The school’s operating budget is based on a financial model in which eighty-eight percent (88%) of the school’s operating budget is covered by payments from student tuition and twelve percent (12%) of the school’s operating budget comes from other revenues and parent tax-deductible donations to the Annual Fund. Daily operational costs include:

• Program expenses, such as global travel and field trips
• Financial aid
• Faculty professional development
• Facilities maintenance

This model is used by all independent schools in the Bay Area. 

Every dollar raised toward our $1.2 million Annual Fund goal funds the current year’s program. The Annual Fund allows us to invest continually in our students, faculty, and facilities each year.

Obtaining 88% of the operating budget from student tuition, as opposed to 100%, allows the school to attract an socio-economically diverse student body and keep tuition in check. We ask families to give what they can, knowing that each family may give different amounts at different times, based on their abilities. If all families were to give an equal amount to the Annual Fund to cover 12% of the operational costs, each family would need to contribute between $3,000 and $4,000 per child

When foundations and corporations commit their limited charitable resources to a school, they consider the percentage of parents donating to the school as a factor in deciding whether or not to give to our school.  Foundations and corporations view high parent participation rates as a reflection of strong internal support, confidence in the school, and the sign of a healthy educational organization. Consistently strong participation in contributions to our Annual Fund is essential to attract funds from external sources.

When our school seeks foundation and corporate sponsorship for targeted projects, we are often required to indicate parent participation levels in terms of percentage and dollars. Thus, even a small donation by each family helps us to declare a 100% parent participation rate. Plus, all gifts—no matter the size—make an impact for our students. For example, in 2016, contributions in the range of $1 to $600 summed to over $100,000. This amount is equivalent to funding over five (5) full scholarships to deserving students.

Most foundations and corporations do not fund general operating expenses, except through matching or donor-advised gifts. Foundations and corporations look for strong internal support and the Annual Fund is essential to attract outside funds.

Giving a gift or pledge to the Annual Fund can be made online, by check, or transfer stock.

• Gift by Credit Card: Visit the Annual Fund donation page here.
• Gift by Check: Checks should be made out to The International School of San Francisco and mailed to the attention of the Advancement Department at 150 Oak Street, SF, CA 94102.
• Gift of Stock: Transfer of securities or appreciated stock can be a powerful tool to maximize your gift while benefiting from tax advantages. Fill in this form Notification of Intended Stock Gift.
• Company Matches: Remember your company might match your gift. You can verify on our website here if your company is a matching donor.

For any further questions, please reach out to us at advancement@internationalsf.org. Thank you!