Forest Ridge Fund

Every Gift Makes a Difference.

Knowing that philanthropic support is critical to the success of independent schools, we ask that the entire community- trustees, parents, alumnae, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends - support Forest Ridge in a shared commitment to our remarkable students. Gifts of leadership and resources collectively make a significant impact in the student experience.

Ensuring that Forest Ridge can continue educating young girls in the Sacred Heart tradition long into the future, we ask that you join us in making a gift to the 2023-2024 Forest Ridge Fund. Your contribution provides critical funding that empowers the School to:

Achieve educational excellence through rigorous academic programs and engaging extracurriculars activities.
Utilize innovative technology to support and enhance teaching and learning.
Recruit top-caliber faculty and staff and compensate them fairly.
Provide tuition assistance to deserving students.
Maintain our beautiful campus and facilities to ensure a safe and state-of-the-art learning environment.

Give now or pledge through June 30, 2024 and your tax-deductible gift will be counted in our 2023-2024 fiscal year.

Forest Ridge Fund FAQs

How can I make a gift to the Forest Ridge Fund?

There are four easy ways to give:

Donate online today
Make a pledge online or by phone. Please contact Casey Hall O’Rourke ’90, Director of Advancement, at 425-201-2422 or corourke@forestridge.org to schedule your pledge details. All pledges should be fulfilled by the end of our fiscal year on June 30, 2024.
Mail or drop off a check. Please make checks payable to "Forest Ridge School" and include "Forest Ridge Fund" in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to: Forest Ridge School, Attn: Office of Advancement, 4800 139th Avenue SE, Bellevue, WA 98006.
Make a stock transfer. To initiate a stock transfer, please contact Casey Hall O’Rourke ’90, Director of Advancement, at 425-201-2422 or corourke@forestridge.org.

When should I give to the Forest Ridge Fund?

Forest Ridge appreciates your gift to the Forest Ridge Fund any time during the 2023-2024 school year, until the end of our fiscal year on June 30, 2024.

Each fall, we ask our community to give to our annual Forest Ridge Fund campaign. October is a great time to give as many employers, such as Microsoft, offer added matching funds that can double—or even triple—the impact of your gift.

Why am I asked to contribute to the Forest Ridge Fund every year?

Who contributes to the Forest Ridge Fund?

Philanthropic support is critical to the success of Forest Ridge, so we ask that the entire community - trustees, parents, alumnae, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends - to support the School in a shared commitment to our remarkable students.

High participation showcases our community’s commitment to living out our Shared Forest Ridge mission. As detailed in Courage and Confidence: The Strategic Framework for Forest Ridge, every gift made to the School helps advance and strengthen the School’s culture of philanthropy and continued ability to educate young girls in the Sacred Heart tradition.

How much should I give?

Is my gift tax-deductible?

What is the difference between a gift and a pledge?

A gift is your immediate contribution to the school. A pledge is your formal promise to pay a chosen amount at a later date during our fiscal year.

Pledges can be paid at any time during our current fiscal year July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. A pledge can be paid in a single payment or a customized installment schedule spreading the pledge amount over several months. Pledge reminders are sent to your mailing address and payments may be made via cash, check, online or credit card.

How does a Forest Ridge Fund gift differ from a capital and endowment gift?

Periodic appeals are made for specific needs, such as a capital campaign to fund future facility improvements or increases to our school endowment. A capital or endowment gift will go towards Forest Ridge’s future, whereas the Forest Ridge Fund goes towards the immediate operating budget and is generally unrestricted for use wherever the School has the greatest need. For some donors, a gift to both the Forest Ridge Fund and an area of specific need are meaningful ways to show support to the School.

How does corporate matching work?

Through matching gift programs, many companies allow their employees the opportunity to multiply the impact of their personal gift. The process is simple, quick, and matching gifts can double or even triple the impact of your gift!

You will receive donor recognition for your personal gift plus the value of your matching gift. Match recognition is given in the fiscal year that the match is received. Matching funds are usually applied to the same fund as the original gift. Tuition is not eligible for matching gifts.

Matching Gift and Volunteer Grant information provided by

Who do I contact for more information?

View the 2023-2024 Forest Ridge Fund Brochure

“Supporting the Forest Ridge Fund is a good investment with both immediate and long-term benefits. Every day, my daughter benefits from the small class sizes, talented and dedicated teachers, and a girl-centered and positive learning environment — beyond what could be provided through tuition alone.”

Arden Tellini Hofler ’88, Parent ’25

make a gift now