"I will try my best every day to LEARN, to LOVE others, and to ACT like Jesus."
To the next level!
Gap Campaign
2025-26
2025-26 Gap Campaign
This is an exceptionally exciting year at St. Joseph! The universal roll-out of EFA funding for families has created an opportunity for financial strength unlike anything we have experienced before. (EFA is short for Educational Freedom Account. EFAs are the practical implementation of the Arkansas LEARNS Act and provide each K-8 student with approximately $6,800 in state funds to be used for tuition.) Thanks to this, tuition costs are now 100% covered for most families and at least 75% covered for all K-8 students.
However, we all know that 100% of tuition does not cover 100% of the bills. That is precisely the reason the Gap Campaign exists. Even with EFA funds, the school budget still depends on the success of our three essential fund raisers—Men’s Night in October, Panther Party in April, and this Gap Campaign. But what could our school accomplish if this campaign went above and beyond the budgeted amount?
Over the past ten years, this Gap Campaign has averaged slightly more than $100,000 in giving per year. You generously gave that $100,000 while also still paying your child’s tuition from your own pocket. How much tuition are you NOT paying for your child this year? Could you consider giving a portion of that to this campaign?
This year, St. Joseph School will receive approximately $2,400,000 in EFA payments. That is $2,200,000 that is not coming out of your bank accounts! If you had two children at St. Joseph last school year, you paid at least $12,368 in tuition. This year, you might be paying $0! You learned how to live with that financial sacrifice. Could you bear it a little more for the sake of St. Joseph School?
If every family gave 50% of what you are receiving in EFA, that is, 50% of what came out of your pocket last year, the campaign would raise over $1 million! If everyone gave just 25% of last year’s tuition, we would raise $550,000.
We could build an amazing auditorium! We could add exciting new playground equipment! We could create new staff positions to offer even more to your children! AND we can keep our tuition rate below the EFA allocation for the long-term. Who wouldn’t prefer supporting the school with tax-deductible donations rather than being charged tuition above the EFA amount?
We know that many of you who give every year have not had this financial change in your life. If you are a parishioner or grandparent or Pre-K family, thank you for your giving. We hope you will continue to give exactly as you have in the past. If you are a K-8 school family, and you are benefitting from this unprecedented financial situation, can you pay that forward to St. Joseph Catholic School and its students? Let’s all do it together!
We believe we already have the most amazing school in Northwest Arkansas. Today, you can be a part of taking it to the next level!
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Sincerely,
Father Jason Tyler, Pastor
Deacon Jason Pohlmeier, Principal
"Thank you for supporting us!"
GAP CAMPAIGN FAQ
What is purpose of this campaign?The purpose of the Gap Campaign is to help bridge the gap between the actual cost of educating our students and the income we receive from tuition. Through the Gap Campaign, families can make a tax-deductible donation and help St. Joseph raise the additional operating funds necessary to meet the needs of our students.
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When and how will gifts be used? The Gap Campaign supports the current fiscal year's operating budget and provides the essentials that make St. Joseph an extraordinary school. When you give, you can be sure your gift is helping the school right now!
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What’s the difference between this and other fundraisers?
The most significant difference is the return for your dollar. Gap Campaign expenses are minimal (printing costs, postage, and credit card fees), and are fully covered by seed gifts before you receive this mailing. Because there is such little overhead, no other fundraiser can have as meaningful of an impact on the students as direct giving.
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How important is my participation?
Everyone is needed and every gift is important. The success of St. Joseph School is a testament to the support of every family who walks through our doors. 100% of the faculty and school board have already contributed to the Gap Campaign. Our goal for school families is also 100% participation. Support of the parishioners and other friends of St. Joseph is invaluable as well. Whether you can give $10 or $10,000, your gift will make an impact on the lives of our students.
How can I give?
In whatever way is the most beneficial to you! The most common way is a check mailed to the school or giving online. However, many people are able to give through donating stock, corporate matching, or other means. Some families choose to add to their existing tuition draft. If you would like to give through means not listed on this card, please call the office at 479-442-4554.