Support SMES

Giving

“Tuition keeps an institution running. 
Philanthropy transforms it.”

Independent Schools thrive when their communities are actively involved in the life of the school building fellowship and supporting school programs. St. Margaret’s Episcopal School benefits from the foresight and generosity of parents, faculty, staff, alumni and friends who embrace and actively support the school mission.
 
As a member of the St. Margaret’s community, you have joined the ranks of families that came before you and those here today that have partnered with the school to ensure the delivery of our mission in the education of each child.
 
We ask for each family’s support through volunteerism and philanthropy in meaningful ways:
 
  • Sustained Giving - through 100% parent participation in the Annual Fund, support of fundraising events like Forever Plaid, the Tartan Open, and through other giving opportunities.
  • Engaged Volunteerism – through involvement with the Parent Teacher Fellowship, the Admissions Office and the Advancement Office in support of the life of our school and programs that benefit all students.
Private, ongoing support is essential to the long-term stability and success of the school. You make a significant difference in the life of St. Margaret’s and the present and future of our students. All gifts are welcome and appreciated – a gift to St. Margaret’s is an investment in our students.

Ways to Give

List of 4 items.

  • Cash or Credit Card

    Most gifts to St. Margaret’s are cash contributions. For your convenience, you can use a credit card (VISA, MasterCard or American Express), check or cash.
     
    Online giving is also available.
  • Gifts in-kind

    Gifts in-kind are non-monetary items of tangible property such as equipment, art, collectibles, and other personal assets or materials that represent value to the school. Acceptance of gifts in-kind is restricted to gifts that support the mission of the school. The school will not assign a value to an in-kind gift except for internal purposes. Gifts in-kind of $500 or more require IRS Form 8283 to be claimed as a deduction. Gifts of $5,000 or more also require an independent appraiser’s signature on IRS Form 8283. For information on tax deductibility, please consult your tax advisor. For additional information, or for questions regarding gifts in-kind, please contact the Advancement Office at (949) 661-0108 ext. 1318.
  • Matching Gifts

    Did you know your employer may sponsor a matching gift program that could help you double or even triple your support by leveraging this program? Please contact your Human Resources department for information on whether yours is a matching gift company.
  • Securities

    Gifts of stock or mutual fund shares provide immediate support to the school. You may be able to realize substantial tax savings by making a gift of stock. For information on potential tax savings, please contact your tax advisor. To make a gift of stock and realize potential tax benefits, please follow these instructions.
For questions please contact advancement@smes.org.
 

List of 7 members.

  • Jonathan Tufo 

    Executive Director of Advancement
  • Stephanie Hoback 

    Director of Annual Giving
  • Lynda Collier 

    Director of Alumni Relations
  • Cheri Santora 

    Director of Special Events
  • Noreen Filippi 

    Gifts Administrator
  • Liang "Leah" Zhang 

    Advancement Campaign Coordinator
  • Katherine "Katie" Melkonian 

    Advancement Services Manager

Planned Giving

Planned giving allows you to make charitable gifts now or after your lifetime to a cause that is important to you, while providing you with tax advantages, financial benefits, and safeguards for your future and that of your heirs. These gifts require planning and, often, help from your professional advisors. Unlike cash donations, these gifts are typically made from assets in your estate rather than disposable income.
 
There are myriad vehicles through which you can make a planned gift. When choosing a vehicle to make a gift, we ask that you consider your financial goals. There are gifts that help you protect your assets, gifts that generate income for you, and gifts that are very simple and only require a provision in your will or trust.
 
Whether you are in your mid 30s and in the building stage of your life, or nearing retirement and considering your legacy, there is a planned gift that suits your needs and can help you meet your goals. The most common planned gifts include bequests, life insurance, trusts and annuities, retirement and pension plans, charitable IRA rollovers, and real estate.
 
We welcome your questions and the opportunity to help you secure your family’s future while making an investment in the future of St. Margaret’s. Please consult with your attorney or our Director of Advancement to ensure that your bequest best achieves your desired result. For additional information, please contact Jonathan Tufo in the Advancement Office at (949) 661-0108 ext. 1318.

The Ernest D. Sillers Legacy Society

Named after our founder, the Ernest D. Sillers Legacy Society has been established to recognize those whose commitment to St. Margaret’s extends into the future. Members of the society have made provisions for the school in their estate planning. We are very grateful to this special group of people for their commitment, vision and generosity.
 
If you are interested in finding more about this legacy society, or for sample bequest language, please contact Jonathan Tufo in the Office of Advancement at (949) 661-0108 ext. 1318. If you have already arranged for a planned gift to St. Margaret’s, please notify us to include you in the Ernest D. Sillers Legacy Society.

Memorial Gifts

Gifts in memory of a loved one can be made to any number of designated areas at St. Margaret’s, including any of the school’s endowment funds. If you are interested in a longer lasting investment, please contact us to discuss naming a fund. For additional information or questions regarding memorial gifts, or to obtain a copy of the memorial gifts policy, please contact Jonathan Tufo in the Office of Advancement at (949) 661-0108 ext. 1318.
 
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An Independent Preschool Through Grade 12 College-Preparatory Day School in Orange County California

Non-Discrimination Policy
St. Margaret's Episcopal School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, sexual orientation or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational, admission, financial aid, hiring and athletic policies or in other school-administered programs.