The Fund for Aurora is our most important annual fundraising campaign. It launches in September and runs through the end of January, with a goal of raising $75,000 and securing 100% participation from current families. Each family’s generous support of the Fund is what helps us provide the very best educational programs, attract and retain talented teachers and specialists, and maintain a socially and economically diverse student body through financial assistance.

Aurora, like other independent schools, is a non-profit institution that relies on a combination of tuition and donations–rather than government funding–to operate. Each Aurora student receives educational opportunities above and beyond what tuition alone can provide, so we need to find additional ways to generate income. We are very grateful for the generosity of our community that helps us bridge the gap between tuition and expenses. Donations to the Fund enhance your child’s education by supporting teacher salaries and benefits, purchasing teaching materials and technology, and maintaining our beautiful building and grounds.

Last year, we reached our goal of $75,000 with just over 92% participation from current families, along with gifts from alumni, grandparents, faculty, and staff. High participation is not only a sign of parent confidence and belief in the Aurora mission, it inspires others to give. Our goal of 100% participation is not limited to current parents. We expect the same from our Board, faculty, and staff.

In the spring Aurora holds an online auction that brings together donations from local businesses and restaurants, along with donations from our own generous and talented families, faculty, and staff. To widen our reach, we use an online platform that captures bids from beyond the Aurora community. This year the auction opens on March 23, 2020, and runs through April, with lots of opportunities to help out. We hope all parents will help us secure items to auction and bid generously!

The Fund for Aurora and the Spring Online Auction support the current school year’s operating expenses, so every current family is encouraged to give at a level that is meaningful to them. In order to reach our goal of $75,000 and run a successful auction, we need participation from every family. We receive gifts in every amount–from $5 to $5000 and beyond–and we appreciate each one. Unlike larger schools or non-profits, our smaller size makes the impact of each gift that much more significant, so we ask families to make Aurora and student’s education a philanthropic priority.

You can purchase school hoodies, t-shirts, baseball hats and more at Aurora’s Online store. A percentage of each purchase goes directly to our annual fund, so you’ll support the school in style!

Yes. We receive gifts from our alumni, grandparents, and other extended family, as well as local business partners. We are grateful for this generous help.

Yes. Aurora is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), and all donations are deductible to the extent allowed by law. After making a donation, you will receive a tax receipt with our thanks for your support.

Aurora’s Federal Tax ID is 94-3080476.

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with either the Fund or the Online Auction, please email Jennifer Lombardi, Development Coordinator, at jennifer@auroraschool.org.