Maverick Fund

By establishing the Maverick Fund, our community will:

• Create a reliable source of annual support. The Maverick Fund will provide members of the St. James community with a meaningful way to support the school throughout the fiscal year.
• Address the gap between tuition and the cost of education. Tuition currently covers approximately 85% of the school’s operating budget. The remaining funds must come from gala proceeds, grants, and other sources.
• Align St. James with its peer schools. Establishing an annual fund will bring St. James in line with other public and private peer schools that have long used annual giving to strengthen their programs and communities.
• Provide room for continued growth. With enrollment at capacity, St. James has limited ability to increase tuition revenue through additional students. The Maverick Fund will provide another sustainable way to meet emerging needs and pursue new opportunities that enhance our school.

What will the Maverick Fund support?

Gifts to the Maverick Fund will help St. James:

• Strengthen classroom instruction and student experiences
• Enhance athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular programs
• Improve the safety and security of school facilities
• Support and retain dedicated teachers and staff
• Provide scholarships and expand access to a St. James education
• Help foster community among school families and provide parent-driven support for teachers and staff through the Parent Squad

How will funds be used?

Funds raised through the Maverick Fund will support the operations of St. James Lutheran School. Priority needs will be identified by the Board of Education and approved by the Church Council, ensuring that gifts are used responsibly and in accordance with the school’s mission.

Our first-year goal: Participation

The primary goal of the Maverick Fund’s inaugural year is broad participation. Gifts of every size will make a difference, and we hope to earn the support of every St. James school family.

1. What is the purpose of the Maverick Fund?

The Maverick Fund provides a reliable, year-round source of support for St. James Lutheran School. Gifts help close the gap between tuition revenue and the full cost of operating the school while supporting priority needs, enrichment, fostering community amongst our families, scholarships, and future growth.

2. How is supporting the Maverick Fund different from supporting the Gala?

The Gala is an important annual Spring fundraising event, while the Maverick Fund provides an opportunity to support the school at any time throughout the year. Both are essential to helping St. James meet its operating needs and continue strengthening the educational experience for students. As support through the Maverick Fund grows, Gala funds would be directed primarily toward scholarships and special projects, rather than school operating needs.

3. How can I contribute to the Maverick Fund?

Parents, grandparents, alumni, and community supporters may make a gift of any size to the Maverick Fund! Contributions can be made via check, credit card, Zelle/Venmo, stock transfer, and even billed through your FACTS family account. Please visit givestj.com and select “Maverick Fund” on the drop menu. Every contribution matters, and broad participation from St. James families is the primary goal in the fund’s inaugural year.

4. Are there other ways to get involved?

Yes! We sincerely hope you will consider making a contribution—in any amount—in this inaugural year for the Maverick Fund. Please spread the word amongst your class parents, grandparents, corporate matching programs, friends, and neighbors, and encourage others to support the Maverick Fund. Interested in volunteering to help strengthen the future of St. James, or have any questions? Please reach out to us at MaverickFund@stjames-lutheran.org.

Interested in Volunteering? Questions?