The value of a Morning Star School education for kids with learning and intellectual differences – like ADHD , ADD and Autism is immeasurable. As a private 501(c)3 non-profit institution, we rely on the support from our community for funding the exceptional educational services we provide. And, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are faced with many challenges. Our enrollment has declined, our tuition assistance need has increased, and we incurred many unexpected health protocol expenses to re-open our school. We also made a very tough decision to cancel our October Gala. That event alone brought in $80,000 last year. Please consider a donation today. Big or small – every little bit helps!

Why We Need Your Help…

• Morning Star School is not subsidized by a Parish.
• Tuition alone does not cover expenses. We must fundraise to keep our school open.
• We incurred many unexpected COVID related expenses this school year to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
• Our teachers are working extended hours to accommodate at school AND remote students but are not able to purchase needed items due to budget restrictions.
• Even though one third of our students are learning from home, and we have much fewer students at school, we kept our after-school program open to help working parents. It is an expensive program to maintain if not at capacity.
• We hired additional personnel to sanitize our school and will continue to incur unplanned expenses to follow CDC sanitation protocols.

Ways to Support our School…

In addition to gifts made by check, cash, or credit card to our Annual Fund there are other opportunities for donors who want to support special education and make an impact on the life of our kids. While all gifts are tax deductible, some options offer the donor additional tax benefits. Other gifts even meet estate planning goals. If you would like to discuss how best to support our school, please contact Maria Johnson, Director of Development  at (904) 962-5080 or email development@morningstar-jax.org

DONATE TO OUR ANNUAL FUND:  Your participation is critical and reflects your belief in all that happens at Morning Star School. Our goal is to raise $180,000 by the end of this school year. Make your donation online HERE or mail your donation directly to the school. Your unrestricted gift helps many school-wide initiatives. Especially this year, when the COVID pandemic has restricted many of our larger fundraising events. Click HERE to read more about our Annual Fund.

TEACHER WISH LIST: Each school year  our teachers need many items the school just cannot afford. And in a pandemic economy, with many unexpected expenses, the needs are even greater. If you would like to help, please make a monetary donation, or purchase a ‘Wish List” item as a gift to the school. You can make your donation online or mail your check or item to the school at 725 Mickler Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211. You may also drop off your donated item(s) at the front office. Click HERE to see the wish list.

NAMED SCHOLARSHIP
A full or partial annual scholarship directly impacts the life of a student and their family. By providing a scholarship you are opening the door for a student with special learning needs the opportunity to graduate from high school. Whether you are paying back or paying forward, a scholarship to Morning Star School will make a lifelong difference for the recipient.

CORPORATE GIFTS AND MATCHING DONATIONS
We are so grateful to have the support of local businesses and corporations. Many companies will sponsor an event or match your donation. Speak with your Human Resources office today. Become our ambassador and help us gain support for our school!

GIFTS OF STOCK
Common stock or other securities can be gifted to Morning Star School. Gifts of appreciated securities may interest donors who have held stock and have seen its value increase significantly. An outright gift of appreciated securities is exempt from capital gains tax and, in most cases; the full fair market value of the securities at the time of transfer can be claimed as a charitable gift deduction. For official tax purpose verification please check with your tax advisor.

LEGACY GIFTS :  Leave a lasting legacy through a memorial or honorarium gift to the school. This is a special way to honor a loved one, a family or an organization. Gifts made in memory or honor of a relative, classmate, or friend honor the deceased and support Morning Star School. An acknowledgment will be sent to the family of the deceased. 

BEQUESTS & PLANNED GIVING: Remember us in your will and make a significant contribution for the benefit of future oustudents who need our school. Real Estate, Securities and stock gifts are other ways you may choose to donate to Morning Star School. You can leave a percentage of your estate, the residue of your estate, identified property or leave a specific dollar amount. Please seek the advice of your attorney and/or financial planner regarding arrangements for a planned gift today.

ENDOWMENT FUND
Did you know that Morning Star School has a permanent endowment fund at the Catholic Foundation at the Diocese of St. Augustine? For more information, visit the Catholic Foundation’s Planned Giving resource page HERE or contact Cliff Evans, Planned Giving Officer, for more details at:

The Catholic Foundation, Diocese of St. Augustine
11625 Old St. Augustine Rd.
Jacksonville, FL. 32258-2060 Ext 139 or email: cevans@dosafl.com

All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please call Maria Johnson, our Director of Development at (904) 962-5080 or email development@morningstar-jax.org  to discuss how you can help us continue to serve children with learning differences in Northeast Florida. Thank you!