Forest Ridge Fund

Count Her In...

...the classroom, the courtroom, the locker room, the operating room, and the board room.

From the classrooms, to the studios, to the beauty of the Ridge, your gift supports our community of people, programming and spirit that sets Forest Ridge apart. Together, we strengthen every girl’s experience by supporting today’s operating budget beyond the cost of tuition.

She's counting on us. Can we count on you?

Give now through June 30, 2020 and your tax-deductible gift will be counted in our 2019-2020 fiscal year. Together, she can count on us.

 

Forest Ridge Fund FAQs

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

There are four easy ways to give:

  1. Donate online today
  2. Make a pledge online or by phone. Contact the Director of Institutional Advancement, Casey Hall O'Rourke '90 at 425-201-2422 or corourke@forestridge.org, or Julie Lundgren, Director of Development and Alumnae Relations, at 425-201-2414 or jlundgren@forestridge.org to schedule your pledge details. All pledges should be fulfilled by the end of our fiscal year on June 30, 2020.
  3. 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: Institutional Advancement Office, 4800 139th Avenue SE, Bellevue, WA 98006.
  4. Make a stock transfer. To initiate a stock transfer, please contact the Director of Institutional Advancement, Casey Hall O'Rourke '90 at 425-201-2422 or corourke@forestridge.org, or Julie Lundgren, Director of Development and Alumnae Relations, at 425-201-2414 or jlundgren@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 2019-2020 school year, until the end of our fiscal year on June 30, 2020.

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.

How much should I give?

Every gift makes a difference. Collectively all gifts add up to make a significant impact.
 
Gifts range in size from $25 to $25,000. For those who are able, we encourage joining the Forest Ridge Fund’s Très Bien leadership circle with a personal gift of $3,000 or a combined gift of $4,500 with corporate matching.

Do all parents contribute to the Forest Ridge Fund?

Our goal is always 100% parent participation. Our parents average over 90% participation and make up nearly 50% of the total funds received.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes! Donations to the Forest Ridge Fund are 100% tax-deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code whereas tuition is not. Please consult your tax professional regarding your individual tax circumstances.

How does corporate matching work?

Many businesses match employee contributions to the Forest Ridge School. Matching gifts can double or even triple the impact of your gift!


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

What is the difference between a gift and a pledge?

A gift is your immediate donation 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, 2019 through June 30, 2020.  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.

What does my gift to the Forest Ridge Fund support?

Annual gifts to the Forest Ridge Fund provide immediate support for:
  • Academic programming
  • Enhanced arts, athletics, technology and innovation programming
  • Tuition assistance
  • Faculty and staff professional development
  • Student community building, faith development and other co-curricular activities
  • Campus renewal and preservation

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

Forest Ridge Fund gifts provide the margin of excellence in teaching and programs that allow us to say “YES!” when an opportunity for Forest Ridge students arises. Gifts to the Forest Ridge Fund are used to meet the immediate needs of the school and are used within the year they are given.

Why doesn't tuition income cover all costs?

Through tax-deductible Forest Ridge Fund donations, we can keep tuition costs more affordable while maintaining the small, increasingly diverse community that makes Forest Ridge such an amazing place to educate all girls.

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 operations budget and is generally unrestricted for use wherever the school has the greatest need.

Who do I contact for more information?

Our Institutional Advancement Office welcomes your questions. Please contact the Director of Institutional Advancement, Casey Hall O'Rourke '90 at 425-201-2422 or corourke@forestridge.org, or Julie Lundgren, Director of Development and Alumnae Relations, at 425-201-2414 or jlundgren@forestridge.org.

“Donating to 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

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