Ways to Support the Academy Advantage

The Academy prides itself on offering its students an advantage that lasts a lifetime through outstanding academics, a nurturing environment for growth, a Christian way of life, a wide range of extracurricular activities to challenge both the mind and body, and unparalleled facilities on a 20 acre lakeside setting. Families new to the Academy may not realize that this level of excellence is not covered by tuition alone. The school relies on other revenue sources such as the Annual Fund, Action Auction and endowment interest. As an independent school, the Academy does not receive funding from local, state and federal governments.

THE ACADEMY ADVANTAGE ANNUAL FUND
Support to the Annual Fund helps bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of an Academy education. Many parents may not realize that tuition covers only 70% of the school’s annual expenses. The school counts on donations to the Annual Fund to help cover the gap so tuition remains as affordable as possible. A goal of the Annual Fund is to reach 100% parent participation. In addition, alumni, past parents, grandparents, faculty and staff join with parents annually in extending their generosity.

As an Academy parent, you want the best education possible for your child. The Annual Fund helps the Academy offer an outstanding curriculum including visual and performing arts, athletics, and foreign language programs that enhance creativity, versatility and self confidence;small class sizes allowing for individualized attention; the finest academic resources and technology; the ability to attract and retain the best teachers; and moral and spiritual enrichment through community service projects and Christian life classes and chapel services

ACTION AUCTION
What community event has generated more than $13 million dollars in net proceeds over four decades? Which local auction fundraiser stands out among others as the premier and signature event that has been held consecutively since 1968? Where do more than 500 of your closest friends annually gather each May to support independent education in the Grosse Pointes? There is only one answer to these questions: The Grosse Pointe Academy Action Auction.

A multifaceted event, Action Auction offers many opportunities for contributions and participation. Item donations and underwriting, sponsorships, corporate and family advertising in the Auction catalog, and volunteer activities are among the many ways to support Action Auction. All Academy parents are encouraged to volunteer, attend, bring friends and join in on the fun. Proceeds from the Action Auction enrich Academy academic offerings and raise scholarship and tuition assistance funds to benefit our students.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS
Independent schools, colleges and universities and other non-profit organizations periodically hold capital campaigns to fund buildings and renovations, purchase equipment and increase endowments, all to enhance the programs of the institution.

Recently, The Grosse Pointe Academy completed comprehensive renovations to the campus as part of the Tradition and Tomorrow Capital Campaign. The campaign addressed several issues: renovating facilities to provide state-of-the-art learning spaces while preserving the historic buildings the Academy is known for; increasing the endowment to support faculty salaries and to attract and retain the best teachers available; and maintaining the beautiful and historic campus. The Board of Trustees always seeks ways to strengthen the endowment to help sustain the mission of the school and to fund necessary improvements to the Academy’s program and campus.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The tradition of volunteering and participation, so unique to the Academy, began with the incorporation of the school in 1969. The school is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. The Annual Fund relies on volunteer chair people to reach all members of the Academy community. Action Auction is also chaired and supported by over 100 parent and faculty/staff volunteers.

The Parents’ Coordinating Council (PCC) promotes the activities of many of our parent volunteers. Held each fall and coordinated by the PCC, the Book Fair offers a wide selection of children’s and adult books. Funds raised increase the library/media center budget. Additional opportunities include serving as a room parent, assisting with various events such as the Back-to-School Picnic, Spirit Nights and Grandparents’/Special Friends’ Day, and helping with used uniform sales or campus decorations and beautification efforts. PCC volunteers also greet new parents and welcome them into our community as part of our Ambassador Program.

PLANNED GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
There are many ways to support the Academy through planned giving.  Life insurance designations, retirement plan assets, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead annuity trusts are a few of the number of different ways to support the future of the Academy.

Ideal planned giving donors are those who believe in giving back for the benefit of future generations. For advice on your specific circumstances, you should consult an attorney or other professional advisor as well as the Academy Advancement Office.

HERITAGE SOCIETY
Established to recognize those who have made provisions for the Academy in their estate plans, the Heritage Society is a way to continue support of and commitment to the Academy by helping to ensure the school’s programs for future generations.

GIFTS IN KIND
From time to time, gifts of tangible personal property related to our program and in accordance with the Academy’s guidelines of acceptability may be made directly to the school. Tax deductibility must be determined by the donor’s financial advisors.

SUPPORT THE ACADEMY ADVANTAGE
The Academy benefits from a strong tradition of giving and volunteer support. All parents are welcome and encouraged to participate. Please call the Advancement Office with questions on how to get involved.

Gifts to The Grosse Pointe Academy are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Many businesses and corporations may match gifts given by their employees. Please contact your employer.

"Parents in the independent school world tend to be involved in general, but we take it a step farther. We have an amazingly involved group of parents, whether that means volunteering with the PCC, Auction, Annual Fund, or serving as a room parent or on the Board of Trustees.  As an Academy parent you have the opportunity to do a whole lot more than drop your child off at the front door."  - GPA Parent