Questions

What is the Aquinas Fund?
Like all colleges and private secondary schools, St. Thomas relies on an annual fund to supplement tuition revenue and pay for a portion of its annual operating expenses. At St. Thomas, we have named our annual fund The Aquinas Fund.

Why is it important to give to The Aquinas Fund?
St. Thomas depends on charitable gifts to maintain its excellent faculty, strong academic program, small classes and facilities. It is this philanthropy that keeps tuition costs down and ensures that a St. Thomas education is accessible, through financial aid, to a diverse population. St. Thomas does not receive support from the diocese or from parishes.

Will my gift really make a difference?
Absolutely! In the past three years The Aquinas Fund has grown. Collectively, individual gifts from alumni and parents make a crucial difference in the day-to-day life of the School. Also, when St. Thomas approaches foundations to invest in our School, these organizations look closely at the percentage of alumni and parents willing to make a gift. Your participation demonstrates that our own community members are invested in the School.

I volunteer at the School, and feel like I give enough to St. Thomas already. Why should my family participate in The Aquinas Fund?
We appreciate and need both volunteer support and annual fund support for our School. A high participation rate enables St. Thomas to seek additional funding from corporations and
foundations because it demonstrates parents believe in the School.

We receive financial assistance and are struggling to make ends meet as it is. Why are you asking me for money?
We recognize that every family’s needs are different. Please understand that in no way do we want you to compromise your family’s well-being to support The Aquinas Fund. However, your participation does matter! Every donation is appreciated and acknowledged in our Annual Report.

I am currently incurring or paying student loans or just starting out in my career. Why are you asking me for money?
We recognize that each St. Thomas graduate has a unique financial situation and that many recent graduates are paying for their college education. However, your participation does matter
regardless of the amount. Every donation is appreciated and every donor is acknowledged in our Annual Report. Also, all donations to The Aquinas Fund are tax deduc tible, according to IRS guidelines.

How will my gift to The Aquinas Fund be used?
Aquinas Fund dollars are used to enrich the lives of every student, every day. You may choose to give an unrestricted gift to be used in the area of greatest need or you may designate your gift to one of the following areas:

  • Academic Support
  • Student Life
  • Scholarship/Financial Aid
  • Area of Greatest Need

What is the goal this year?
This year The Aquinas Fund aims to raise $440,000. Your donation will help us achieve that goal.

How can we make a gift?
There are many ways to make a gift. You will receive a letter in the fall asking for your support. You may use the gift card and envelope provided. St. Thomas welcomes gifts by check or credit
card (Visa and Master Card). You may also make your gift on- line on our secure site. Gifts of stock or securities offer personal tax advantages. For more information concerning stock transfers, please contact Dan Raposa. All gifts are tax deductible.

If I work for a matching gift company, how can that benefit St. Thomas?
If your company is a matching gift company, it will match your donation to St. Thomas. All you have to do is request the necessary forms from your company’s human resources department.

How can I learn more about The Aquinas Fund?
We will send a letter with brochures and pledge cards home in September. We will publish our progress regularly here on our website. In addition, we will have dedicated parents who will be making calls to those parents who have not made a donation commitment by the end of 2006.