Frequently Asked Questions about the Annual Fund

Why do we raise money in addition to the fees?

The tuition and boarding fees are directly allocated to the operational costs of the school; the Annual Fund does not contribute to these costs. However, UWCSEA has a vision of being one of the best international schools in the world.

The Annual Fund was established to support that vision by providing ‘a margin of excellence.’ The ‘margin’ provided by the Annual Fund enables us to invest immediately in a range of initiatives that makes the UWCSEA educational experience a truly exceptional one.

Where does the money raised by the Annual Fund go?

The 2012/2013 Annual Fund will raise money for three key areas – the scholarship programme, curriculum innovation and staff development.

Funds raised will provide more scholarship opportunities to students of promise and potential, fund curriculum innovation initiatives that will prepare our students to meet the challenges of the 21st century, and supplement the professional development opportunities for our staff; thereby further enhancing the education we provide to our students.

These three areas are where donations can have an immediate and truly beneficial impact on the College community as the money raised in the Annual Fund is used straight away. A donation today will impact the UWCSEA community tomorrow.

What is the goal of the Annual Fund?

The Annual Fund was set up to support the College in achieving its vision of being one of the best international schools in the world. As every single donation will be used to enhance the educational experience for current and future students, donations to the Annual Fund will, in time, help shape a better world.

Money raised through the Annual Fund is invested in range of impactful projects associated with the College’s five unique learning elements - academics, activities, outdoor education, and pastoral and service programmes. The life-defining education offered by UWCSEA encourages our students to become true global citizens and grow into considerate and passionate agents of change.

How much am I expected to give?

Participation in the Annual Fund is far more valuable than the actual amount of your donation, as it provides direct support for the College's mission.

Your gift – regardless of the amount – will be greatly appreciated and carefully invested into the College Community. It will benefit current and future students and, importantly, you will have played a key role in shaping a better future.

Why don’t you just raise the fees?

We want to be one of the best schools in the world, but importantly we want to remain as accessible as possible. It is through initiatives such as the Annual Fund, that we will be able to support significant improvements with the College, without negatively impacting on our community.

Last year we raised nearly $300,000 through voluntary donations. Each gift, regardless of the donation size, meant something to us, as it showed a commitment to the College's values and mission.

Why are you asking for donations, given the current global recession?

We understand that the current financial situation is putting pressure on many of our families and we do not want anyone to feel as though they have to make a gift.

Philanthropic donations will have a direct and lasting impact on the life of the College Community and it is a very real way to help this College achieve its vision of being one of the best international schools in the world. With your support we can enable, empower and invest in a future generation of global citizens.

Our family won’t be here next year so why should I give?

No matter where you go in life, you will always remain a valued member of the UWCSEA community and, as we approach our 40th anniversary, your participation in the Annual Fund is one way that you may consider helping us extend the experience of a UWCSEA education to even more students.

I support Global Concern initiatives, SEAlinks and lots of other not for profit events within the school, why should I also support the Annual Fund?

Firstly, thank you for supporting the wide range of local and international not for profit initiatives that the College is involved with. The Global Concerns and SEAlinks programme are run by our passionate and dedicated College community and are entirely separate to the Annual Fund.

The Annual Fund was set up to support the College in achieving its vision of being the one of the best international schools in the world. Any money raised through the Annual Fund is invested back into the College straight away, rather than channelled into our partner organisations.