"This is the treasure we need today - helping the child become independent of us and make his way by himself, receiving in return his gifts of hope and light." - Dr. Maria Montessori
In 2020 we introduced Sterling’s first annual fundraising appeal, the Annual Treasure Chest Fund. We are so very grateful to all donations to this past year and we invite you to read our 2021/22 Annual Report that celebrates giving community!
HELP US REFILL OUR TREASURE CHEST!
Our development will focus on the following funding "buckets". Each year Faculty, Administration and the Board, along with feedback from our community, will define the specifics of the development goals that Sterling will work towards during that year. We will continuously evaluate the percentages for each bucket and adjust accordingly.
DEVELOPMENT BUCKET
PERCENT of FUNDRAISING
DESCRIPTION/EXAMPLES
Large/Small Project
25%
Large, expensive projects that could be multi-year fundraising. May be matched by grants and corporate partnership. Examples include replacing playground(s) equipment, running track, electronic doors and locks.
Smaller improvements/needs for the school community. Examples include a Sensory Garden for EC, Shade Sails for the field, larger furniture purchases.
Capital Improvements
20%
Plumbing, electrical, landscaping and any capital improvements not covered by Charter funding. Examples include: awnings, land-grading for drainage.
Education
15%
Classroom materials needed for Sterling education; any additional Professional Development not covered in current budget and any services/programs needed.
Sterling Community
30%
Hospitality, Teacher Appreciation, Community Events, United Arts Council, Graduation
Donations to Wider Community
10%
Sterling will give a monetary donation back to a community non-profit and each level (CH, EL, MS) participates in their own way. Each year, Sterling will work with one community organization. In the spring, our student council would vote on the recipient service organization for the next school year.
Our 2022/23 Community Partners:
"The aim of such an education indicates the desire to contribute to the good of all, to share in this cosmic goodness." - Dr. Maria Montessori
Part of our Montessori directive is to also give back. Through our collections, we have earmarked 10% of proceeds each year to give back to the larger community through our community partners: The Carying Place, The Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, whose land Sterling shares, and we would like to develop a partnership with Instituto Nueva Escuela in Puerto Rico, as a sister-Montessori-program.
Why Donate?
Charter Schools are a special case. There is a substantial funding gap between charter schools and public schools. According to the Center for Education Reform, charter schools are funded nationwide on average at 64% of their district counterpart. The largest reason for this shortfall is that charter schools do not receive capital funding from the states. While Sterling is fortunate to own and operate the buildings that make up the campus, most of the campus is 20 years old, which increasingly requires significant capital maintenance that is not funded. For more detailed information, please read A Case for Support.
We rely on the generosity of our community and fundraising!
The Treasure Chest Giving Levels
$1000+
PLATINUM PATRON
$500
DIAMOND PATRON
$100
EMERALD PATRON
$50
GOLD PATRON
$25
RUBY PATRON
$22.22
ALUMNI JEWELS
* EVERY LEVEL AMOUNT MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO REACHING OUR GOALS! All donations are tax-deductible contributions, to the extent allowed by the law, to Laura Holland Uzzell Foundation, d/b/a Sterling Montessori Academy and Charter School, with tax ID #56-1899973.
Ways You Can Give
Sterling offers a variety of options for charitable giving depending on your personal circumstances. All gifts - no matter how large or small - are highly valued and appreciated! If needed, we encourage you to consult with your financial advisors to determine which option would serve you best. See below for Painless Fundraising ideas!
Gifts of Time
Volunteers are the key to our community at Sterling. Please see our PFSA (Parent Faculty Student Association) page for more information.
Gifts of Cash/Credit
All levels of donations are deeply valued and every cent counts! On the Donation Form, look for ways to continue the gift of giving by becoming a SUSTAINER, donating monthly to our Treasure Chest – even $5/month will help!
Annual Pledges
You may choose to pledge an amount to our Treasure Chest for the fiscal year, which runs July 1 – June 30 and all Pledges made before November 30 enable the LHU Board to establish the budget for the following academic year.
Gifts of Securities
Gifts of securities are often tax-wise options. Depending on advice from your financial advisor, you may receive an income tax deduction for the full fair market value of the donated stock, while avoiding capital gains on the contributed shares.
Business Matching
Please check with your employer to see if they offer matching gifts to your personal charitable organizations – some even match 100%! We know there are very generous companies throughout the Triangle and many times, it’s just an ask away.
With grace, courtesy and gratitude, we thank you for your consideration in all ways of giving.
PAINLESS FUNDRAISERS - below are quick and easy ways for Sterling to earn donations through your every day activities. Please sign up and participate if you can!
