Annual Fund Campaign

Fall/Spring 2009/2010

Friends,

I cannot over emphasize the importance of the Annual Fund to the financial viability of Lutheran South Academy. Your contribution is needed to keep us at the cutting edge of educational programming and provide us with the extras that set us apart. Although the Annual Fund has been growing since its inauguration two years ago, we have not yet met our goal of 100% participation from our families. Please join the other LSA families in showing their support of the LSA experience by contributing to this year's Annual Fund.

Thank you for making LSA your school of choice.

Dr. Wayne Kramer

Executive Director

What is the Lutheran South Academy Annual Fund Campaign?

The Annual Fund Campaign solicits the first and most important financial gift we ask of every parent, grandparent, faculty, staff, alumni and friend of  Lutheran South Academy. Since dollars raised from this campaign go directly toward the daily operations and continuous improvements to Lutheran South Academy, it is the most beneficial gift that you can make. The Annual Fund Campaign is also critical in keeping tuition reasonable and competitive.

Why is parent participation in the Annual Fund Campaign so important?

Making a donation to the Annual Fund Campaign, at any level, reflects a vote of confidence and signifies that parents believe in the mission of Lutheran South Academy and all that it has to offer their children. Parents have a vested interest in the success of their child's school; donating to the campaign which benefits the school in the most direct financial way exemplifies that vested interest.

Why do we not ask Corporations or Foundations to participate in the Annual Fund Campaign?

While corporations and foundations will often entertain requests for capital and endowment donations, they generally do not support the daily operating budget for non-profit organizations. Many companies have a Matching Gifts program and Lutheran South Academy families have a strong tradition of participating in these programs, which adds a great deal of additional support to the Campaign. It is important to note that foundations, corporations and individual donors can be strongly motivated to support an institution through the example set by the parent body, as this demonstrates belief in the school and its programs. This is why all independent schools aim for 100% parent participation in the Annual Fund Campaign.

What do annual fund dollars support?

Revenue raised from the Annual Fund Campaign is our equivalent to a checking account that helps the school accomplishes its daily operations, as well as make necessary campus improvements and upgrades.

 Annual Fund proceeds support:

• Continued enrichment of faculty and staff professional development
• Competitive salary increases for our teachers
• Further update of campus technology
• Continued growth of the athletic and fine arts programs
• Classroom furniture and laboratory equipment
• Improvement and expansion of athletic facilities and equipment

How does the annual fund affect the overall budget?

Support of the Annual Fund Campaign is critical because it constitutes approximately 2% of the school's total annual operating revenue. Without the Annual Fund, 2% of our annual operating costs would have to be reduced by this amount or funded through additional tuition charges.