The Blue and White Fund Annual Campaign

The Blue and White Fund is a School Family-wide effort to which faculty, trustees, parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and friends of Gulf Stream School can donate each year. It is designed to provide the funds necessary to fulfill the School's greatest and most immediate needs not met by tuition.

As our second-largest source of income other than tuition, it is our most important annual fundraiser. Gifts to the Blue and White Fund enhance all aspects of the Gulf Stream School experience, including educational programs, building and grounds, faculty development, and financial aid. Its success is dependent upon participation, as well as each individual’s or family’s willingness to give at a level appropriate to them.

The Fund's name reflects our School colors. Field Day is a long-standing tradition that divides the students into two teams—the Blues and the Whites—every May. The special energy, spirit of competition, sportsmanship, and camaraderie that take place on that day are long remembered by all who participate or witness the excitement, and through this fund, we hope to replicate that enthusiasm.

Gifts to the Blue and White Fund are 100% tax deductible as contributions to a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Every gift counts! Gifts of any amount are encouraged and appreciated.
Gifts can be made by cash, check, credit card, or donated stock.
A pledge to the Blue and White Fund counts as participation. Pledges, which must be fulfilled by June 30th, can be spread out with recurring payments, potentially creating a larger gift.
The Blue and White Fund qualifies for most corporate matching gift programs.
10% of every gift goes toward the School’s General Endowment Fund.

Blue & White Fund Donor Recognition Levels

Giving levels provide structure, recognition, and purpose for donors who are committed to sustaining and supporting Gulf Stream School. Membership in any of the recognition levels is determined by actual contributions (not pledges) made to the School between July 1st and June 30th every year.

1938 Leadership Society

Founders’ Circle: $10,000 and above
Trustees’ Circle: $5,000-$9,999
Head of School’s Circle: $2,500-$4,999
Honors Circle: $1,500-$2,499

Gifts of $1,500 or more during the fiscal year qualify the donor(s) for membership. Every year, members are recognized at a reception for their leadership and generosity.

Stingray Club: $1,000-$1,499
Columns Club: $500-$999
Streamers: $200-$499
Blues and Whites: Up to $199

Gifts of any amount will be recognized at the January “Every Gift Counts” celebration and in the Annual Report

Blue & White Fund Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why should I give to the Blue & White Fund?

A. Gifts to the Blue and White Fund provide Gulf Stream with the most flexibility to attend to the school’s greatest and most immediate areas of need. Every year, we prioritize special projects, teacher requests, and programmatic needs. Blue and White Fund gifts help us realize those goals and fulfill the high expectations of our students, parents, and faculty.

Q. Why is 100% participation so important?

A. We are building a culture of philanthropy, which is a common sense of responsibility for supporting Gulf Stream. Also, there is a direct correlation between percentage of participation and the amount of money raised. Typically, higher participation translates into more financial success. Finally, other donors often look at the level of participation as a measure of an institution’s health and future potential. Donors considering gifts want to be sure their investment will have a positive impact in the future rather than being used to cover a debt, pay a bill, or simply keep an organization afloat.

Q. We typically give near the end of the School year. Can we wait until then?

A. Certainly. In order to include you as a participant, all we need now is a pledge. It can be honored any time prior to June 30th.

Q. Why doesn't tuition cover expenses related to maintaining and improving the quality of a Gulf Stream School experience?

A. Increasing tuition would make attendance unaffordable for some and might discourage prospective families from considering Gulf Stream as a viable option for their child(ren). Minimizing tuition increases ensures that the School can retain, attract, and potentially enroll the area’s best students.

Q. Will we be asked to participate in other campaigns or fundraisers every year?

A. Because our goal is to streamline and simplify the ways in which we ask for your support, we will focus on only two major fundraisers every year. The Blue and White Fund will run from October through December. The Parents’ Auxiliary organizes one major event in the Spring. These two initiatives directly support our School’s mission and benefit the students and faculty.

Periodically, we will launch a capital campaign to be used for construction and/or to increase the School's endowment.