What is Gateway Giving?
The Gateway Giving Fund is the school’s annual giving program which provides critical unrestricted financial support. It is the cornerstone of our fundraising as it directly impacts our greatest assets: students and teachers. Help a child discover the wonders of science and lay a foundation for critical thinking and an exciting career. Send a child out onto the courts, where they develop self-confidence and learn the value of teamwork and the joy of healthy movement. Gift categories range from broad needs to specific programs and activities. Some examples include:
- Faculty Support & Professional Development
- Arts & Innovation
- Academic Programs & STEAM Initiatives
Developing Minds and Hearts
Charleston Day students form lifelong bonds with their school mates while tackling a rigorous academic curriculum and serving the community. Lower School students gain a high level of skills in writing, grammar, math, public speaking, and technology. They also study art, music, physical education, and technology. 35 Upper School students tackle additional academic challenges. “Academically, Charleston Day prepared me better for Academic Magnet High School than I could have ever hoped,” said Zachary Kronsberg, Class of 2014. “From the writing skills instilled in my to my Spanish speaking to an incredible background in math, the transition into upper level classes has not been challenging.”
When Scorpions move on to high school and beyond, they’re ready to take on the world. Alumni attend some of the area’s finest high schools and the most prestigious colleges and universities in America.
Charleston Day has a history of excellence dating back to 1937
A dedication to service carries on into adulthood for Charleston Day alumni. With a Charleston Day School education as a foundation, young people become accomplished, caring adults.
What is the 1937 Circle?
In honor of its 85th birthday, the School has added the 1937 Circle, a new giving level of The Gateway Giving Fund, to pay homage to its founding year. Families who donate $1,937.00 or more will be invited to attend a Spring Cocktail Party to celebrate their generosity.
“The best place to educate kids, kindergarten through 8th grade, is in a K-8 school with under 400 kids, because you can know them all. You can create leadership opportunities for them. You can teach them to be strong self-advocates, and you can create that foundational learning that allows them to have incredible options as they move forward.”
– Judith Foley Arnstein, Head of School
Now, more than ever, your gift has an impact.
Gifts to the Gateway Giving Fund help support:
Faculty Support and Professional Development
For the dedicated faculty who bring their very best effort each and every day, now more than ever.
Arts & Innovation
The future will require flexibility, imagination and creativity. Tuition plays a role in providing strong academics, arts, athletics and an exceptionally talented faculty and staff, but it only goes so far.
Academic Programs and steam initiatives
From strong public speaking skills, a focus on character and leadership development to top tier world language programs, the Gateway Giving Fund supports all aspects of the CDS experience every day for every Scorpion.
Gateway Giving FAQs
What is the difference between an unrestricted and a restricted gift to Gateway Giving?
Unrestricted gifts go directly to the school’s annual operating costs providing flexibility for the school’s greatest needs. The dollars raised support the overall vibrancy of our academic programming, professional development for our exceptional faculty, and a steadfast focus on providing a best in class education for every student K-8.
Restricted gifts may only be used to fund items or areas specified by the donor. The development staff, Head of School and the Board of Trustees raise additional funds for restricted contributions with initiatives towards major gifts, like endowment, named funds and other capital giving.
Because Gateway Giving covers current operating expenses, we suggest that you make it your first giving priority.
Does my gift really make a difference?
- Yes! Every donation, no matter what size, makes a difference — and establishes a pattern of giving that is priceless.
- A gift symbolizes your attachment to and appreciation of your CDS experience.
- Consistent annual giving provides CDS with regular, dependable revenue.
I would like to participate but I can’t afford it right now, what should I do?
Recurring monthly payments may be set up on our website to make giving more convenient. Any amount is appreciated, your participation is important to our overall success.
How much should I give?
The amount you choose to give is up to you. We ask that you make a meaningful gift based on your personal situation. Your gift shows that you feel a connection to the school and count yourself as a member of our community.
Why does the school ask for a contribution in addition to tuition?
CDS strives to make tuition competitive but also affordable. The board sets tuition fees to cover approximately 87% of the educational costs. The difference is funded primarily through annual giving contributions and endowment draw. An independent school education asks families to consider investing in both tuition and philanthropy.
As a parent, I give my time as a volunteer. Why does the school also ask me to give to Gateway Giving?
Your volunteer efforts are very important to CDS and are very much appreciated. The strong partnership we have with our parents is one of our greatest assets. Volunteering is an expression of your commitment to your child’s educational journey. Participating in Gateway Giving by making a gift, of an amount that is meaningful to you, is an additional way you can demonstrate the value you place on your families’ experience. Also, the percentage of parents who participate in Gateway Giving sends an important message to our community about the value our parents place on a CDS education.
How else can I give?
Participation in the Gateway Giving Fund is just one way to support CDS. Other ways include:
Founder’s Society for Planned Giving:
Bequest and other planned gifts have a lasting impact and serve as a continuing source of support. The correct plan balances what you wish to accomplish for yourself, your family and your charitable interest in your overall estate and financial plans. To learn more about giving strategies that allow you to make a meaningful charitable gift, please contact the Advancement Office at 843-266-9797.
Corporate Matching Gifts:
Many corporations have a matching gift program that can double or even triple contributions to CDS. Some will match the gifts of spouses and/or retirees. Check with your company’s personnel office to see if your company participates in such a program and obtain the appropriate forms or call the CDS Development Office with any questions or help with this process.
Can I make a donation in honor or memory of someone?
Yes, the Charleston Day School Spirit Fund is a separate fund designed to focus gifts given as honorariums and memorials.
Is my gift tax deductible?
Gifts to the Gateway Giving Fund are tax deductible. Once we receive your gift, you will receive a receipt verifying your gift.
Can I donate something other than cash?
Yes, gifts of securities are accepted. Please contact:
Stock Gift Transfer Information
DTC#: 0547 (Robert W. Baird)
Account number: 7118-1359 Charleston Day School Gift Account
Robert W. Baird
Attn: Linda Slade
843-579-503
May I direct my gift to Financial Assistance or other specific need?
Yes, however, unrestricted annual fund gifts provide CDS the most flexibility. Many generous donors have established endowment funds to provide financial assistance and support special initiatives at CDS. Please contact the CDS Advancement Office if you are interested in funding financial assistance or a special project by calling 843-266-9797.