A COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
PHILANTHROPY
For over 65 years The Walker School’s parents, friends and families have selflessly given of their time, talent and resources to ensure our mission is fulfilled for every generation of Walker students.
Walker is the extraordinary school it is because of the generous philanthropic support of its families, both past and present. It is through the act of giving that Walker is able to maintain its outstanding academic, arts and athletic programs, and attract and retain the finest educators. There are so many ways to give; please explore these pages to discover what works best for you and your family. Remember that your gifts deepen the educational experience for everyone at The Walker School.
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GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Like all independent schools, The Walker School relies on a culture of philanthropy to enhance its programs and facilities.
Philanthropy plays a critical role in the life of independent schools and is an important piece of the puzzle beyond tuition. To the right, you will find the many ways you can invest your charitable dollars in Walker to allow our students, teachers and programs to flourish.
THE WALKER FUND |
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The Walker Fund is the school’s largest and most important annual fundraising effort. Like all independent schools, tuition does not cover the entire cost of a Walker education. The Walker Fund provides vital resources in support of our academic, arts and athletic programs as well as professional development for our faculty and staff. Tax-deductible contributions to The Walker Fund ensure and enhance the Walker experience for every student, every day. |
MATCHING GIFTS |
Many employers will match, and in some cases triple, the amount of your contribution to Walker through a matching gift program. If you have any questions about matching gifts to benefit Walker, please contact Elizabeth Sirk via email or call (770) 366-2512. To learn more about gift matching and whether your employer takes part in the program please visit our Matching Gifts page. |
PLEDGES |
The Walker School accepts and encourages pledge commitments to the Annual Fund. Pledges must be paid by June 30, the end of the school’s fiscal year. To make an online pledge to the Annual Fund, email or call Elizabeth Sirk, Director of Development, at (770)366-2512. |
CASH/CHECK/ONLINE |
The majority of gifts made to the Annual Fund come in the form of cash or check. A gift of cash receives the most generous federal income tax deduction available for charitable contributions. Gifts or pledge payments can be made online by credit card or mailed directly to the school. |
GEORGIA GOAL TAX CREDIT PROGRAM |
The Georgia GOAL Tax Credit Program makes an extraordinary impact on our student body, providing financial aid for highly qualified students with significant financial need. Through the program, state residents, S- and C-corporations, LLCs, partnerships and trusts can redirect a portion of their Georgia tax liability to a Student Scholarship Organization (SSO) in support of financial aid at one or more independent schools of the taxpayer’s choice. When you participate through Georgia GOAL (Walker’s SSO of choice), you receive a 100 percent dollar-for-dollar tax credit to your state income tax bill for the amount of your contribution. |
GIFTS OF STOCK |
The Walker School accepts gifts of publicly traded securities. A gift of appreciated securities held for more than one year is one of the most tax-wise ways to make a donation. You receive the immediate fair market value as a charitable deduction and can avoid capital gains tax. The Walker School gratefully accepts gifts of securities. To make a stock transfer, please follow the procedure listed below.
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HONOR/MEMORIAL GIFTS |
Memorial gifts are an honorable and loving way to remember a family member, loved one or friend. Gifts may be made in memory of someone or in honor of a special teacher or friend of The Walker School during an Annual Fund or Capital Campaign. You may make a gift at any time in honor of or in memory of someone and an appropriate fund can be established. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Sirk, director of Development via email or at (770) 366-2512. |
PLANNED GIFTS |
Since 1957, The Walker School has prepared students for a lifetime of learning, and you want to help ensure the School's economic future for following generations. You want your gift to make a difference, but are concerned about your own future financial needs and those of your family. A planned gift might be an option that can benefit both you and the school. There are several financial tools you can use to plan your gift to Walker. For instance:
We would be happy to talk with you further about the many ways to make a planned gift to The Walker School. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Sirk, Director of Development, via email or at (770) 366-2512. |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Our hope is that you will choose to be fully involved in the life of our school. We realize there are numerous opportunities to give of your time, talent and resources, and we hope you will make Walker a top volunteer and philanthropic priority.
We want all families to give their time supporting our community at athletic events and musical performances, to share their talents by volunteering in the classroom and by organizing community-building events or by fundraising with the Development Office. We hope every family will make a gift to The Walker Fund at the level that is right for them.
My family already pays tuition. Why is a gift to The Walker Fund needed as well? |
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It is a reality not just at Walker but at all independent schools: Tuition alone cannot fund the entire cost of a private education. Because tuition only covers 95 percent of the school’s operating costs, philanthropic support through The Walker Fund helps make up that difference. Your tax deductible gifts account for 5 percent of a student’s Walker experience. |
What does my gift to The Walker Fund do? |
Every dollar contributed to The Walker Fund is used to provide the outstanding faculty, programs and facilities that directly benefit your student every day. |
Specifically, gifts to The Walker Fund: |
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Why is my participation so important? |
Not only does participation signify a high level of community commitment to the school’s mission, it also strengthens our case when seeking support from foundations and corporations. Walker has received $2.7 million in foundation grants in the last few years to support financial aid, academic programs and facilities construction. |
How much of a difference does my gift really make? |
The Walker School has fewer supporters than a large university or charity, but our needs are just as great. That’s why we ask every member of the Walker community — including our Board of Trustees, parents, faculty and staff, alumni, grandparents and friends — to make a yearly gift to The Walker Fund. |
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CONNECT WITH US TODAY!
Please contact our Development Office for any questions about supporting The Walker School.