Firebird Fund

An education at the Girls’ School of Austin is abundant with a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, hands-on service-learning opportunities, and critical social and emotional learning experiences. But tuition alone cannot make possible all the opportunities that shape the full Girls’ School experience. The Firebird Fund ensures that our answer can be “Yes” when new, special opportunities arise—field trips, professional development opportunities for our teachers, unique service projects, hosting esteemed guest speakers, and much more.

Your gift to the The Girls’ School Firebird Fund, combined with the gifts of other parents, grandparents, and friends of the school, has the cumulative power to strengthen and elevate The Girls’ School community. Together, we open the door to experiences that continue to inspire curiosity, confidence, and connection. Together, we ensure The Girls’ School of Austin is a place where girls thrive and feel at home while also becoming enthusiastic, resourceful learners and community members. Your participation helps make a powerful statement to the larger community, including outside donors and charitable foundations that look for strong support within the schools they wish to support.

Fundraising helps keep The Girls’ School of Austin tuition accessible, provides bonus classroom materials and opportunities, and keeps the school diverse and open to a broad variety of students. The Firebird Fund is not about covering costs. It’s about creating new possibilities. Your gifts empower us to create extra opportunities like professional development for teachers, off-site learning experiences for the girls, and meaningful enrichment.

In addition, while tuition is not tax deductible, your gifts to the school can be fully deducted. As a parent, your participation in the Firebird Fund helps you teach, by example, the importance of giving back. It is an opportunity for every family at The Girls’ School to discuss philanthropy and share those values as a family. And, every family who gives takes ownership in The Girls’ School and contributes to the solidarity of our community.

Yes, it does! The Firebird Fund is a line item in The Girls’ School budget, and it helps with planning to account for all contributions as early in the school year as possible.

So, the sooner you pledge, the sooner we can start planning for extraordinary new experiences throughout the year. All pledges to the Firebird Fund should be scheduled for completion by June 30 of the current academic year.

The Girls’ School holds two fundraisers each year—the Firebird Fund in the fall, and the gala in the spring. Both efforts fuel the everyday “extras” that enrich our girls’ experience year-round. These two events bookend the school year and are intended to bring both fun and funds to our community.

We hope you will participate at a level that is personally meaningful to you. Your gift directly enhances your child’s education. Leadership gifts start at $3,000. Your donation is an expression of support and pride in The Girls’ School of Austin. Each and every gift matters because every contribution directly enhances your child’s experience at The Girls’ School.

Giving Levels

Leadership Gifts

Soar: $5000 and above
Take Flight: $3000 – $4999

Community Gifts

Wings: $1000 – $2999
Firebird Friends: up to $999

Yes! The Girls’ School of Austin is a 501(c)(3) qualified organization, EIN: 74-2963379.

Please check with your employer to see if a matching plan exists for your charitable donation. A matching gift doubles the power to create new possibilities for our girls. Thank you for maximizing your gift to The Girls’ School of Austin!

Contact the development office if you have questions at 512-478-7827 or via email at development@thegirlsschool.org.

Yes! We are happy to accept gifts of stock, in-kind donations, and IRA-required distributions.

Donating stock or other appreciated assets can be one of the most tax-savvy ways to support GSA. Here’s why:

• Avoid Capital Gains Taxes
  When you give stock that has increased in value, you don’t pay capital gains tax on the appreciation. That means more of your gift goes directly to the school.
• Receive a Charitable Deduction
  You can claim a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the asset (up to IRS limits), lowering your taxable income.
• Make a Bigger Impact
  By giving appreciated assets instead of cash, you may be able to increase your gift without increasing your out-of-pocket cost.
• Simple and Flexible
  Transferring stock is straightforward, and gifts of other appreciated assets like mutual funds or IRA distributions are also possible.

Please contact Robyn Burchfiel, Interim Director of Advancement for specific instructions at 512-478-7827 or rburchfiel@thegirlsschool.org.