Giving

Supporting Independence

We are grateful that you have considered giving to The Independence School! Philanthropic support from our community is what allows the school to provide an exceptional educational experience with unique programs, top-notch faculty and innovative curriculum. This type of educational experience extends beyond the reach of our tuition rates.

We believe in the concept of giving back, and it’s something we want to teach our kids. We donate our time and invest in causes we know are important – and Independence is one of them. We believe in the philosophy of the school, we want to see it grow and succeed, and we want to support it in whatever way we can.
MR. RYAN HAYDU & DR. BARBARA ALBANI
PARENTS OF MIa ’25, MADDIE ’27 & ELEANOR '28

Annual Fund

Gifts to the Annual Fund directly impact every student in every grade and is used for the areas of greatest need at our school. Annual Fund gifts are given to the areas of greatest need at our school, including faculty support, tuition assistance, facility maintenance, and programs like athletics, the library, technology education, and the visual and performing arts.

Endowed Funds

Learn how capital and endowment gifts can provide a stable and flexible financial foundation upon which Independence can flourish. Donors are welcome to give endowed gifts for specific purposes like creating scholarships, supporting teacher development, starting new programs, or supporting the maintenance of campus resources.

Capital Campaign

Learn more about the projects supported by the recently-completed Foundation for the Future Campaign, which surpassed our goal of $3 million. Thank you to our generous donors. The funds raised through this Campaign will improve the educational experience of our students, while at the same time ensuring Independence’s financial stability for years to come.

Make a Gift Today

Ways to Give

Like other private schools and universities, Independence uses a financial model that relies on tuition and charitable donations to fund annual operating costs. This model allows families to help fund school operations on a tax-advantaged basis. Without the generosity of our parents, alumni, grandparents and community members, our students’ experiences would be dramatically different.

There are many different ways that you can support our students, which you can access in the column to the right. If you have any questions regarding giving, please contact our Advancement Office at 302-239-0330 ext. 256.

Cash/Check/Online

Donor-Advised Funds

Every year, Independence receives donations through Donor-Advised Funds (DAF). A Donor-Advised Fund is a personal charitable giving account held by an individual in which donors receive immediate tax deductions for contributions at a minimum level to their DAF, then can recommend grants from the DAF to 501(c)(3) charities, such as Independence.

If you have an existing DAF through Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, or another organization, please consider designating a gift to Independence. We also accept gifts made through the United Way of Delaware's Giving Societies and Workplace Giving Campaigns.

Please contact the Advancement Office at 302-239-0330 ext. 256 if we can be of assistance.

Recurring Gifts

Setting up a monthly, recurring gift on your credit or debit card is a convenient way to give to Independence. A recurring gift allows you to increase your impact on the school with manageable monthly deductions. Gifts will be processed on the 15^th of each month, and you can change or opt-out of the program at any time. Please contact the Advancement Office at 302-239-0330 ext. 256 to set up your recurring gift.

Corporate Matching Programs

Gifts of Stock

Independence accepts gifts of publicly traded securities (stocks, bonds and mutual funds). You receive an immediate income tax deduction for the Fair Market Value (FMV) of the securities on the day it is received by the school. You may pay no capital gains tax, which can make giving appreciated stock even more beneficial than giving cash. Please consult your tax advisor for any tax questions. For complete information about transferring securities to Independence, please call the Advancement Office at 302-239-0330 ext. 256.

Foundations

Planned Gifts

Planned giving is a tax-wise method many people use to support non-profit organizations, like Independence, without sacrificing their own financial security. A planned gift often enables a donor to make a significant impact on future generations of Independence students while realizing immediate or estate tax benefits. Independence honors those who make this commitment with membership in the Founders’ Circle.

A planned gift might be worth considering if you believe deeply in the benefits of an Independence education and you want to make a lasting difference, but you are concerned about your own or your family’s future financial needs.

Below are several examples of ways that you can leave a lasting legacy for current and future Independence students.

Designate a specific amount or percentage of assets in your will to Independence
Include Independence as a beneficiary of your IRA or retirement plan
Make Independence the owner or beneficiary of a life insurance policy
Donate property to Independence while retaining its use during the lifetime of you and your spouse
Choose a charitable remainder trust that can provide a variable or fixed income for a period of time for specified individuals
Choose a charitable lead trust that passes assets to your heirs with less estate tax

We recognize that a planned gift is a very personal decision, and we are grateful for your consideration. We would be happy to speak with you further and provide the necessary resources to help you make your decision. Please contact the Advancement Office at 302-239-0330 ext. 256.

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