Endowment

The Renewal of Education Fund

Why an endowment?

Aurora Waldorf School’s Renewal of Education Fund exists to honor the legacy of our school founders by supporting generations of students to come, providing a long-term source of funding.

Endowments are permanent funds in which the principal is held in perpetuity and a portion of the investment income is expended annually (normally 3-5%). Like other independent schools, we rely on donations in addition to tuition to secure our financial operations.

Donors consist of alums, parents, grandparents and friends who have made a commitment to a Waldorf Education through direct and deferred giving. Planned giving options include bequests, insurance policies, charitable lead trusts, charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities and beneficiary designations.

Looking Forward

One of Aurora Waldorf School’s four strategic pillars focuses on financial sustainability and exploring alternative funding. Our budget relies heavily on tuition and various fundraisers, including an annual giving fund, auction, raffle, etc.; this income typically covers operating expenses. An endowment - where we invest the funds and only use the income generated - is a permanent, self-sustaining pool of money that provides a steady and secure source of revenue and a cushion in case of unexpected need. An endowment fund ensures the school’s viability for the future.

Who would contribute?

Supporters (alums, alum parents, trustees, former trustees, former teachers, members of the community who value Waldorf education) who wish to help ensure the long-term viability of AWS. These donors appreciate the enduring quality of an endowment, the gift that keeps on giving! There is also a significant tax benefit to donors: those who have to take a distribution from a retirement account, for example, or who wish to donate shares of stock.

Why don’t these donors give to the Annual Giving Fund?

Some prospective donors have stated that they would prefer to support a particular aspect of the school rather than contribute to general operating expenses, which is where all annual giving fund proceeds go.

How would the endowment income be used?

• Financial support for teachers and staff (boosting current below-market salaries), continuing education, and bonuses
• Building and grounds upkeep (roof, boilers, and windows are 60 years old; building requires ongoing maintenance and eventually replacement expenditures)
• Student scholarships (providing this education for those who otherwise couldn’t afford it has been a priority since the school’s founding), Linda Hoeg Memorial Scholarship for BIPOC students

What is the Endowment Campaign’s Goal?

We seek to raise $1,000,000 for the Renewal of Education Fund through energizing a community of school supporters. At a 5% annual return, one million would make $50,000 available yearly.

How to Donate

Please visit our Donation Form to make you contribution

In addition to cash donations, we also accept other types of financial gifts, including:

• Stock
• IRAs
• Real Estate
• Estate Planning

Please contact the school office if you are interested in giving in these ways.