Saint Mary’s Annual Fund is the foundation of philanthropy at Saint Mary’s. It is our largest fundraising effort each year and bridges the gap between endowment income, tuition or other sources of revenue, and the school’s total operating expenses.

Saint Mary’s was founded in 1842 and is the fourth oldest girls’ boarding school in the United States. Celebrating 178 years is a blessing, but also comes with the reality of rising costs to operate a premier, 24/7, college-preparatory, boarding and day school. Augmenting tuition with Saint Mary’s Annual Fund dollars allows the school to keep tuition at a competitive rate. Our institution has a long tradition of asking alumnae, parents, grandparents, and friends to contribute over and above the cost of tuition. In fact, most independent schools rely on the generosity of their community. In addition, contributions to Saint Mary’s Annual Fund are tax-deductible, while tuition payments are not.

Saint Mary’s hopes our alumnae, parents, grandparents, and friends give at a level comfortable for their families, while also making Saint Mary’s a philanthropic priority, demonstrating a belief in our mission. Because every student, faculty, and staff member benefits from Saint Mary’s Annual Fund every day, we believe every alumna and family should participate. Every gift, no matter the size, has impact on our girls and school.

YES! Pledges made in the fall or spring are due in full by June 30. We also offer options for monthly giving paid automatically by credit or debit card or pledge installments paid monthly by ACH. To establish your monthly gift through an online pledge, visit www.sms.edu/givemonthly. Or, contact Lauren Gerber, Director of Annual Fund and Major Gifts, at 919-424-4118 or lgerber@sms.edu.

Gifts of all sizes are important and make an impact at Saint Mary’s. Each gift is recognized in the school’s annual report. Saint Mary’s is especially grateful to leadership-level donors, who provided 81% of the total dollars raised last fiscal year. Leadership giving begins at $1,000 in the Cornerstone Society. The following are additional recognition society levels: 1842 Society ($1,842-$2,499), Bishop’s Society ($2,500-$4,999), Saint Mary’s Society ($5,000-$9,999), Oak Society ($10,000-$24,999), Founder’s Club ($25,000).

Each year, all donors are recognized in our Annual Report. Supporters are invited to donor receptions, dinners, and regional events, while leadership donors are invited to exclusive events with the Head of School and Trustees as well as to other special events as they arise.