Giving Opportunities

Our Annual Fund is the collective gift of our entire community and we ask that every SF Day family make a gift that is meaningful to them.  The Annual Fund supports critical investments that inspire our passionate learners and provides an immediate impact on our program.  

Learn more about the Annual Fund and how to give at the link below.

Support the Annual Fund

The school we love was built by generations of people who have given their time, talents, energy, and financial resources to make our school what it is today.

At critical points in the growth and development of the school, the Head of School and Board of Trustees will initiate a fundraising campaign necessary to strengthen our academic program and improve facilities. These projects fall outside of the operating budget and are investments in the future of SF Day. A family can expect several campaigns over the course of their tenure with the school. The 2021-2022 school year was focused on the This is our Day campaign. 

Endowments

Generous gifts from parents of alumni, grandparents, faculty, and staff built our $33 million endowment and continue to support SF Day every year.

In 2021-2022, the endowment draw will cover 8% of the school's annual operations and help to fund our educational programs, faculty professional development, and Discounted Tuition program.

We are continually seeking donors who are interested in supporting endowment growth.  If you are interested in learning more, please contact Erin Wright-Gandhi, Director of Advancement.

For over thirty years, SF Day Fest has been San Francisco Day School's largest fundraiser for our Discounted Tuition program, which serves nearly one in four students in our community. 

SF Day Fest offers our community an opportunity to celebrate our school's diversity and mission while raising funds to ensure that an SF Day education remains accessible to families in our Bay Area community. 

SF Day Fest is a celebratory evening with dinner, cocktails, raise-your-paddle, and entertainment. Leading up to the event, the school also hosts an online auction that includes sign-ups for parent/guardian and student "count-me-in" parties throughout the year. Ticket prices are intentionally kept below cost to encourage full community participation, and families are asked to consider donating in any capacity that they feel is meaningful.

Thanks to the generosity of SF Day families and local businesses, SF Day Fest 2020-21 raised over $360,000 to support Discounted Tuition and the Community Support Fund. 

In addition to SF Day Fest, the Parents Association and Advancement Office work together to host many fun-filled and inclusive events throughout the year. These school traditions and events help strengthen our tight-knit community, which is core to the SF Day philosophy and curriculum.

Family Photo Night

For over 18 years, Family Photo Night has been a treasured celebration of our diverse families. All families are invited to have their family portrait taken (pets welcome!) while getting to know other SF Day families.  Afterward, the school hosts an exhibit of the portraits around the school for all of our community members and guests to enjoy.

Library Fall Festival

Each fall, the entire SF Day campus is abuzz with earnest learners and book lovers of all ages at the annual Fall Festival. The SF Day library has been the heart and soul of San Francisco Day School since 1981 when a group of committed parents graciously volunteered their time to read to students and care for the library by stocking books and managing shelves. Thanks to the ongoing generosity of our community, the school's collection has grown to a collection of over 16,000 titles.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

One day each year, the adults outnumber the children at SF Day!  For this special occasion, we invite grandparents and special friends of our students to experience “a day in the life” of an SF Day student.  Digital albums are shared after the event, and we often hear from alums that they still cherish their collection of Grandparents Day photos. 

Volunteerism is an essential aspect of our flourishing community.  As our children watch parents, grandparents and alumni give generously of their time and talent, they learn the importance of giving back and getting involved. Volunteering at the school provides many benefits including the opportunity to explore your child’s school life, get to know other parents and your child’s classmates. It also provides an insight into the school and an opportunity to know staff, teachers and volunteer leaders, and see how our mission is brought to life at SF Day.

There are many ways to get involved according to your interests and schedule. Here are a few:

• Chaperone field trips

• Assist in the Library

• Serve as a Room Parent

• Participate in the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity & Equity in Action) Parent/Guardian Group for Diversity and Inclusion

• Serve as a Class Captain for the Annual Fund

• Volunteer at Family Photo Night

• Join us as an Admissions Ambassador

• Represent the school at an open house or school fair

• Help plan SF Day Fest

If you would like to volunteer and learn more, please email Laura Brown, SF Day Parents Association President. 

Planned giving is an effective way to support SF Day while securing the financial needs of families or loved ones. Planned gifts can also provide significant tax benefits for your family. Planned giving donors are valued members of the SF Day Dolphin Society. For more information, please contact Erin Wright, Director of Advancement.