Philanthropy

For generations, St. Patrick’s has benefited from a strong culture of philanthropy. From our humble beginnings as a six-student nursery in the Church basement, each generation of St. Patrick’s families has provided generously for the students of both the present and the future. We believe that, as the beneficiaries of previous families’ vision and generosity, we must be responsible stewards of this special place not only for our own children and their classmates but also for future generations.

As is true at most independent schools, tuition does not cover the full cost of each child’s St. Patrick’s education. We rely on our community to ensure that we are able to meet our strategic goals—attracting and retaining the most talented faculty and staff, promoting a diverse student body from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, maintaining our outstanding physical plant, continuing to enhance the student experience, and achieving financial sustainability.

The two largest fundraising efforts at St. Patrick’s are the Annual Fund, which raises approximately $1 million, and the annual IDEALS Fund-A-Scholar Fundraiser, which frequently raises $500,000.

Annual Fund

The Annual Fund, St. Patrick’s top philanthropic priority, is truly a community effort. We ask all parents to make a meaningful contribution to the Annual Fund and welcome each gift, regardless of size, with gratitude. We ask families with the ability to do so to consider a gift at a suggested amount. Many families choose to contribute at other leadership or giving-club levels.

These leadership donors may realize substantial tax benefits as a result of their generosity while, at the same time, supporting the important work of the Day School. Traditionally, an average of 90% of current parents have participated in the Annual Fund, and our goal is always 100% participation. Parents, grandparents, alumni, and parents of alumni come together to support the Annual Fund and to volunteer as callers or class representatives.

IDEALS Fund-A-Scholar Fundraiser

We are committed to creating a socioeconomically diverse student body and an inclusive community. To that end, the annual IDEALS Fund-A-Scholar Fundraiser is the largest volunteer and social event of the year. All proceeds from IDEALS provide funds for the current year’s financial aid budget or bolster the Day School’s financial aid endowments. At its core, IDEALS speaks to our mission to create a diverse and inclusive learning community.

Each year, more than 100 volunteers enjoy working to bring the community together on one special night in support of financial aid. IDEALS is one of the most successful independent school auctions in the region. IDEALS enjoys the support of the entire community—parents are asked to volunteer their time, donate goods and/or services, attend the event, and participate actively in the bidding. Whether you’re able to sit on a committee, solicit friends for Silent Auction or Live Auction items, or corporate sponsorships, there are jobs big and small to make the event a continued success.

At IDEALS, there is an opportunity to donate directly to the bottom line by raising your paddle for “Fund-A-Scholar.” Fund-A-Scholar raises a substantial portion of the total IDEALS proceeds. All parents are invited and encouraged to attend this spirited event. The 2025 Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, March 1.

Day School Financial Snapshot

These graphs show St. Patrick's revenue and expenses during the 2022-2023 school year, the most recent full year for which information is available. Contributions to annual giving, which includes the Annual Fund and the Fund-A-Scholar IDEALS Fundraiser, are particularly important as they comprise 7% of annual revenue and directly support the operating budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

My family already pays tuition. Why am I being asked to contribute to the Annual Fund?

Tuition alone covers about 80% of the cost of educating each child. The Annual Fund helps bridge that gap, and the generosity of the community enables St. Patrick’s to moderate annual increases in tuition. On average, 90% of Day School parents contribute to the Annual Fund, with Trustees and faculty and staff contributing at a rate of 100% and many families at a leadership level (Leadership Circle or above) in a typical year. These leadership donors may be able to realize substantial tax benefits as a result of their generosity while, at the same time, supporting the important work of the Day School.

If you already ask for donations for the Annual Fund, what is IDEALS for?

Which requests for support from the Day School are most important?

We recognize that there are a variety of worthy philanthropic organizations competing for families’ limited resources. We ask that you, as parents at St. Patrick’s, consider making the Day School your philanthropic priority, because it has a direct benefit for your child.

Among the Day School’s fundraising initiatives, we consider the Annual Fund to be the top priority, as it supports every facet of the operation of the school for the current budget cycle. Families who have the capacity are asked to give at the suggested amount, and we encourage every family to give as generously as their circumstances allow.

How much should I give to the Annual Fund? When do families give? How much of a difference can my gift really make?

We ask all families to participate in the Annual Fund at a level that is meaningful to them. We deeply appreciate gifts of all sizes. We encourage families with the means to consider gifts at club and leadership-giving levels.

Our fiscal year begins on July 1 and runs through June 30 of the following year. We encourage all families to make their pledges as early as possible, knowing that the earlier we receive your gift, the sooner we can put it to work for our students.

Will I be asked to make additional gifts to St. Patrick’s?

Does St. Patrick’s raise funds for other organizations?

As an Episcopal parish day school, St. Patrick’s devotes instructional time and volunteer energy to social justice and service work. While much of this work takes the form of direct service (participating in preparing and distributing food to individuals experiencing homelessness through the Salvation Army’s Grate Patrol program, for instance), there are also student, parent, and faculty and staff charitable efforts that range from the Horizons 5K and Spring Splash to the Gifts for Good alternative gift fair to the annual Marcy Ference Hoops for Haiti 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.

St. Patrick’s families support our 40-year relationship with our partner school and church in Haiti, St. Etienne, through their children’s participation in the Hoops for Haiti tournament. Proceeds from registration and additional donations benefit the Haiti Partnership Program, which supports student tuitions and uniforms, teacher salaries, and a lunch program at St. Etienne.

We receive financial aid. How can we give a meaningful gift?

What else can I do to ensure the strength and financial stability of the Day School?

First, as a parent and an ambassador for the Day School in the Washington, D.C. area, you should know that your enthusiasm for St. Patrick’s helps attract and retain great families and students, faculty, and staff. Your annual financial contribution is a fantastic way to demonstrate that enthusiasm.

Second, we hope that you will encourage others, like grandparents, who want to support the Day School and its mission to contribute to the Annual Fund and/or the IDEALS Fund-A-Scholar Fundraiser.

Third, the success of our Annual Fund, and all of our initiatives, depends greatly on our volunteers. We hope you will join us in one of the many ways you can volunteer.

Finally, thank you. You have entrusted us with your most precious blessing—your child. We hold ourselves and each other to the highest standards to remain worthy of that trust and honor.

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