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Join us to reach a goal never before achieved at RCCSS!
Any gift, no matter the size, makes an impact.
Why is this important?
The cost to educate a student at RCCSS is higher than the cost of tuition!
We are looking to fund the future of RCCSS and keep Catholic education accessible to all families. By planning for the future, RCCSS is asking each family to help ensure our success for years to come.
Your gifts provide the financial resources that enable the RCCSS to fulfill its mission.
Your gift also demonstrates the community’s commitment to the RCCSS and its financial needs. A high percentage of donor participation, particularly among our school community, increases the likelihood that the RCCSS can soon begin to eliminate some of our current smaller fundraisers (Magazine Sales, Cookie Dough).
WHAT ARE THE GIVING LEVELS?
Gifts of all sizes make an impact! In addition to school family commitments, we welcome contributions from alumni and parishioners interested in supporting Catholic Education. The Annual Fund offers several giving levels for donors to choose the appropriate level of support for their specific situation. Giving levels include:
St. Thomas More – $10,000 and above
St. Elizabeth Seton – $7,500-$9,999
St. John Fisher – $5,000-$7,499
Saint – $2,500-$4,999
Legacy – $1,000-$2,499
Blue & Black & White Level Donors – $500-$999
Some donors will have the means and desire to donate at a high level. Gifts at the St. Thomas More, St. Elizabeth Seton and St. John Fisher levels help the RCCSS continue to improve curriculum, obtain specialized training for teachers, give much needed T.L.C. to our aging buildings and to expand tuition assistance to families in need. To acknowledge this level of giving, the Superintendent, Principals and RCCSS Board of Directors will host an annual appreciation celebration for St. Thomas More, St. Elizabeth Seton and St. John Fisher donors.
Annual Fund FAQs
What is the Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is a critical system-wide fundraising effort that raises monies for the Rapid City Catholic School System. Annual Fund revenues are dedicated to the operating budget. Employees, faculty, staff, parents, grandparents, friends, and alumni are invited to support this all-important campaign. This year’s Annual Fund goal is $100,000.
Why are gifts to the Annual Fund important?
Your gifts provide the financial resources that enable the RCCSS to fulfill its mission.
Your gift also demonstrates the community’s commitment to the RCCSS and its financial needs. A high percentage of donor participation, particularly among our school community, increases the likelihood that the RCCSS can soon begin to eliminate some of our current smaller fundraisers (Magazine Sales, Cookie Dough).
Why ask parents for contributions in addition to the tuition and fees they already pay?
Tuition and fees do not cover the total cost of a private Catholic School education. Our fundraising efforts help bridge the gap between the income generated by tuition and fees, and the actual cost of educating each student in the Rapid City Catholic School System. The money generated by this fundraising helps ensure that St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Thomas More Middle and High School remain truly exceptional schools for every student.
Why doesn’t the school charge the full amount to cover operating costs?
The traditional Catholic School tuition model maintains charging between 70-80% of the true cost of education to keep Catholic education available, inclusive and affordable to all families. As in all private schools, basic tuition revenues are supplemented through fundraising programs like the Annual Fund, Winterfest and Mayfest.
Why should school families contribute?
The Annual Fund seeks contributions from 100% of school families. This goal reflects the school’s high expectation of parent involvement in all aspects of their child’s education. Parent engagement in fundraising through The Annual Fund is an essential part of belonging to the Rapid City Catholic School System community.
Why should I support the Annual Fund campaign?
We ask that the Annual Fund campaign be your first giving priority. Since gifts to the Annual Fund cover the current year’s operating expenses, they have an immediate impact on a number of critical areas. They benefit every child in our school system, every day, in the same year the gift is given.
When can I expect to be asked for a contribution to the Annual Fund?
Every year, in October or early November, information about the Annual Fund and a request for your support will arrive in the mail or via email. We hope that you will support this request at a level that is reasonable for your budget.
When is the fiscal year?
July 1st through June 30th.
What are the giving levels?
Gifts of all sizes make an impact! In addition to school family commitments, we welcome contributions from alumni and parishioners interested in supporting Catholic Education. The Annual Fund offers several giving levels for donors to choose the appropriate level of support for their specific situation. Giving levels include:
St. Thomas More – $10,000 and above
St. Elizabeth Seton – $7,500-$9,999
St. John Fisher – $5,000-$7,499
Saint – $2,500-$4,999
Legacy – $1,000-$2,499
Blue & Black & White Level Donors – $500-$999
Some donors will have the means and desire to donate at a high level. Gifts at the St. Thomas More, St. Elizabeth Seton and St. John Fisher levels help the RCCSS continue to improve curriculum, obtain specialized training for teachers, give much needed T.L.C. to our aging buildings and to expand tuition assistance to families in need. To acknowledge this level of giving, the Superintendent, Principals and RCCSS Board of Directors will host an annual appreciation celebration for St. Thomas More, St. Elizabeth Seton and St. John Fisher donors.
Is my gift tax deductible?
The RCCSS is a registered 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Your gift is tax deductible to the full extent of the law as determined by IRS regulations. A letter from the RCCSS will be provided to you following the receipt of your gift. Please retain the letter as proof of your tax-deductible donation.
Donors who make gifts to the RCCSS by December 31st are eligible for a deduction in that year. Stocks must be transferred and mail must be postmarked by December 31st to receive tax credit for that year.
Can I make a pledge now and pay later?
Yes! Choose a payment schedule that works best for you: monthly, quarterly, or annually. The RCCSS Development office will send a periodic reminder until your balance is paid. For an Annual Fund gift, we ask that your pledge be paid in full by June 30th of the fiscal year.
Will you remind me of my pledge?
Yes. Once your pledge is made, we will send you a reminder with a return envelope. After that, periodic pledge reminders will be mailed.
May I make a gift using a credit card?
Yes, you can make a credit card gift using VISA, MasterCard or Discover card by using our secure online form.
May I donate something other than cash?
Yes. We accept gifts of stock, which should be electronically transferred to maintain its tax-deductible status. Call the RCCSS Development Office at 605-348-1477 to notify us of your intentions.
Thank you to all those who have supported the RCCSS Annual Fund!
Family Participation
Staff Participation
Total Goal: $150,000
