Giving

Spectrum School is an independent, private school which relies upon tuition and fundraising to operate. Spectrum raises funds through a year-round fundraising program which consists of fund-raisers and the Annual Appeal.  The fiscal year is July 1st through June 30th. For more information on these and other programs, please contact Deanna Mershon, Admissions and Advancement Coordinator at 815-877-1600 or email d.mershon@spectrumschool.org

Annual Appeal

This is our largest and most important annual fundraiser in which parents, grandparents, alumni, friends and others are asked to contribute to our Annual Appeal.  Participation in this portion of our income is very important. The Development Committee is working hard to establish relationships with corporate donors, but many of these dollars do not come easily to private schools, and a high parent participation percentage toward annual giving demonstrates how committed our school is.

You may also make a contribution at any time throughout the year by mail or through the secure online payment system on our web site.

Click here to Donate Now!

What is money raised for?

The money raised is used in all areas of the school:   for program, scholarships, equipment, staff development, fiscal stability, new classroom space, school assembly presentations, and general operating expenses. All gifts to Spectrum are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the laws governing tax-exempt, 501(c) (3) organizations. Gifts may be presented in cash, checks, stocks, tangible assets, and through credit-card payment. Memorial gifts are also welcome, as are employer matching funds and planned giving arrangements.

The Calendar Raffle

This fundraiser is held in February. Starting in December, families begin selling raffle tickets for $10. In February, when the raffle is held, each day of the entire month a raffle ticket is drawn with daily prizes ranging from $100 to $1,000. This past year we raised $8,000 in profits from this fundraiser.

If you are interested in purchasing tickets, or would like to volunteer to sell tickets, please contact the Admissions Office at Spectrum School.

Scrip- The Fundraiser that Pays You Back 

Spectrum has been using the Scrip program for over three years now and has raised over $15,000 for the school. Scrip is a program designed to earn money towards your child’s tuition. Retailers nationwide sell scrip to us in the form of gift certificates, gift cards, and vouchers. Families and friends of Spectrum purchase scrip at face value, earning a percentage of profit toward tuition. 

It is a way to reduce your child’s education expense, while at the same time helping to raise money for Spectrum School.

Click here to print the Scrip Order Form

Cell Phone and Cartridge Collection

Do you have old cell phones sitting around the house that you don’t really know what to do with? Don’t throw them away. Save them! Spectrum is collecting them through a program that will pay us for them. This is a great way to help Spectrum raise money with very little effort on anyone’s part. Ask at your workplace and check with friends and family. All makes and models are accepted. 

We also collect used printer cartridges - laser and inkjet! Start saving them at home and, most importantly, contact your company for their old cartridges. Imagine how many cartridges realtors, banks, hospitals, clinics and hotels must go through each month! Please ask them to save them for Spectrum. If you are hesitant to contact your company, please contact us. 

Ways to Give

Gifts of Cash and/or Check

Many families choose to make their charitable gifts by cash or check. Please mail your check to:


Giving via Credit Card

Spectrum School accepts VISA and MasterCard gifts through our secure web site or at the school. Please note that Spectrum is charged a 3% transaction fee and adjust your gift accordingly. 

Matching Gifts

This is a great way to maximize your gift. For every dollar you contribute to Spectrum School through Annual Fund contributions, these companies will generally match your contributions up to a maximum dollar amount per year. There is a wide range of matching percentages ranging anywhere from 50% to 200% of your individual donation. 
All you have to do is obtain a matching form either from your Human Resources Department or on your company's web site, complete it and turn it in to Spectrum School. 

Gifting Appreciated Securities

By giving stock that has appreciated, you receive two benefits. First, you receive a charitable income tax deduction for your donation and second, you avoid paying capital gains tax which would ordinarily be required if you sold the stock yourself. If you have held the stock for more than 12 months, you can deduct the full fair market value of the stock at the time of your gift, regardless of how much you paid for it. For more information on this form of giving, contact Spectrum School at 815.877.1600.