Annual Giving Program

Your donation may be tax deductible. Waldorf School of Orange County is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) educational corporation (EIN 33-0275108), serving preschool through high school in Orange County.

When you give to the Waldorf School of Orange County, you participate in the education of our children.

Your gift is a direct investment in their future, and supports our commitment to providing a style of teaching which engages the whole child, sparking a life-long love of learning.

Your generosity allows the school to provide a comprehensive program. Cultural and foreign language study, performing arts, applied arts, technology, and movement all support our strong academic core curriculum.

Because tuition does not fully cover the cost of providing such extraordinary programs to our students, it is vital that each year, 100% of our community participates in whatever way they can.

WSOC has provided exceptional educational opportunities to children for over 20 years. The growth and success of our program are testimony to the tremendous support and contributions of our community. WSOC is proud to of these noteworthy accomplishments:

  • A new and much larger facility and play yard dedicated to our youngest students in the Parent & Child Program.
  • A beautiful state-of-the-art campus expansion, innovatively built from recycled shipping containers.
  • 7-year WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) Accreditation.
  • Graduation of the pioneering High School Class in June 2011, with 22 acceptances to colleges and universities across the nation, including 8 scholarship offers overall.
  • Secure 15-year lease on Canyon Drive.
  • Staff of talented and experienced teachers committed to delivering and outstanding education.

 

 

 

Frequent Asked Questions About Annual Giving at WSOC

What is Annual Giving?

Annual Giving is a direct appeal to trustees, parents, grandparents, alumni parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends for financial contributions in support of the school's operating budget. It is a way for those who are able to help by making a tax-deductible contribution that will support and strengthen the school.

What are the major components of the school's operating budget?

The majority (77%) of the school's operating budget is spent on salaries and benefits. The remaining 23% is spent on facilities, program expenses, and general operating costs. The Board of Trustees strives to run the school as lean as possible without compromising the integrity of the program. This year, the school has budgeted $4.3 million in operating expenses.

Why is Annual Giving necessary?

Tuition income only covers approximately 85% of our operating expenses. One of the most significant ways we raise the additional income is through our Giving Program: Annual Giving, Scrip, Company of Angels, and special events, such as the Benefit, Golf Tournament and Move-A-Thon. Each of our attending families is asked to make an Annual Giving Gift in addition to paying tuition to help close this gap.

Why not just raise tuition?

WSOC is one of the private, nondenominational schools with the lowest tuition in Orange County. We aim to keep tuition accessible and affordable to continue to attract and retain a diverse student body. Remember, tuition is a non-tax-deductible contracted contribution to the school, while gifts to the Annual Giving Campaign are fully tax-deductible.

What makes WSOC an independent school?

We design our own program and curriculum, operate without financial support from federal or state government agencies, and are self-governed by our Board of Trustees and our College of Teachers. Unlike public schools, which are funded by tax dollars, independent schools rely solely upon tuition revenues and philanthropic gifts to meet their operating and capital expenses.

Are there other fundraising activities at WSOC besides Annual Giving?

Yes. In addition to Annual Giving, the school has several initiatives and events to help close the operating budget gap. These include the Company of Angels Store, the Scrip Program and special events, such as our annual dinner and auction, the golf tournament, and the Move-a-Thon. Each of these efforts help raise funds for the operating budget. We are also seeking contributions for the improvement and expansion of our current campus through our New Roots capital campaign.

Who supports the Annual Giving Campaign?

Every segment of the school community supports Annual Giving. The Board of Trustees, Faculty and Staff have already made their pledges for this year. Now we ask parents, grandparents, alumni parents, alumni, and friends to contribute as well. In past years, we have had family participation rates as high as 90%. Many Waldorf School achieve a 100% participation rate – a testament to their dedication to their school and this valuable education.

Why is participation important?

The school's financial strength is dependent upon the participation of all members of its constituency. Your participation generates enthusiasm and encourages others to join you in supporting the school. It is also a key indicator to foundation and corporate donors that we have consistent support from those we serve, both past and present.

How much should I give?

Participation with all size gifts is needed. The average gift at WSOC is $500. Some families truly cannot afford to give that much, yet others in the community are blessed with the means to contribute more. We ask you look into your heart and give to the best of your ability.

How is my Capital Campaign gift different from Annual Giving?

The Annual Giving Campaign raises funds to operate the school - to pay our teachers, our rent and program expenses. We aim for 100% participation from all parents in the Annual Giving Campaign to support the immediate needs of the school.

Contributions to the capital campaign are restricted for capital expenditures, such as putting up new buildings and improving existing structures. Now that we have a long-term lease, capital campaign funds will be raised and used for putting down roots on our existing campus. Gifts to the capital campaign are above and beyond those we ask families to make the Annual Giving.

Do corporations and foundations support the Annual Fund?

Corporations typically contribute to independent schools by offering matching gifts to their employees' contributions. Several families in our school are able to double their personal contributions through their employer's matching gift programs. Check with your employer to see if such a program is in place where you work.

Foundations generally give to Annual Giving appeals when there is a direct personal connection to the school. Usually they are much more interested in specific projects that are within their funding guidelines and advance their specific areas of interest.

Can I donate stock to the Annual Giving Campaign?

Yes. This is a great way to make a gift to the school. Giving appreciated securities provides you with a tax deduction for the appreciated value of the stock without incurring capital gains tax. Please contact Kim Sava, Business Manager, at 949-574-7775 to learn more details on how to make stock gifts.