The Knight Fund

St. Joseph Catholic School Annual Giving Campaign

The Knight Fund

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Knight Fund?

The Knight Fund is our annual fundraising initiative that supports the operating budget and upgrades to key areas benefiting student learning. The Knight Fund typically accounts for more than 75% of St. Joseph Catholic School’s annual overall fundraising goal.

How is The Knight Fund used, and how do the funds benefit my child?

The Knight Fund is an integral part of SJCS’ operating budget. Tuition covers a large proportion of our students’ core education. However, if tuition was equal to the full cost of operating our school, SJCS would become less accessible to families. By offering an opportunity for tax-deductible donations, The Knight Fund helps keep tuition affordable for more families while also providing funding for enhanced learning opportunities for students in line with the Long Range Strategic Plan of our school. Note: a gift to The Knight Fund is 100% tax-deductible; tuition is not.

How much do we need to raise?

Our 2024-2025 goal is $130,000. $100,000 is needed to meet our operational budget, thus maintaining a more affordable tuition for our families, and $30,000, as well as any additional funds raised, are allocated for educational enhancements such as classroom furniture and online resources.

Who is supporting this campaign?

Full participation from school families ensures The Knight Fund’s success and reaffirms our commitment to the students and community of SJCS. Additional support will come from companies with matching gift programs, partnerships with area businesses, alumni and fellow parishioners.

How do funds raised by SJSPA, Athletic Committee and The Knight Fund differ?

Donations made to the SJSPA support community building events and traditions, while donations to the Athletic Committee fund our sports and athletic programs. Please visit www.sjscatholic.org/supportsjcs to learn more about every fundraising effort at SJCS.

How much should I give?

To achieve this year’s goal, we do ask families to consider a minimum donation of $375 or more; however, no matter the size, your gift will have a large impact toward our goal.  Participation at any level encourages others to give and sends a message of your support to our school and parish community. Every gift counts; every gift matters!

What is a “Matching Gift” and how do I know if we are eligible?

Your gift can be doubled or tripled if you and/or your significant other works for a company with a matching gift program. Go to www1.matchinggifts.com/sjcslibertyville to see if your company, or its parent company, has a matching program. New companies are added each year. It pays to take a look!  During the last four years, matching gifts contributed over $190,000 to The Knight Fund!

How can I give?

Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Acknowledgements will be issued via Give Central.

• Cash and Check: Make checks payable to SJCS - The Knight Fund. Checks will be processed through Give Central.

• Credit Card: Charge gifts to your VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover card online via a secure, SJCS specific, Give Central portal. Through Give Central, you can also set up a withdrawal directly from your checking account. Visit www.sjscatholic.org/supportsjcs and click on the "Donate Now" link.

• Through FACTS: Parents have the option to spread their Knight Fund donation over ten months using FACTS, our online tuition management system. If you would like to spread your Knight Fund donation over your ten months of tuition payments, please contact Mary Beth Koenig [email protected] to discuss adding a Knight Fund gift to your FACTS account. (A donation of $375 is just $37.50 each month if you take advantage of this giving avenue.)

• Matching Gifts: Many corporations will match an employee’s gift to a school.  Visit www1.matchinggifts.com/sjcslibertyville to see if your company, or its parent company, has a program and to download program details and forms. When applying for a match, companies often ask for the recipient organization’s Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN). SJCS’ EIN is 36-2174828.

I can’t give now but would like to later. Can I do that?

Absolutely! Pledges are accepted throughout the year. All donations are due by May 1, 2025.

Can I break my pledge into several payments?

Yes. You can set up a payment schedule through Give Central or through FACTS either with your credit card or electronic checking. Please remember that all pledge payments need to be received by May 1, 2025.