The Sterling Hall School: Annual Giving

SHS is an independent day school for boys from JK to Grade 8. Our mission is to inspire and empower each boy through his formative years.

FAQ: Annual Giving at SHS

The Sterling Hall School tradition of Annual Giving contributes significantly to the quality of school life. More than ever, SHS relies on the generosity of families to ensure a superior school experience for all boys. We encourage every family to support our school annually with a tax-receiptable donation.

Our Faculty, Staff and Board of Governors lead the way with 100% participation in giving annually to SHS.

"As we look around the SHS campus, and in particular the new wing, we can’t help but feel a great sense of pride. Our small school has taken a great leap forward, and the experience for Sterling students is better now than ever. That is why we feel inspired to give to SHS."

Please join us – make this the year that you support SHS.

We hope the answers below are helpful and demonstrate the impact of giving at SHS. To learn more about our Annual Giving program or speak to a staff member about your support, contact the Advancement Office.

Why am I asked to donate to SHS in addition to paying tuition?

While tuition fees cover the basic operating costs of the school, your donation funds state-of-the-art technological and facility upgrades, innovative programs and professional development opportunities for our dedicated faculty and staff. These innovative improvements are a tangible part of the SHS “special sauce." Donations of parent and alumni donors provided for the Eaton Shier Gym, Pryde Science Lab, Poile Art Studio, James Macdonald Studios and many more facilities that students enjoy today. Each year, we seek your support to meet the strategic priorities of SHS as identified by the Board of Governors, for the benefit of all students.

What will my annual donation support this year?

Contributions this year will support the Health & Wellness and Character Education programs, new chairs and a new sound system in the ESG, new workstations in the Cheddie Lab Maker Space, and student financial aid.

How much should I give to annual giving?

With 269 current families, SHS is a small school. In order to reach our Annual Giving goal and to fund the highest priority needs for the boys, we ask every family to give generously and to make SHS a philanthropic priority. As a small school, we need every family’s support. Your participation matters and all gifts are meaningful! The average one-time gift from a Sterling family last year was $2,225.

How can I donate?

1. Make your annual giving commitment now for 2018-19 and plan to make a gift each school year.
2. Give online at sterlinghall.com/giving or complete a donation card at Reception.
3. Make a gift of securities or flow-through shares by requesting the details from Advancement.
4. Don’t forget to ask your employer about matching donations – this is a great way to increase your family’s support.
5. You can make a donation at any time during the school year by cheque, credit card, on your school account or by way of a gift of securities, once a year or scheduled over time.

Do I receive a charitable tax receipt?

As a registered charity, Sterling Hall issues donation receipts in accordance with the Canada Revenue Agency regulations. If you ever have a question about your receipt, please contact the Advancement Office.

How will I be recognized for my donation?

Each fall, all donors are acknowledged in the Annual Donor Report for their contributions made in the previous school year, unless you request otherwise. Annual donations or pledge payments also count towards your grade’s participation in annual giving.

What is parent participation in Annual Giving?

Every gift is meaningful and helps us to reach our goal. Your support is an important show of faith and confidence in SHS. In our small, close-knit community, your support shows and has a tangible impact!

Thank you to all the families who have contributed so far this year. The chart below illustrates the family giving participation rate by grade for 2017-2018.