Formerly our Annual Fund, the Future-Focused Fund is SAA’s annual giving campaign. It helps SAA build the infrastructure to support the goals of our innovative curriculum and strengthens the programs, spaces, and tools that bring learning to life for our gifted students.

Our community goal is to raise $160,000 with 100% participation from SAA families. Every gift, at every level, strengthens the programs and experiences that define SAA. We invite each family to give generously in a way that reflects their capacity and belief in our mission. Our Board of Trustees has already demonstrated its full commitment to supporting this initiative, and we hope every family will join them.

Tuition covers approximately 90% of the true cost of education for each student. Your tuition covers the regular operation of the school—our teachers, classrooms, and daily programs—but it does not provide the resources needed for major improvements to our facilities and curriculum. The Future-Focused Fund makes these advancements possible, allowing us to invest in innovative spaces, programs, and experiences that take gifted education at SAA to the next level.

This Year’s Priority Projects

Gifts to the Future-Focused Fund are discretionary and support the school’s greatest needs. Our priority goals on the horizon include:

• Construction of a new Outdoor Classroom
• Development of an Alternate Energy Study Area 
• Upgrades to the lunchroom and food service
• Stage sound and lighting upgrades to enhance student performances and events

Timing for these projects will depend on fundraising progress, permitting, and scheduling; we will update the community as milestones are reached.

Annual giving supports SAA’s annual operating budget, which touches all facets of school life—staffing, curriculum and program materials, technology, class supplies, maintenance and repairs, and special projects. Last year’s Fund helped install the community garden and a new kiln in the art studio—important steps toward our Outdoor Learning Lab.

Future-Focused Fund dollars are deployed on a rolling basis to address the school’s highest priorities. For capital or facilities initiatives, we complete planning and pre‑work during the year and proceed to construction or installation as timing, permitting, and fundraising allow.

Every gift to the Future-Focused Fund is personally acknowledged, and all donors are listed on our online Honor Roll. Major donors are invited to special events in recognition of their leadership support. We are continuing to develop new ways to celebrate generosity as our community grows.

Yes! Many corporations support the Future-Focused Fund by matching their employees’ contributions.

Your gift could be doubled or even tripled through your employer’s matching program, and you still receive full credit for the donation. For example, if you give $500 and your employer matches it dollar for dollar, your total impact becomes $1,000.

Check with your employer to see if you’re eligible to participate in a matching gift program and maximize the impact of your contribution.

The Future-Focused Fund runs throughout the school year, with community‑wide giving campaigns in the fall and spring.

Please reach out to Conrad Wildsmith, Head of School, at cwildsmith@scienceandartsacademy.org.

Gifts can be made as a one-time contribution or as a recurring gift to make an ongoing impact. Recurring gifts can be set up easily through our online form, where you designate the amount and frequency, or by sending a recurring gift via check. Gifts by check may be dropped off in our front office or mailed to Science & Arts Academy, 1825 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016. 

Double or even triple your impact! Many companies offer matching gift programs that amplify your contribution to the Future-Focused Fund. Check with your employer to see if your gift qualifies—it's an easy way to make an even greater difference. Our EIN is  36-3838771.

Science & Arts Academy gladly accepts donations through Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs). If you’d like to contribute in this way, please contact us—we’re happy to provide any forms or information you need to complete the process.

Science & Arts Academy gratefully accepts gifts of stock and securities. To coordinate your contribution, please reach out to us.