Endowment Gifts

St. Francis’ endowment provides for the long-term sustainability of the school. How does it work? Donors make charitable donations to the school with the understanding that the principle support the general endowment or specific endowed fund area in perpetuity. The principle is invested prudently with professional advisors under the direction of the St. Francis Board of Trustees, and each year a distribution of interest is made either to the school’s operating budget or to specific areas designated by  individual donors.

Gifts to the General Endowment

The school currently follows a conservative policy of drawing 3 percent of the endowment’s average balance over the previous three years. Independent schools have long recognized that growing robust endowments is the best way to reduce their dependence on tuition while maintaining a competitive position in the marketplace. Your gift to the St. Francis endowment will ensure that our high-caliber programs are available to students today and tomorrow.

Named Endowed Funds

St. Francis' named endowed funds provide a special opportunity for donors to establish permanently dedicated funding sources directed to specific areas in the name of the donor or his or her family, in memory of a loved one, or in honor of a friend. Funds may be created in honor of a student, teacher, or to celebrate a special occasion. The school has identified the following areas as priorities, but we always want to hear about your specific areas of interest.

• Head of School Discretionary Fund ($250,000 minimum to endow) Provides yearly funds with which the head of school can take advantage of unique, unanticipated opportunities for student and faculty enrichment.

• Wings Program Fund ($100,000 minimum to endow) Provides funding to subsidize the cost of the program for families whose children require assistance with reading and writing due to learning differences such as dyslexia.

• Athletics Fund ($50,000 to endow) Provides annual support to enhance our athletics program. 

• Performing Arts Fund ($50,000 to endow) Provides annual support to enhance our performing arts program. 

• Technology Fund ($50,000 to endow) Provides annual support to enhance the technology available to students and faculty.

• Financial Aid Fund ($25,000 to endow) Provides annual support to students in need of additional financial assistance in order to attend St. Francis Episcopal Day School.

For additional information or to structure a named endowed fund, please contact Director of Major Gifts, Laurie Bilger, J.D. at 713.458.6130 or LBilger@StFrancisHouston.org.