Annual Appeal
The Annual Appeal is and must always be the priority at The High School of Saint Thomas More as it provides essential support on an annual basis to furnish the necessary resources to provide an exceptional educational experience. Gifts made to the Annual Appeal provide the edge needed to support and enhance academic, technology, spiritual, fine arts and athletic programs, provide financial assistance to deserving students, acquire and retain talented faculty, maintain the campus and building facility, and cover the difference between tuition income and the actual cost to educate each STM student. Each gift to the Annual Appeal provides the flexibility needed to meet the daily challenges of providing a quality education and to maintain a path of academic excellence.
Why should I give to the Annual Appeal?
The Annual Appeal is an unrestricted source of income that gives The High School of Saint Thomas More the opportunity to allocate funds where the need is greatest. STM relies on gifts to the Annual Appeal as well as tuition, fees, and proceeds from special events to meet operating costs each year.
Why are unrestricted gifts to the Annual Appeal so important?
Giving an unrestricted gift to the Annual Appeal allows STM the flexibility to respond immediately to challenges and opportunities as they arise.
May I give to the Annual Appeal for a specific purpose?
Yes. Although the Annual Appeal primarily seeks unrestricted funds in order to address daily needs, we will be happy to help you direct your gift toward a specific department or area of interest.
How may I give to the Annual Appeal?
Parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, faculty/staff, friends, foundations, and corporations may fund outstanding academic, spiritual, fine arts and athletic programs, financial aid, faculty/staff enrichment, along with building and grounds improvements by giving to the Annual Appeal each year. Gifts may be made to the Annual Appeal as follows:
- Cash, check, credit card, bank debit, stock, or pledge payments. Checks may be made payable to The High School of Saint Thomas More. For gifts of stock or to arrange for pledge payments contact Director of Advancement Kay Reiser at 217.819.5702 or .
- Matching Gifts are received from participating companies that match the amount of dollars given to STM by their employees and spouses, or retirees.
- Memorial gifts may be made to preserve and perpetuate the memory of a loved one.
- Planned Gifts are a long-term method of supporting STM in which a gift's use is postponed until a specified future date. An example of a planned gift is naming STM as a beneficiary in one's will. Other planned gifts include charitable remainder trusts, or life insurance policies.
Every gift – no matter the size – makes a difference at STM. Make your Gift Today and become a member of one of our giving societies.
All gifts to The High School of Saint Thomas More offer donors varying degrees of tax and financial benefits. Consult with your personal financial or legal adviser in making a gift that is the best choice for you.
Giving Societies
The recognition giving societies at Saint Thomas More have been established to honor and thank donors whose loyal commitment and unwavering support have made them the heart of our high school. Recognition society membership is open to all individuals, companies, and foundations making a minimum annual contribution. We invite you to become a member of one of our giving societies.
The Saint Thomas More Society
The Saint Thomas More Society members make an annual investment of $1,500 or more, and these gifts are typically unrestricted so they may be directed to areas with the greatest need.
Partners in Mission $25,000 and up
Legacy Society $10,000 to $24,999
Paideia Society $5,000 to $9,999
Circle of Saints $2,500 to $4,999
Principal's Society $1,500 to $2,499
Young Alumni Giving Society
In 2003, the first class graduated from The High School of Saint Thomas More. The Young Alumni Giving Society was established so our graduates would have the opportunity to make gifts to STM reflecting their philanthropic capability at this time in their lives.
Giving Clubs
The Saint Thomas More giving club members make an annual investment of $25 or more, and these gifts are typically unrestricted so they may be directed to areas with the greatest need.
Leader's Club $1,000-$1,499
Loyalty Club $500-$999
Green, Gold and Maroon Club $100-$499
Friend of STM $25-$99
Your participation in the Annual Appeal is a commitment to The High School of Saint Thomas More and advances the mission of a values-based Catholic education. Giving to The Annual Appeal ensures the STM experience &ndash a combination of faith, academics, service, artistic engagement, athletics, and community – will continue. No facet of STM has been untouched by Annual Appeal support. Make your gift today.






