IST 2021 Annual Campaign

Ours is an extraordinary community. Ever since its founding by a small group of dedicated families who wanted an internationally-minded, dynamic education for their children, a hallmark of IST has been its kind, caring, and supportive environment. New families are welcomed with open arms, while students transition seamlessly into their classrooms and find themselves not only challenged and engaged, but also encouraged to find their voice, think critically, and work collaboratively. Our teachers, beloved and appreciated by all, work tirelessly and never fail to inspire us to be the very best versions of ourselves.

It’s this extraordinary community we turn to when it comes time to ask for support of our Annual Fund. We are so fortunate to have such dedicated parents, grandparents, and friends who together help us meet our fundraising goal each year, and we know this year will be no exception.

This year’s annual campaign theme is, We Are IST.  Your philanthropic support of the Annual Fund helps offset the budget shortfall – which this year is approximately $2,500 per student – associated with an IST education. We strive for educational excellence, and annual giving helps foster our rigorous education program, faculty development, and improvements to our buildings and campuses.  A gift to the Annual Fund directly benefits our students and allows us the flexibility to invest in our most urgent needs.

We Learn. We Care. We Lead. WE ARE IST!

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MATCHING GIFT CHALLENGE!!

Thanks to an incredibly generous matching gift from one of our Founding Families, all gifts made to the 2020 Annual Campaign starting now will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $200,000!

That’s right, between now and December 31st, all donations to the campaign will be DOUBLED!!

Share in our vision by supporting the IST Annual Fund today!

In 2021 our goal is to raise $200,000 for the IST Annual Fund. These unrestricted funds are critical in that they are used to support our school’s highest priorities, including:

Recruiting & Retaining Talented Teachers

Our teachers are our greatest asset. They guide, encourage, support, and inspire our children each and every day. Tuition alone can’t keep up with the rising costs of healthcare or keep pace with competitive salaries and benefits. The IST Annual Fund provides the unrestricted donor dollars needed to help us sustain the level of teaching an education at IST requires.

State-of-the-Art Technology

In a rapidly changing world often dominated by technology, it’s important for our students and teachers to have access to the latest programs and equipment. From smart boards to Chromebooks, 3D printers and more, our classrooms provide a hands-on, interactive learning environment that helps prepare our students to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Maintaining and Improving Our Facilities

Just walk the halls or stroll the grounds of either one of our beautiful campuses and it’s easy to see why the cost of maintaining them is high. Our students enjoy comfortable, wide-open spaces with incredible views that provide an inspiring backdrop for creative and collaborate learning.

Funding Professional Development

Personal growth and professional development aren’t extras; they are expectations for every IST teacher. Gifts to the IST Annual Fund allow our teachers to participate in training and obtain the materials they need in order to stay up-to-date with current best practices and learn about the latest developments in their particular disciplines.

Tuition funds our mission. Gifts to the IST Annual Fund fuel our vision.

IST Annual Fund Giving Levels

Friend

Up to $1,000

Advocate

$1,000 – $2,499

Mentor

$2,500 – $4,999    Tuition Gap Funding – $2,500

Trailblazer

$5,000 – $9,999

Fellow

$10,000 – $14,999

Founder

$15,000 – $24,999

Benefactor

$25,000 or more*

All gifts will be acknowledged in the IST Annual Report; leadership-level donors of $1,000 and more will be listed by name and invited to a special reception in the spring.

*Donors of $25,000 or more will be eligible for designated “Premium Parking and Pick-Up”

FAQs

I already pay tuition. Why should I give more?

Like many independent, nonprofit schools, IST does not charge tuition equal to the actual cost of educating each student. The expense of operating a high-quality school committed to academic excellence is enormous. In order to bridge the “gap” between tuition and operating expenses, supplemental funds need to be raised through voluntary contributions to a school’s annual giving campaign. This arrangement offers a significant financial benefit as it allows us to keep tuition costs down while providing an incentive for families to make a tax-deductible gift to the school to make up the difference. The funds raised each year are essential for IST to maintain a comprehensive, well-rounded, and competitive educational program for our children.

Who gives to the annual campaign – just parents?

While most of our support does come from parents, many of our contributors include teachers, staff members, grandparents, friends, and local businesses. We deeply appreciate all who support IST and its mission.

How much should I give?

The answer is simple: Give what is meaningful to you! We do not assign specific dollar amounts to any of our families. And although we won’t tell you how much to give, we do encourage you to make a gift that demonstrates your level of support and appreciation for IST. No matter the size, every gift counts and every gift makes a difference.

All gifts to the annual campaign will be acknowledged in the IST Annual Report. Donors of Leadership-Level gifts of $1,000 and more will be listed by name and will be invited to a special reception in the spring.

Are contributions tax-deductible?

Yes. 100% of your gift to the IST Annual Fund is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Can I make my gift in installments?

Yes. Your gift to the IST Annual Fund may be pledged over time, as long as the pledge is fulfilled before March 31st.

Please contact Brandy Hoopaugh, Director of Finance, at (512) 351-3403 or b.hoopaugh@istexas.org with questions or for information on customizing payment arrangements.

How can I give?

  • Make a gift online here, safely and securely, using a credit or debit card.
  • Make a Gift by Mail
    You may send a check made payable to:
    International School of Texas
    Attn: IST Annual Fund
    4402 Hudson Bend
    Austin, TX 78734
  • Make a Gift by Wire Transfer
    Please use the following information to complete your wire transfer:
    Bank name: PlainsCapital Bank
    Bank address: 5010 University Avenue, Lubbock TX 79413
    Routing #: 111322994
    Swift Code: PLASUS44 (for international wires)
    Account name: International School of Texas
    Account #: 4200011353
  • Gifts of Stock
    Gifts of appreciated securities offer a two-fold savings opportunity. Donors avoid paying capital gains taxes on the increased values of their stocks; they also receive an income tax deduction for the full market value of the stock on the date of the gift.Please use the following information when making a gift of stock:Bank name: Fidelity Investments
    Account name: International School of Learners and Leaders
    Account: Z50122998
    DTC: 0226

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Brandy Hoopaugh, Director of Finance, at
(512) 351-3403 or b.hoopaugh@istexas.org

How can I double or triple my gift?

Many companies offer employee matching gift programs where they will double or even triple your contribution to IST. Some employers may even match gifts made by retirees and family members. The match is not automatic, however, and needs to be initiated by the employee.

For questions regarding your company’s matching gift program, please contact your employer’s human resources or community giving department.

We appreciate your gift and the impact that is has on each student.  To learn more about giving at IST, contact our Development Chair at development@istexas.org

 

Other Ways to Give

Gifts In-Kind

In-kind contributions are non-cash gifts made to IST and may include donations of goods, services, time, and expertise. For example, a graphic designer creating a logo pro bono or a technology firm donating computers or software would be considered gifts in-kind and could be eligible for a tax deduction within certain legal limits. Individuals, corporations, and businesses can all make in-kind contributions.

If you have any questions about in-kind giving, please contact Brandy Hoopaugh, Director of Finance, at (512) 351-3403 or b.hoopaugh@istexas.org

Retail Partners

Shop our retail partners and a portion of your purchases will directly benefit IST!

Amazon Smile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to IST. Go to Amazon Smile, sign in, and designate “International School of Texas” as your charity. Just remember to shop using smile.amazon.com for all future purchases!

Shop now at smile.amazon.com

Shutterfly will donate 8% of your purchases to IST when you shop through the International School of Texas Storefront:

Shop now at www.isttrailblazers.shutterflystorefront.com

French Toast will donate 5% of your purchases to IST when you shop for IST school uniforms. Search for “International School of Texas” or use School Code: QS5JDBP

Shop now at www.frenchtoast.com

Lands’ End will donate 3% of your purchases to IST when you shop for IST school uniforms. Search for “International School of Texas” or use Preferred School Number: 900171778

Shop now at www.landsend.com

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