Unrestricted Giving
The school’s highest fundraising priority and sincerest philanthropic efforts are through unrestricted, tax-deductible donations made annually. These dollars go to the CSS Annual Fund and are applied to the school’s general operating budget. The Annual Fund allows the school to say “yes” to many opportunities for teachers and students.
Our Most Critical Needs
Founded more than 60 years ago, The Colorado Springs School eagerly looks forward to its next 60 years, as it aims to prepare future leaders for the community and greater world beyond CSS. The school's greatest areas of need include:
- Teacher Retention
- Need-based Scholarships
- Experiential Education
Every gift, no matter the size, counts. Gifts of $1,962 (signifying the school’s inception), or more, qualify a donor to become part of the Claremont Society. Such donors are invited to the school's annual Claremont Society event.
Some donors, foundations, and corporations restrict gifts to scholarships, endowment, programs, professional development, and technology and capital improvements. These gifts are also closely aligned to school priorities.
The Annual Fund
FUNDraising & FRIENDraising Events
The Annual Fund
For 60 years, parents, grandparents, alumni, past parents, foundations, and friends have collectively supported charitable giving to The Colorado Springs School, a 501c3 nonprofit, helping to acquire our 28-acre campus and maintaining the school's eight academic buildings, which house distinctive learning spaces for current thinkers and problem-solvers. We must preserve the school's assets and leverage our resources to successfully prepare students for a dynamic world, now and for the next 60 years or more.
The combination of tuition and philanthropy is powerful. Your philanthropic dollars to the Annual Fund provide a critical boost to the school's operating budget and signature programs. Major gifts of $5,000 or more provide the most profound impact for CSS and can significantly move the school forward in providing exceptional programs and opportunities. All Claremont Society donors of $1,962 or more, and Lifetime Giving Society donors who have contributed cumulative gifts of more than $50,000 to the school throughout their time as members of the CSS community, will be invited to attend the Claremont Society reception each year.
FUNDraising & FRIENDraising Events
Signature Event & Auction
Our annual signature event is a collective celebration of the CSS and Colorado Springs community. Friends, partners, sponsors and families come together to support the school monetarily while looking to further the CSS mission.
*Goods or services at our auction must be purchased or won for more than the fair market value of the items. Consult your tax advisors to correctly determine any potential tax benefit to you.
Community-Building Events
Friends and families of CSS are encouraged to contribute or volunteer to help at any of the following activities and events or in the below capacities.
- Parents Association's Carnival, Fun Run, and biennial Garage Sale
- Kodiak Athletic Boosters
- Scholastic Book Fair
- Classroom Coordinator
Restricted Giving
Some donors, foundations, and corporations restrict gifts to scholarships, endowment, programs, professional development, and technology and capital improvements. These gifts are also closely aligned to school priorities.
Scholarships
Endowment
Capital Projects
Planned Giving
Scholarships
These designated and restricted funds support a range of student scholarships for expenses toward Experience-Centered Seminars or to honor individuals who have made unique contributions to the school, as in the case of both the John-Alex Mason ECS Scholarship or dollars provided from the Estate of Susan Barker Day.
Endowment
The endowment is CSS's investment account that produces annual income for general or specific operating expenses, depending on donor preference. The school especially seeks endowed scholarships and faculty professional development.
Capital Projects
The Colorado Springs School maintains a master plan for campus upgrades, building maintenance, and future improvements. Capital projects include facility and transportation enhancements.
Planned Giving
Making a planned gift can be part of your estate. This can be done in many ways, including through insurance or donating assets or securities. Learn more about Planned Giving here.
As a member of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), CSS subscribes to the Donor Bill of Rights and related guidelines for ethical fundraising
For giving conversations or next steps, please contact the Advancement Office at communications@css.org or by phone at (719) 475-9747. The Colorado Springs School is a 501c3 non-profit. Tax ID#: 84-0517369.
