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Giving at Steppingstone

An Investment in Our Future

A message from our Head of School:

Steppingstone is embarking on a Capital Campaign to fund "A Home of Our Own." Although one teacher stated, "I could teach the Steppingstone program in a tent," I would prefer a building where existing services could be expanded and new programs developed. As you are all aware, the current economic situation in Michigan is very depressed. It is a great time to purchase property, but it is a difficult time to obtain loans. The Capital Campaign intends to solve that problem.

The Capital Campaign objective is to raise $500,000 in five months. If 50 friends assist by raising $10,000 each, we would reach our goal. Whatever your contribution, it will be valued. Steppingstone is a small school that relies heavily on the involvement of our friends and families, and I appreciate every hour of your time and every extra dollar that you donate. I recognize that all of you are busy with your work and personal lives, but this year I need everyone to give us some "extra" help with the Capital Campaign.

We can only be successful with participation from each of you. With 100 percent participation, "WE will unlock the gift" of our students!

Please donate now toward "A Home of Our Own" for current and future Steppingstone students.

Sincerely,
Kiyo A. Morse
Head of School

The Annual Benefit Auction

Saturday, March 20, 2010

This is Steppingstone's major fund-raiser and provides approximately 10% of our annual revenues. Independent schools depend on non-tuition fund-raisers in order to improve and develop new programs. Parents are asked to volunteer, donate, and/or acquire auction items to support this function.

Please help to "Make a Difference" in your child's educational experience: obtain auction items or donate a similar amount in cash or in-kind goods or services. The benefits include:

• Improvement of existing programs and development of new programs
• Maintenance and improvement of facilities and teaching/learning materials
• Excellence of faculty through support of competitive salaries
• An evening of adult-only fun
• A tax deduction as allowable by law (check with your CPA)

Ways To Give

Cash or Check

Make your check or money order payable to Steppingstone School and return it with the Giving Return Card. Current families may charge their donation to their Steppingstone School Account.

Credit Card

The Giving Return Card has a section for credit card gifts. We accept Visa and MasterCard. You may also use the PayPal link on this page, or call 248-957-8200 to make your gift by phone.

Gifts-in-Kind

Steppingstone is happy to accept personal property in accordance with the school's gift guidelines.

Memorial Gifts

A gift made in tribute to or in memory of a loved one can provide both a wonderful remembrance and a contribution to Steppingstone.

Planned Giving

A good alternative for some supporters is to include Steppingstone as a beneficiary in an insurance policy, trust, or will. Gifts may also be pledged over a period of months or years. These long-range plans help secure the future of the school without immediate impact to you financially.

Matching Gifts

Many corporations match contributions made by their employees or retirees. If your company has a matching gift program, your gift could double or triple in value. Please contact your personnel office for information.

IRA Options

You must be over 70½ and taking your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA. If you do not need the income in 2009, you can let that money help Steppingstone. The IRS has extended to the end of 2009 the ability for people to direct their IRA custodian to make a tax-free donation up to $100,000 to a charitable organization of their choice. This is a valuable way for you to reach your giving needs while minimizing the tax impact.

Corporate Tax Credits

The Michigan Single Business Tax Credit is equal to 50% of the amount of the contribution with a maximum credit of $5,000 or 5% percent of SBT liability before credits, whichever is less.