WHAT IS THE BISON FUND?

The Bison Fund is a fundraising initiative that supports the operating budget and upgrades to key areas benefiting student learning.

HOW IS THE BISON FUND USED, AND HOW DO THE FUNDS BENEFIT MY CHILD?

The Bison Fund is an integral part of Saint Mary’s operating budget. Tuition covers a large proportion of our students’ core education. However, tuition does not equal the full cost of educating a student. By offering an opportunity for tax-deductible donations, the Bison Fund helps keep tuition affordable for more families while also providing funding for enhanced learning opportunities for students in line with the long range Strategic Plan of our school.

How can I give

Saint Mary School operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Acknowledgments will be issued by mail.

Credit Card: Charge gifts to your VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card online via a secure, SMS specific portal. Click on the "Donate Now" link above.

Matching Gifts: Many corporations will match an employee’s gift to a school. Visit your company’s website to see if your company, or its parent company, has a program and to download program details and forms. To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, please check the following list of matching companies . When applying for a match, companies often ask for the recipient organization’s Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN). SMS’ EIN is 36-2343781. If donations eligible for a matching gift are made through the SMS specific portal, please enter all relevant details (when prompted) so SMS is aware a match is coming. If the eligible donation is made by manual check or if matching details are not known at the time of the online donation, please submit this form to the school or parish office or email a copy to BisonFund@stmarybg.org.

We encourage families to donate via our website; however, cash and checks will also be accepted. Checks should be made out to Saint Mary School - The Bison Fund and brought to Saint Mary School’s Main Office. All manual checks should be submitted with this form filled out.

IS MY DONATION TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?

A gift to the Bison Fund is 100% tax-deductible; tuition is not. SMS’ EIN is 36-2343781.

HOW MUCH DO WE NEED TO RAISE AND HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?

The 2021-2022 goal is $100,000. To achieve this year’s goal, we do ask families to consider raising a minimum donation of $400 or more. Participation sends a message of your support to our school and parish community. Every gift counts; every gift matters in our goal of 100% participation.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO DONATE?

Gifts are accepted now through December 10, 2021.

WHO IS SUPPORTING THIS CAMPAIGN?

The School Advisory Board members have already committed to supporting The Bison Fund. Full participation from school families ensures The Bison Fund’s success and reaffirms our commitment to the students and community of SMS. Additional support will come from companies with matching gift programs, partnerships with area businesses, alumni, and fellow parishioners. We also welcome contributions from any extended family members or friends who wish to make a gift to our school.

HOW WILL THE FUNDS BE USED THIS YEAR?

Gifts to the Bison Fund allow Saint Mary School to provide the resources necessary to sustain our educational excellence. In addition to supporting the operations of the school and maintaining a more affordable tuition rate, The Bison Fund facilitates improvements identified by the administration in correlation with the Strategic Plan.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR WANT TO VOLUNTEER?

For more information about the Bison Fund or if you would like to volunteer, please contact Katie Bright at Bisonfund@stmarybg.org