Parent Giving | The Mercy Annual Fund

Give as your heart feels inclined. Last year, donations to The Mercy Annual Fund spanned $5 to $100,000, yet each holds value and is cherished. Unlike larger co-ed high schools, Mercy boasts fewer backers, amplifying the significance of each contribution compared to larger entities. This drives families to prioritize their child's school for giving, as they recognize the instant and rewarding influence of their contributions. Mercy also receives strong support from our alumnae, faculty and staff, alumnae parents and friends.

Each family is asked to make a gift that is personally meaningful for them. 

Annually, we must raise $3950 per student to support the overall school budget and cost of education.  We encourage families with the financial capacity to pledge at the $2,000, $3,000, $5,000, or $10,000 annual level to enjoy the increased impact they have on the quality of education at Mercy. 

We know that not all families can make a $2,000 commitment, especially families on financial aid.  All families are asked to make a donation that is appropriate for their family allowing us to have 100% participation.

Families who give at the $2,000 level or higher will be members of the Circle of Mercy and invited to the annual Board of Directors donor reception in December.

Every student at Mercy benefits from the Mercy Annual Fund and every gift matters.  For families on significant tuition assistance, a small gift of even $5.00, $10.00, $25.00, or one that is meaningful to your family,  allows the school to show 100% parent participation.  Showing participation from all parents can have a huge impact on our ability to receive foundation, corporate and major donor support.

Many parents have asked how to know what to support and what is important There are three primary ways that the Advancement Office asks for support from the Mercy community annually:

1. Annual Giving (The Mercy Annual Fund) to support the operating budget each year.

2. Fun events such as the Monte Carlo Night at Kohl, Lobster Feed, Drive and Dine/Toy Drive and other parent events.

3. Making A Difference Scholarship Benefit to support tuition assistance - Mercy’s major fundraiser for the year for parents, alumnae and friends

Learn more about Mercy's Campaign to build an Athletic and Student Life Center

Mercy girls benefit from having talented teachers, small classes, curricular resources, and outstanding electives. While the tuition that you pay gives your daughter access to an exceptional education, it does not cover the complete cost of her Mercy experience. The Mercy Annual Fund provides vital support that directly impacts the rich learning environment that motivates every Mercy student every day.

Mercy is committed to attracting a diverse community of students from a variety of backgrounds. The Mercy High School Board of Directors deliberately sets tuition below full cost in order to keep the school more affordable to a wider range of families and to provide opportunities to support Mercy with tax-deductible, philanthropic options. We believe this practice is conducive to building an inclusive school community and aligned with our mission.

Mercy-A-Thon is our one and only student led fundraiser.  Each student has her own fundraising page and all students are invited to add at least 20 names to their profile.  This platform gives students the ability to seek the support of family and friends anywhere in the world.  The goal of the student fundraiser is two-fold: building community among students and faculty and raising money to support special projects for the school.  All students are expected to participate.  www.mercyhsb.com/giving/mercy-a-thon

The Mercy Annual Fund is critical to the ongoing success and financial stability of our school, and sustains programs not covered by tuition. Gifts touch each student and teacher in many ways.  As an annual source of support, the fund helps to finance everything from academic programs and campus ministry, to extracurricular activities and athletics. The Mercy Fund is how alumnae, parents, and friends come together to form one of the largest gifts the school receives each year. The Mercy Fund fosters a culture of philanthropy that will sustain the school for years to come.

Unlike tuition, the full amount of your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by state and federal law. Our Tax ID is 94-1230999