Frequently Asked Questions

As an independent, not-for-profit school, SAS receives no financial grants from the governments of either Singapore or the USA.  The only sources of funding for the School are school fees and philanthropic gifts.
 
The school board and the administration understand the impact of rising costs on our families. We are committed to keeping school tuition and fees as accessible as possible. That said, to provide an exemplary education for all of our students, philanthropy is essential.

Philanthropic support is a hallmark of top US private schools, and the same is true for SAS. Tuition and school fees alone will not enable SAS to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students and to attract and retain the very best educators at SAS. Philanthropy is an essential component of attaining a margin of excellence in all that we do at SAS from the arts, culture and athletics to an unparalleled level of professional development for our teachers, world-class facilities, the breadth and depth of support services on our campus, and many of our academic programs. It also provides the financial stability that strengthens our self-reliance and sustainability, and the ability to withstand future global economic challenges.

SAS is fortunate to have two independent foundations, one in Singapore and one in the USA. Their role is to assist the school in raising philanthropic support for the strategic priorities and greatest needs of the school through both annual support, and through major fundraising campaigns. Each foundation is governed by a board which has close ties to the School Board, the school leadership and the SAS Office of Advancement.

Gifts to the Singapore American School Foundation, which is a United States IRS-recognized not-for-profit/ 501(c)(3) organization, are eligible for tax benefit in the US. Gifts to the SAS Foundation Limited (Singapore) are not eligible for tax benefit because we are not an Institute of Public Character (IPC) in Singapore.

The school has identified a number of strategic priorities for which it seeks philanthropic support. During a campaign, these priorities may exist for three or four years. Donors may, however, discuss with the Office of Advancement where they might like to designate their gift, provided it falls under one of the three areas of greatest need: Excellence, Extraordinary Care, and Possibilities.

Every gift to the school, no matter its size, does make a difference. Individual gifts to our key strategic areas are accumulated to have an increasing impact, and over a period of time the power of these accumulated gifts is most significant. For some donors, companies for which they work will match individual gifts, and so personal gifts can often double in size through such programs. For further information about matching gifts from companies, please contact our Office of Advancement or speak to your company’s HR department.

Philanthropy is an intensely personal decision for individuals and families. There are many worthy causes that would benefit from your support and we hope that you consider including SAS as part of your annual giving plan. Giving to SAS is a way to actively engage with your school community. Supporting SAS can help the school meet immediate needs and serves as an investment in the future as our children and future leaders of tomorrow prepare to face increasingly challenging issues across the globe. Further, your contribution to SAS,  is also an investment in Singapore, enhancing its ability to  welcome  families from around the world for whom the exceptional educational opportunities at SAS are an important drawcard.

Membership of the Eagle Society is offered to all donors who make an annual gift of S$1000 or more to the school. The society runs a number of special events throughout the year to recognize and thank members, as well as provides regular updates on special initiatives at the school.

As mentioned above, philanthropic support is a hallmark of top US private schools, and the same is true for SAS. While tuition and fees cover the basic costs of programs and experiences, this alone will not enable SAS to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students and to employ and retain the very best educators at SAS.
 
We understand each family has different financial means. Gifts of all sizes are welcome and serve as an indication of the value you place on the education that we can offer. Every gift to SAS is a true investment in the future of both the school and a world in which SAS graduates will be leaders–making a difference for the good of all.

Making a philanthropic gift to the school is not paying for a service. It is a way of investing in the future of all families and students who are and will attend the school, in the same way that you now benefit from the generosity of families, like you, who have given generously in the past. Your gift will help SAS to maintain its margin of excellence in all it does and help ensure our financial sustainability in ever-present global financial uncertainties.

Yes. Different companies have different processes. Please get in touch with the Office of Advancement and we will be happy to assist you further.