donates $1,500.00 or more will join our
Co-Founders’ Society for that academic year. Co-Founders are recognized with an appreciation event held each fall.

Giving through United Way

When you donate to United Way you can direct your funds to Clear Water Academy; charitable registration number 89365 0259. Many corporations have a policy of matching the contributions of their employees to educational institutions. For example, if you work for a company with a matching gift program and you contribute to our Annual Fund, your company may match your gift or a percentage of your gift. Please inquire with your company’s Human Resource Department about their matching gift program.

How is the Annual Fund different from a Capital Campaign?

The Annual Fund generates income to help pay for the school’s operating expenses, such as salaries, benefits, equipment, educational tools, and maintenance of the facility. As the name suggests, Annual Fund gifts are made each year. Capital giving is for the acquisition of land and buildings, for construction, renovations and capital improvements. Gifts made to a Capital Campaign are usually larger and pledged over several years. Both Annual Fund and Capital Campaign gifts are tax deductible.

Why is it so important to have 100% participation?

There are many reasons why Clear Water Academy strives to obtain 100% participation from families, staff, and faculty in our fundraising, particularly for the Annual Fund. The Annual Fund, more so than any other fundraising initiative, binds together alumni, families, and faculty in a common vision. The Annual Fund is an opportunity to transform individual generosity into a collective force, invigorating the school with energy and a purpose. The percentage of participation is a critical factor in our ability to demonstrate broad-based support when foundations and corporations consider making a contribution to Clear Water Academy. Finally, the Annual Fund has the potential to create long-lasting change, and with increased participation, the possibilities for additional programs and resources at Clear Water Academy become virtually infinite.

For additional information please contact:

Margaret Matthews
Director of Development
Clear Water Academy
Ph. (403) 240-7917
mmatthews@clearwateracademy.com