Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the SAS foundations?
2. Why does SAS need additional sources of funding?
3. What is the annual giving campaign?
4. What is the Endowment Fund?
5. How does the Star Appeal Dinner play a role in fundraising at SAS?
6. Is there a tax benefit for my donation?
7. How can I give?
8. How do I make a donation by credit card?
9. How much should I give?
10. How else can I give?
11. What about my company’s matching gift program? Does SAS help with that?
12. Will all of the money donated to the SAS Foundation be spent annually?
13. Can I designate the category in which I want my contribution to be placed?

What are the SAS foundations? 

The SAS Foundation Limited (registered in Singapore) and the Singapore AmericanSchool Foundation (registered in the United States) were established to support and enhance the exemplary educational programs at the Singapore American School by providing additional sources of funding, through donations and grants. By establishing one foundation in Singapore and one in the United States, donors may qualify for tax benefits in accordance with the laws of the respective country.

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Why does SAS need additional sources of funding?

SAS offers an exceptional education at carefully reviewed tuition levels. It is increasingly challenging to attract and retain the best teachers, to provide excellent academic and extracurrlcular programs and to equp and maintain state-of-the-art facilities. The Board of Governors and the administration are aware of the impact of rising costs on the families and companies who support the school through tuition and fees. SAS is an independent, non-profit school; school fees and fundraising are the only sources of funding. Donations help to offset the increases in school fees needed to provide the excellence in programming that is the hallmark of an SAS education.

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What is the annual giving campaign?

The annual giving campaign represents a wonderful opportunity for alumni, parents of alumni, current parents, former and current faculty and staff, corporations, foundations and friends to enhance the school's comprehensive and dynamic programs through the giving of financial support. Funds raised through the annual giving campaign support the enhancements of current programs at SAS. A portion of these funds is also directed to the Endowment Fund to ensure a future source of funding for the school.

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What is the Endowment Fund?

The Endowment Fund was established to assist in securing the financial future of the Singapore American School.

The school's Endowment Fund is a long-term investment account. A large well-invested endowment will mean that the school is assured of another soure of income beyond tuition and donations made through annual giving. The principal amount in the fund is intended to remain untouched and increase through donations made each year. Once the fund has reached a target goal, the interest from the fund may be used to support school programs in the current school year.

The fund was established to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of SAS and ultimately to reduce the school's dependence on tuition and fees to fund program enhancements. Building the endowment is a priority for the Board of Governors. In future years these funds will provide a regular income as well as the long-term stability offered by capital savings.

A percentage of each donation to the SAS Foundation will go to the Endowment Fund unless otherwise specified by the donor. Donors may request that their entire donation be directed to the Endowment Fund.

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How does the Star Appeal Dinner play a role in fundraising at SAS?

The Star Appeal Dinner, held for the first time in 2006, helped launch the annual giving campaign in support of the SAS Foundation and continues to provide a substantial portion of the funds raised each year.

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Is there a tax benefit for my donation?

The SAS Foundation is a registered Institution of Public Character (IPC) charity in Singapore and the school's U.S. foundation is recognized by the United States IRS as a not-for-profit/ 501(3)(c) orgainzation. All U.S. dollar and Singapore dollar donations are eligible for tax benefits in their respective countries as registered charities.

Most gifts to the SAS Foundation Ltd in Singapore qualify for a tax deduction of 2.5 times the amount of the gift. The charity must be a recognized Singapore Institution of Public Character (IPC), such as the SAS Foundation Ltd. For details on eligibility please see your tax professional or consult the Singapore IRAS for details 

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How can I give?

You can donate to the SAS Foundation by check, credit card or wire transfer in either Singapore or U.S. dollars. Gifts of all amounts are gratefully appreciated. Your gift, whatever the amount, will be used to support the school's mission. Please complete and print the donation form (pdf) and mail with your donation.

Make checks payable to SAS Foundation and mail them to:

Advancement Office
Singapore American School
40 Woodlands Street 41
Singapore 738547

Contact the Advancement office +65 6360-6329 or sasfoundation@sas.edu.sg for more information.

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How do I make a donation by credit card?

The online donation system is being upgraded. Currently we are unable to process online donations made by credit card. Please contact the Advancement Office at (65) 6360-6329 or email sasfoundation@sas.edu.sg to make a donation by credit card.

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How much should I give?

Gifts come in all sizes and all ways and every gift is important to the school. Our hope is that families and alumni will contribute according to their means, and that each will find a way to participate. We are grateful for all gifts.

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How else can I give?

There are a variety of ways to make a contribution. Donors may give stocks, or bonds, name SAS in their estate or as a beneficiary on life insurance policies. Please contact the Advancement Office (65) 6360-6329 or sasfoundation@sas.edu.sg for information on other options.

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What about my company’s matching gift program? Does SAS help with that?

Yes. If you will supply us with the necessary form from your company, the Advancement Office will be happy to handle all the details of processing.

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Will all of the money donated to the SAS Foundation be spent annually?

Most of the money collected will be spent annually and the balance will go to the Endowment Fund.

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Can I designate the category in which I want my contribution to be placed?

Contributions will be directed to programs where the greatest need exists (unrestricted fund). However, donors may direct their contribution to a specific program or to the Endowment Fund.

Donors will be recognized at the following levels:

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