Providing this quality education requires a basis of support from financial gifts contributed by the wider Friends School community. Tuition alone does not sustain the school's vitality, support its dedicated teachers, enrich its programs, and carry the school into the future.  In fact, tuition does not cover the daily cost of educating each child; alternative sources of support are required.  As independent schools receive little state or federal funding, and have no private corporate sponsors, we turn to our Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, parents, alumni, friends, and the local community as a necessary part of our fundraising work. 

When you contribute financially to State College Friends School through the Annual Fund, you become part of the culture of giving to support the rich academic and social experience that is our tradition.  It is a tradition of nurturing and preparing students to be confident, creative, compassionate lifelong learners.

The 2012 - 2013 Annual Fund Campaign Is Underway

With 100% participation of those closest to the school we can reach our goal of $65,000 in direct contributions to the Annual Fund.

Our Annual Fund campaign begins in the fall with the SPICES of Life Gala for school families, friends, and local community-minded businesses. (They provide a delightful array of foods, beverages, and silent auction goodies.) This kick-off event, held in November, serves as a social gathering to celebrate the start of school, introduce and reacquaint, and to build excitement for a new school year.  Proceeds from donations for tickets and silent auction fun benefit the Annual Fund and signal the beginning of solicitations for direct contributions to the Annual Fund Campaign. The campaign continues through the school year, and is completed on June 30. 

Some families choose to make a direct contribution to the Annual Fund before December 31st upon receiving "A Friendly Voice," featuring the Annual Report of Giving for the previous year, or upon receiving a request letter from Dan Hendey, Head of School. 

Others mark their calendars to welcome the New Year with a gift to Friends School in January or send a pledge note for a commitment to be paid by Spring.   Some are able to give in the fall and spring before the end of school.  Every gift is appreciated.

We ask everyone who is part of the State College Friends School community -- our Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, and parents to take the lead with 100% participation.  We ask that you give what you can, knowing that the motivation to give is the most important gift to the school.  Every gift, of every size matters.

"A Friendly Voice" is a bi-annual newsletter reflecting the work of the students and activity at the school. This black and white publication is mailed to homes and is available in color online.  We do not publish the names of donors online.  If you would like to receive a copy of the school's Annual Report of giving in its entirety, contact Lori Pacchioli, Director of Development at lorip@scfriends.org. 

While unrestricted gifts to the Annual Fund allow money to be used where there is the greatest need, we invite additional support through a variety of specialized funds and endowments:  

Scholarships
The mission of Friends School is to provide a quality education for children. The hope each year is that no one's ability to pay becomes the reason a child can not attend. However, the reality is that the need for scholarship has grown faster than the school can provide. The school offers a variety of ways to support this part of the school's mission.

The General Scholarship Fund is composed of money raised through donations for scholarship. The assistance is available to any qualifying student.

The Myrtle Wright Scholarship Endowment was established to honor the memory of a dear friend of the school. Money donated to this fund is deposited as part of the endowment, and a percentage is used each year for qualifying Quaker and minority children.

General Endowment
The future possibilities of an independent school are largely determined by the size of its endowment. State College Friends School thrived and survived its first 25 years without any endowment. In the past several years however, an Endowment Fund has been started. Adding to this endowment is an important foundation for the security and stability of Friends School. Gifts can be direct donations or future gifts through planned giving.

Pictured:  The late Lauren Wright holds a memorial plaque honoring the memory of his wife Myrtle, for whom a Scholarship Endowment was created. We remember our friend Lauren Wright: July 9, 1918 - February 6, 2013

Staff Development
Staff professional development at Friends School is supported by the Sheri Powell Coles Endowment. Income from this fund enables teachers to attend workshops and conferences in various subject areas such as classroom management, child development, technology, conflict resolution, and Quaker educational practice.

Library Funds
The Whitney Mebane Memorial Fund was established in memory of a former student. This fund has provided a basis for continued giving to the Friends School library.

The Andrew Freemen Memorial Fund honors the memory of Andrew by using donations to purchase books for the library.

Charitable Bequests
Friends School has partnered with The Mennonite Foundation to provide a wide variety of opportunities for planned giving. Charitable gift annuities, Charitable Lead Trusts, and Charitable Remainder Trusts are examples of planned giving that are available. Or, planned giving can be the simple act of naming the school as a beneficiary in one's will.

Support from those closest to us is a vital measure of the value of Friends School when we apply for grants and assistance from foundations, and ask businesses to support us through the EITC program.  Please consider a gift to State College Friends School.   Thank you.