Explore ways our community contributes
Our greatest strength is our community: dedicated individuals who share their time, talent, and resources to make this extraordinary education possible for generations of students. With the support of friends, families, and foundations, we have grown from a single kindergarten classroom to a thriving multi-campus school over 40 years. There are many ways to contribute and connect. Be in touch to learn more.
Eric Norman, Advancement Director
100% Community Fund: unity in giving
Community Fund helps the school meet day-to-day operating expenses not covered with tuition income. The fund pays for wilderness trips, tuition assistance, sports programs, high quality art supplies, and more... it really underwrites our margin of excellence. Thanks to strong participation, we have secured significant gifts from foundations and private donors who appreciate significant community participation. When we all give, others give as well—it's that simple. Contributions are tax-deductible.
The Endowment: high impact investing
An endowment is a long-term investment with immediate impact. The funds grow in perpetuity, and 3 to 5 percent of annual investment income is spent on specific programs. The school has a general endowment and a number of named funds with specific areas of focus, all managed by a team of investment professionals.
Established Funds
The Kimball Fund for Equity and Inclusion
Created through a grant from the Kimball Foundation, with assistance from the Grade School Class of 2019, this fund supports diversity efforts through tuition scholarships for students from underrepresented communities in Grades 1-12. Est. 2019.
The Ran Oehl Early Childhood Scholarship
Created in memory of Ran Oehl, this fund supports diversity efforts through tuition scholarships for students from underrepresented communities in Kindergarten. Est. 2020.
Diane David Fund for Tuition Assistance
In honor of Diane David, longtime early childhood educator, parent, and advocate for socioeconomic diversity, to support the Equitable Tuition Program. Est. 2015.
Monique's Faculty Fund
Established by an anonymous donor to support faculty salaries and to honor our beloved founder Monique Grund. Est. 2013.
Outdoor Classroom Fund
Students should experience the outdoors on a daily basis. Fund supports nature education for students of all ages. Est. 2013.
Karen Apana Ph.D. Fund for Students
In honor of Karen Nani Apana, Ph.D., a founding parent, high school teacher and mentor. Funds initiatives involving student support and counseling. Est. 2015.
Jennifer Tomasco Burke Teachers Fund
In memory of parent Jennifer Tomasco Burke (1976-2016), who through her own inquiry and discovery came to appreciate the tremendous dedication of our teachers. Funds help to fulfill one of Jen's final wishes—to support those teachers in their daily work to educate our children. Est. 2016.
Grade School Athletics Fund
Created by the Grade School Class of 2015 and their families to support the Grade School Athletic Program. Est. 2015.
Meet our team
Eric Norman
Advancement Director
(415) 875-7211
Karen Santiago
Advancement Associate
(415) 875-7212
Capital Campaigns: a growing campus
Capital campaigns occur every five to eight years to help the school construct and improve physical spaces. The Home Court Campaign (2016-2019), the largest capital campaign in our history, received dedicated gifts from between $100 and $1 million for a showcase center for athletics and community. We exceeded our campaign goal, raising $8.2 million to build the Bushnell Center for Athletics & Community.
Visionary Philanthropy: Scholarship Program
Established in 2006 with the visionary leadership and philanthropic gift from Rick and Kim Beleson, alumni parents, the Kitch Scholars was an inspired 10-year program that funded up to sixteen full scholarships annually to promising high school students from underserved communities. The program received additional gifts in 2013 from The Sam Mazza Foundation and Kimball Foundation for a middle school pilot program.
When the program concluded in 2018, the Board of Trustees voted to continue funding through budgetary allocations and community contributions. The following year, the Kimball Fund for Equity and Inclusion was established to create sustainable support for the scholarship effort in Grades 1-12. Subsequently in 2021, the memorial Ran Oehl Early Childhood Scholarship was created for Early Childhood students. These two funds work together to provide scholarships covering Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Tax Implications
Gifts to non-profits like SFWS entitle donors to charitable income tax deductions, subject to IRS regulations. Please contact your accountant or the IRS for details.
SFWS Tax ID: 94-2538587
Tax Documentation
If you need copies of your tax gift information for a specific year, please email the Advancement Office.