Frequently Asked Questions

Due to increased enrollment, the need for expanded space was imminent. Instead  of a new construction, the school embarked on a study to determine the best route. It was decided that relocating some of the Early Childhood Education Center to the former convent would be feasible and realistic, as well as financially responsible. The campaign will also fund much-needed renovations and opportunities for the elementary school. 

No, this campaign will significantly improve the student experience across all grade levels. With repurposed classrooms, improved ventilation, and modernized space in the elementary school building, additional outdoor spaces, and an ability to offer programming year round, all SBCA students will benefit.  In addition, the Early Childhood Center features a multi-purpose room for all grade levels to experience while engaging in special projects and academic assignments including the Reading Buddies program, After School programs, and Summer camp.

South Boston Catholic Academy is blessed to have generous partners outside of the direct school family community. Local philanthropists, business leaders, and corporations  are helping with the cost. Additionally, the board has designated funds from the school’s capital budget for the next three years to cover a portion.

At this time, The Campaign will be actively fundraising through the calendar year of 2022. Pledge payments, however, can be made over a three-year period.

With more than 100 schools, the Archdiocese is committed to providing our students with the best possible academic programs and educational experience.  Capital improvement funding remains a responsibility of the individual parish schools, often with the support of community partners and school families. 

Usually, Campaigns do not fund yearly budgets as those dollars are one-time commitments and cannot be relied on year after year.  Over the last few years, the SBCA School Board has made it a point to include in the budget measured but generous increases in teacher salaries.  With the expansion of the Early Childhood Education Program and the resulting new enrollment growth, teachers and staff will benefit from the future revenue stream as SBCA continues to be a vibrant leader in Catholic Elementary School Education for our Greater Boston community. 

If desired, regular reminders will be sent to you by the Inspiring Hope Campaign team at whatever schedule you prefer.  Numerous forms of payments are accepted: cash, check, credit card, gifts of stock and  from IRAs are common ways people fulfill their pledges. SBCA also has an account  established on Benevity if you or your employer utilizes that platform.

As part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, SBCA will be utilizing the Catholic Community Fund’s Inspiring Hope Campaign for pledge processing. Therefore, you may see this name referred to in pledge reminders, tax receipts and other materials.  The Inspiring Hope Campaign/SBCA Set Sail Campaign Tax ID  is #04-3071454.

We are partnering with the Inspiring Hope Campaign to process, receipt and manage the Set Sail and Sailing On Campaign donations.  The Inspiring Hope Campaign is managed by The Catholic Community Fund of the Archdiocese of Boston, Inc. (“CCF”), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. It has served as the receiving organization for prior Archdiocese of Boston capital campaigns. CCF is governed by an independent Board of Trustees comprised of both laypeople and clergy.

One hundred percent of your gift will be credited to The Campaign at South Boston Catholic Academy.  An already established fundraising budget will absorb the cost of credit card processing, donor receipts, pledge reminders and other transactions associated with the campaign.  

We welcome and encourage company match gifts. To check your company's program, our partners at Inspiring Hope offer this search tool to get the specifics. Click here and type in your company name. Typically, companies will match just the payments on pledges, so you may need to submit a matching gift request each year as you fulfill your pledge. Please contact your HR department for the necessary paperwork and we’ll help you complete the match. If you need additional  documentation, please let the campaign office know by emailing Ellen Lynch at ellen@sbcatholicacademy.org. 

Yes, to the fullest amount allowed by law. Documentation will be provided after the  end of each calendar year to assist with your tax preparation. 

You are not signing a legally binding contract. Of course, your pledge is changeable.

Life happens and we understand! Of course, if there is a need to adjust or pause your pledge, you may do so at any time.

By transferring publicly traded securities as your campaign gift or pledge payments,  you can claim a tax deduction for the full value of your shares at the time of transfer  and you won’t have to pay any capital gains taxes on the growth in value since the  purchase date. This is especially beneficial at this time when many stocks have  doubled or tripled in value in recent years. 

No, the amount of your gift will not be shared without your permission. For  recognition purposes, you have the opportunity to choose how or if your name is  listed in campaign-related plaques or publications.