Giving

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I expect to be asked for a contribution to the Annual Fund?
In October or early November, parents, alumni, friends of the Sisters and Maryville will receive detailed information in the mail. We hope that you will send your contribution in at that time. Learn more about the Annual Fund >>.

In the case of Valley Catholic School, about one month later, committed volunteer parents at each grade level will make follow-up calls to answer any questions you may have and to encourage your participation in the Annual Fund campaign. These parents are critical to the success of this effort and can be of great help as you decide your level of giving.

When is the fiscal year?
Our fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30.

Can I make a pledge now and pay it later?
Yes. The Foundation Office will send out periodic reminders. You may pledge in monthly, quarterly or annual installments. For an Annual Fund gift, we ask that your pledge be paid in full by June 30.

Can I donate something other than cash?
Yes. We accept gifts of stock, which can be transferred electronically. Call the SSMO Foundation Office at 503.906.1147 to notify us of your intentions. Learn more about Gifts of Securities >>

We also accept credit card donations using VISA, Master Card or Discover by using our secure online web form.

How can I give a gift of securities?
The first step is to call the SSMO Foundation Office at 503.906.1147 to notify us of your intentions. There are three standard methods of delivery:

Through a broker
The most common method of delivery is through a brokerage house via DTC transfer. This electronic method transfers the stock from your account to an account in the name of the SSMO Foundation. Our account is held at UBS Financial Services. The delivery instructions are as follows:

UBS Financial Services
Account name: Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Foundation
Account number: TV15121
DTC #0221
Our tax ID # is 93-1253966

As a donor, you must not direct the broker to sell the stock for the SSMO Foundation. Stock sold by a donor for the SSMO Foundation is treated as a cash gift and would expose the donor to capital gains tax liability.
By mail:
If you have the certificate in your possession, you may mail the certificate by either certified mail or overnight service. Mail the unendorsed certificate to:

SSMO Foundation
4440 S.W. 148th Avenue
Beaverton, OR 97007

Include a disclaimer letter stating the disposition of the gift. For example, “The enclosed certificate represents my contribution to the SSMO Foundation.”

In a separate envelope, mail a signed, blank stock power form, with your signature as it appears on the certificate. Stock power forms may obtained from a bank, a brokerage firm, or the SSMO Foundation Office. Please include also a copy of our disclaimer letter.
By hand:
If you deliver the stock by hand, you may either endorse the back of the certificate(s) in our presence or sign a stock power.

Learn more about Gifts of Securities >>

Will you remind me of my pledge?
Yes. Once your pledge is made, we will send you a reminder with a return envelope. After that, periodic pledge reminders will be mailed.

Is my gift tax deductible?
The SSMO Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your gift is tax deductible to the full extent as determined by IRS regulations. A letter from the SMMO Foundation will be provided which acknowledges your gift, and this letter will be your receipt for tax purposes.

Donors who make gifts to the SSMO Foundation before December 31 are eligible for a deduction for that year. Stocks must be transferred and mail must be postmarked by December 31 in order to receive tax credit for that year.

Why are charitable gifts to the SSMO Foundation and the Sisters’ ministries important?
Gifts are important to provide the financial resources that will enable the Sisters and their ministries (Valley Catholic School and Maryville Nursing Home) to fulfill their mission. Learn more about the Sisters’ Mission >>

Another reason is to demonstrate the commitment made by members of our community to the Sisters and their ministries. A high percentage of participation, particularly in the case of our school, increases the likelihood of securing foundation grants and corporate funding. We strive for the highest levels of participation from all of our constituencies.

Which should I support: the Annual Fund Campaign or the Capital Campaign?
We ask that the Annual Fund Campaign be your first giving priority. Since the gifts to the Annual Fund cover the current year’s operating expenses, they have an immediate impact on a number of critical areas. They benefit every child in our school, every Maryville resident and each of our Sisters, every day in the same year they are given. Learn more about the Annual Fund >>

Why do we ask parents for contributions in addition to what we already send to the school in tuition and fees?
The cost of a private Catholic school education is such that tuition and fees do not cover the total cost of educating each student. As is the case with many other schools, our fundraising efforts are designed to solicit charitable gifts in order to bridge the gap between income and the actual cost of operating the school, ensuring that Valley Catholic School remains truly exceptional.

Why doesn’t the school charge enough to cover operating costs?
If tuition were increased to cover the actual cost of all programs, many families could not afford to send their children here. This could mean a drop in our enrollment, resulting in a cut-back of our programs and steeper tuition increases in order to fund all operations, all of which affect your child’s education.

Additionally, charitable gifts would be even more difficult to obtain given the increased cost of sending a child to the school. This would preclude our ability to finance many of the important programs and improvements made possible by charitable support.

What is The Sequoia Society?
The Sequoia Society has been established to recognize donors who include one of the SSMO entities (the Sisters, Valley Catholic School, Maryville Nursing Home or the SSMO Foundation) in their estate plans. Estate planning offers options to create your own legacy at SSMO. By designating us in your will, life insurance policy or retirement plan, you can make a significant gift to the school while maximizing estate tax savings for our family and heirs. << Learn more about Planned Giving