When we give our time, money, and effort, but even more so of our willingness, we model in the world what it means to be civic.
At Whatcom Hills, we are so fortunate to have a legacy of deeply generous parents and benefactors who have seen the results of a Waldorf education. Our children are taught in an artistic, loving, and humane way to think critically about a wide range of academic subjects, and as such, go on to reflect real care and compassion into the greater world. Together, our social giving is an affirmation of the sanctity of childhood, and the belief that education is an art form worth supporting.
In 1986, Whatcom Hills was just an idea, but because of all the selfless giving past and present, we have been able to develop our campus, grow our programs, and steadily increase teacher salaries. As we look towards the future in imaginative ways, we invite you to support our teachers, our children, our campus, and our whole community.
Like a ripple on a pond, your act of generosity will be felt in the future in powerful ways you may never know.
We greatly appreciate your donation and thank you for helping us to awaken the joy of learning for the children of Whatcom Hills Waldorf School.
Whatcom Hills Waldorf School parent Brian Rusk talks about his Capital Campaign idea (see link below) that helped add solar panels to the school in 2013.
When we plant a tree, we don’t plant it for ourselves but for our children
- Rev. Mae “Mother” Wyatt
Time
Parent Council
One of the most important contributing bodies at the school is our vibrant and engaged parent council. If you would like to know more or get more deeply involved in helping your child's class and creating the magical festivals that set our school apart, please consider joining.
Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees is one of the functioning branches responsible for the long term fiscal health of the school. If you feel that you have leadership skills, work well with people and have specific expertise e.g. legal, financial etc., please consider contacting the Board expressing interest.
Festivals
One of the most unique things about the Waldorf curriculum is the number of festivals that occur during the school year that mark important transitions in the seasons. This brings classes and community together in wonderful ways. Please consider signing up for one of our special and fun events.
Campus Beautification
Twice a year we have a day set aside where we can all work together as a community to help beautify our campus grounds. We are always looking for people who can garden, paint and repair our lovely school. Please mark your calendars and join us to meet old friends and make new ones.
The Development & Fundraising Committee
The Development & Fundraising Committee creates plans for the Annual Giving Campaign and other important fundraising efforts. This committee offers many engaging opportunities for people with sales, marketing, fund raising, writing, illustrating, photography, organization, and interpersonal skills.
Treasure
Everyday Giving
A large Mocha latté is about $4 and one a week adds up to $16 per month or $192 per year. It is an interesting idea to think about giving in this way because it definitely feels “doable”. In fact, if only 50 people gave like this yearly, Whatcom Hills could raise an extra $9600. Our school relies on your generous donations to cover approximately 20% of our budget costs. If this small but important way of supporting our school appeals to you, please consider giving (see above).
Annual Giving Campaign
The Community Fund takes place every year, usually in the fall. We strive for 100% participation, hoping that every family and staff member will donate to the campaign. When potential donors outside the school see that our community is doing all that it can, they are more likely to donate as well. No gift is too small or too large.
Capital Campaign
Our school has had several capital campaigns in the past to grow our campus. Its latest endeavor was installing solar panels. Please see here for inspiration.
Wreath sales
Our annual wreath sale is one of our biggest and most successful fundraisers and “friend raisers” at our school. The wreaths are very high quality and sustainably handmade by a northwest family business. Our goal is to net approximately $20,000 each year. Money raised goes towards our working budget and makes up for shortfalls that tuition alone can’t cover. It is easy to get involved as these lovely wreaths sell themselves, or if you would like to purchase, please contact us here at the beginning of October. In previous years, some families have sold over 80 wreaths!
Talent
Intellectual Skills
There are many ways that you can volunteer at Whatcom Hills. We understand that time and talent equal money. If you are skilled or trained in areas such as science, tech, legal, mathematical, architectural, actuarial, bookkeeping, teaching, banking etc and would like to volunteer your time please consider letting us know here.
Hands-On Skills
Are you able to build, garden, bake, landscape, repair, plumb, paint, understand electrics or have other valuable hands-on skills? We are always looking for someone gifted in these areas and would love it if you would consider giving of your time. Please let us know if you would like to volunteer here.
Creative Skills
Are you able to photograph, write, sew, craft, sing, sculpt, knit/crochet, make fine art/graphic art, play an instrument, work in film/ advertising/ design etc. If so, and you would like to volunteer your unique talents please let us know here.
Social Skills
If you have talents in areas relating to management, HR, coaching, counseling, facilitating, sales, public relations, social work, teaching etc. and would like to offer your time and skill, please let us know here.
Athletic Skills
Do you have a background in athletics including sports management, exercise, movement, dance, ballet, backcountry hiking, eurythmy, games, skiing, swimming, paddling, yoga, and others? Please let us know here.
Annual Gala Celebration & Benefit Auction
The annual gala celebration and benefit auction is a major fundraising and social event for the parents, faculty, friends, and staff of our school. It provides a great opportunity to include friends and family outside the school community. We are excitedly planning for an in-person event this year!
Typically around 150-200 people attend this festive occasion which always has a fun theme and is held off campus. It is usually scheduled in the spring, and typically includes a sit-down dinner and after-dinner dancing. This event is made possible by everyone working together with the support of our generous sponsors. If you would like to be involved, or sponsor our event please let us know, and if you would like to attend, tickets can be found here in the spring.
Where your money goes to help support our school
Your generous support enables us:
- close the gap between tuition revenue and operating expenses.
- recruit and retain talented and dedicated Waldorf teachers.
- provide financial assistance to families in need.
- offer a full Waldorf Education from parent/child classes through Eighth Grade.
As with all independent schools, we rely on donations to cover the real cost of educating our students, as tuition only covers about 85% of our annual operating expenses.
Whatcom Hills Waldorf School is a Section 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation. Donations and contributions are tax deductible.
Tax ID#: 91-1352757
Our Featured Sponsors
Those that have gone above and beyond either monetarily or time wise
Special thanks to Kevin Hulett & extended community for their contributions of photos to our website.
No one has ever become poor by giving
Anne Frank