Support Whitefish Christian Academy
Whitefish Christian Academy is a registered 501(C)3 nonprofit organization. We strive to keep tuition affordable while supporting our faculty and staff.
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Donations to Whitefish Christian Academy go toward our operating budget, providing support for core programs and inspiring students to attain success. As part of our community, our generous donors directly help students succeed intellectually, emotionally, and socially throughout their futures. If you’re interested in contributing, please get in touch today.
Annual Fund
In order to keep tuition affordable and support our teachers and staff, the academy must raise money each year to meet our budget through our Annual Fund. Several opportunities exist to support the school. While the Annual Fund is the backbone of our fundraising efforts, various school fundraisers offer other avenues of support.
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What is an Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is an unrestricted fund that underwrites the needs of the school that are not met through tuition revenue. Annual, recurring donations are the hallmark of the Annual Fund. These annual, predictable commitments are especially helpful during our budgeting process. Like most private schools, the academy charges a tuition that does not cover the actual cost of educating a child. A strong Annual Fund – used primarily to support the operating budget, to fund tuition assistance, and to ensure our ability to keep and attract highly qualified teachers — is critical to ensuring the continued success of the school. The success of the Annual Fund depends on establishing and maintaining a broad base of annual donors regardless of the amount of the contribution.
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Why do we need an Annual Fund?
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In analyzing the financial picture of Whitefish Christian Academy, it is important to note that tuition revenue alone will not sustain the long-term viability of the school. To better understand the school’s finances, consider the following three facts:
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the academy’s tuition covers about 75% of the actual cost of educating a child, leaving a 25% shortfall. If a "break-even" tuition were charged, WCA would become unaffordable for many families, resulting in the loss of students and in a decreased ability to fulfill our mission to "transform our culture for Christ."
Tuition assistance from the school to qualified recipients results in actual dollars lost in operating revenue because no revenue source currently exists to replace the income lost when a scholarship is awarded.
The challenge we face as a school is not unique. A vast majority of universities and private schools across the country depend on their school’s Annual Fund to keep tuition affordable and the operating budget balanced.
Annual Fund Fundraisers
Annual Auction Dinner
Held in the early spring, this Annual Dinner Auction is our largest fundraising event. The quality of this event is a draw even for people outside the our school community. The event features traditionally eloquent decorations, significant auction items available at bargain prices, attractive live-auction items, and a time to get to know other families in a relaxed setting. The event features students who assist in the event and provides an opportunity for volunteers to work together to achieve a premier fundraising event in Whitefish.
Whitefish Arts Festival
Hosted by the Whitefish Christian Academy, this community arts festival is enjoyed by locals, and visitors each year around the July 4th holiday. This event brings scores of artists and musicians to Whitefish, and brings our community closer together in support of the academy. The artists and musicians especially appreciate our student helpers!
Additional Great Ways to Support the Academy!
Families and friends interested in supporting the academy have multiple avenues to do so. For example, Box Tops collection provides money for playground supplies (balls, ropes, etc.), the Christmas Art fundraiser helps to support our art program, Family Night Out supports school programs as our school community enjoys a meal together, and Show-your-style days allow students to show their creativity and school spirit while raising money for extra-curricular activities.
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Each year we send out an end-of-the-year letter asking supporters to consider Whitefish Christian Academy as part of their charitable giving for the year. Many supporters make such a gift as part of their tax-planning.
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Thank you for considering attending one of these fundraisers and/or making a financial commitment to the academy. You can make your tax-deductible gift by calling our business office at 406-862-5875 or by mailing your gift to 820 Ashar Avenue, Whitefish, MT, 59937.