This program is a need-based tuition assistance program initially put into action by parishioners eager to sponsor a child’s Catholic education here at St. Michael the Archangel School. These awards are given to students who have already applied to their parish for aid thereby also assisting the parish to minimize their financial aid expense. Sponsorship begins at $100, but any amount is appreciated and accepted.

In 2002, St. Michael the Archangel School, along with St. Joseph and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Churches, created an Endowment Fund to provide financial resources for the future needs of the school. The fund initially began with the Cornerstone Campaign to mark the school’s 25th anniversary. As a result, of the Cornerstone campaign’s success, a second phase to the Fund — the Celebration and Joy Campaign — began in 2007 as we celebrated our 30th anniversary. The Endowment Funds tuition assistance, teacher development, curriculum enrichment, and specialized equipment. These campaigns were not conducted to pay off debt or for any immediate needs of the school. The Fund is a pro-active endeavor wherein the funds are invested responsibly and never deplete. The Endowment Board is authorized to distribute 5% of the total value of the Fund to the school each year based on the needs of the school; however, if the school does not need the funds, the income remains invested and continues to grow. Suggested donations to the Fund begin at $1,000, but any amount is appreciated and accepted.

In the words of Monsignor Martin, “As Catholics, we have a responsibility to spread our faith. First and foremost, we spread the faith by the sample of our everyday lives. We also spread our faith by using our treasure to support the teaching of Christ’s message.” To submit a gift to any of these programs, cash gifts are the most common form of donation and are tax-deductible. Generally, the higher the donor’s taxable income, the higher the percentage of tax savings. Gifts may be established in memory of a loved one or in honor of loved or respected individuals.

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) awards tax credits to operating businesses that make contributions to the Eastern Pennsylvania Scholarship Foundation (EPSF). This means that if your business pays certain state income taxes, your donation could end up costing you NOTHING! The dollars your business would pay to the state in taxes will instead be diverted to the Catholic school of your choice, in satisfaction of your Pennsylvania tax liability. Your maximum contribution of $750,000 per tax year will allow you to receive up to a 90% tax credit for a two year commitment and up to a 75% tax credit for a one year commitment. Your contribution can also be deducted from your Federal taxes. 100% of all EITC contributions go directly to the schools designated by the business donor. No administrative costs are deducted.

For more information and/or an application packet, contact Marianne Gano, Advancement Director, at 610-965-4441

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees. To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, please inquire with your company’s human resources department. If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your employer, and send it completed and signed with your gift. We will do the rest. The impact of your gift to St. Michael the Archangel School may be doubled or possibly tripled! Some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses.

For further information regarding matching gifts or any of our fundraising efforts, contact the Advancement Office at 610-867-8422.