Annual Fund

As a private, independent, Catholic school, Jesuit High School does not receive financial support from the Diocese of St. Petersburg or from the Central and Southern Province (of the Jesuit Order). Jesuit is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization entirely dependent on revenue from tuition and the generosity of its benefactors.

As such, the Annual Fund is critical to the fiscal health of Jesuit High School.

The Annual Fund helps the school meet the tuition gap. Jesuit's tuition is well below the annual cost to educate each student. It is through the generosity of Jesuit’s Annual Fund donors that the school is able to meet the ongoing challenges of increasing operational and facility maintenance costs. Jesuit is dependent on the Annual Fund to help defray the cost of providing tuition assistance, while minimizing annual tuition rates, and to supplement operating expenses throughout the year. Ultimately, it is this generosity that allows the school to continue its legacy of developing "Men for Others."

See below for answers to frequently asked questions or contact Molly Smith, Annual Fund Director, at msmith@jesuittampa.org or (813) 877-5344 ext. 716 for assistance.

What is the Annual Fund?

All gifts to the Jesuit High School Annual Fund go immediately to the school's most pressing needs and benefit our current students in all aspects of their educational experience. In addition to providing resources for academic, technological and athletic support, Annual Fund gifts also help to ensure that the necessary funds are available to provide tuition assistance to our students from families with documented needs.

Is a gift to Gaudiosa and the Hartnett Golf Classic a gift to the Annual Fund?

The Hartnett Golf Classic was created strictly to support the school's Financial Aid Endowment. This is terrific and should continue, but does not provide the annual operating support for other academic or campus needs. The Gaudiosa gala has become a tremendous event over the past decade and will continue to be an important fundraiser for the school. However, because of its limited scope, it cannot be the financial base upon which Jesuit thrives. The Annual Fund serves as the primary way in which all our families can support the school.

Why not just charge full tuition?

If Jesuit were to charge the true cost to attend, it would price many students out of being able to experience a Jesuit education. The Jesuit philosophy of ensuring an affordable, Catholic, Jesuit education for all academically qualified students is crucial to the school’s identity. Minimizing the annual rate of tuition makes the mission of Jesuit High School more attainable for all who qualify. This is why we encourage all financially capable families to help us offset this tuition gap by opting to pay the “full tuition.”

How much is the tuition "gap" at Jesuit?

The 2018-19 tuition is $16,200. The actual cost for each Jesuit student is closer to $18,200, leaving a $2,000 per student budget shortfall or "gap."

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes. Jesuit is a 501(c)3 public charity and your gifts to the Annual Fund are 100% tax deductible.

I want to make a gift to the Annual Fund, but I cannot afford a very large gift. What should I do?

Jesuit High School asks that all parents consider a meaningful gift that is commensurate with their ability to give and demonstrates Jesuit as their philanthropic priority. For some, a gift of $50,000 may be meaningful and commensurate with their ability to give, while, for others, this gift may be $25. Whatever your gift, your participation is important to us.

How can I participate in the Annual Fund?

It's easy! Click here to make your gift online. Or mail your check to 4701 N. Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614. Jesuit High School also welcomes stock transfers and corporate matching gifts from employers. For more information, please contact Molly Smith in the Development Office at (813) 877-5344, ext. 716.

When I make a pledge, when do I pay?

A pledge may be made now and paid over the course of the fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). Payments to a pledge are due in full by June 30th, which is the end of Jesuit's fiscal year.

Can I make monthly installments to the Annual Fund using my credit card?

Yes! We can set up a monthly, recurring payment on either a credit or debit card. Please call 813-877-5344 ext. 716 to initiate a monthly gift.

What is the Matching Gift program?

Many companies sponsor matching gift programs to encourage employees to support charitable organizations. Some companies will match your gift dollar-for-dollar. This is an easy way to significantly double your gift to Jesuit High School and enhance the education of our students.

Please check with your employer’s human resource office to initiate a matching gift, or click here to search your employer's name for matching gift opportunities.

If you are searching your employer's matching system, you may need Jesuit's Tax ID/Employer Identification Number. It is 59-0914207.

Annual Fund vs. Capital Campaign?

The Annual Fund supports on-going and annual expenses in the school's operating budget. Capital gifts are used for the building of new campus additions and special programs. In short, the Annual Fund helps us live, while Capital gifts help us grow.

How much financial aid do Jesuit students receive?

For the 2018-19 school year alone, nearly $1.94 million in tuition assistance has been committed to more than 27% of our current student body with documented financial need.

What are Jesuit's Gift Clubs?

Jesuit, like many non-profit institutions, has established gift club levels to assist the school's leading benefactors in setting an example to encourage other financially capable supporters. By recognizing high-level donors through the gift clubs, Jesuit hopes the example of generosity, good stewardship, and commitment will inspire others to respond in kind.

The following gift clubs are acknowledged each year in the President’s Annual Report “Honor Roll of Donors.” Each summer contributors to the President's Circle and above (donors over $1,500) are invited to the annual President’s Mass and Brunch in recognition of their leadership generosity.