St Stithians
Endowment Fund
About the Campaign
As St Stithians College looks ahead to its 75th anniversary in 2028, we are committed to strengthening the school’s long-term financial sustainability in support of our educational programmes, world-class facilities, and scholarship opportunities. The 75 by 75 campaign aims to raise R75 million by our 75th birthday in 2028, enabling today’s leadership to pass on a lasting financial asset to future generations.
Central to this vision is the St Stithians Endowment Fund. Through careful stewardship and investment, the Fund is preserved and grown across generations, ensuring the continued excellence of our school for the benefit of South Africa.
We warmly invite our community, alumni, parents, grandparents, and scholars, to contribute in meaningful ways. Whether through financial support, professional expertise, networks, or time, every contribution plays a role in securing the future of St Stithians College.
As a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) and Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), St Stithians College issues Section 18A certificates, allowing donors to claim tax deductions on their annual returns. Our Advancement Office, led by Alistair Stewart, is committed to thoughtful donor stewardship and building enduring relationships within the Saints community.
Contact us:
Alistair Stewart: AStewart@stithian.com
Julia Phipps: JPhipps@stithian.com
75 by 75 Campaign
75 by 75 Campaign
St Stithians College will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the school in 2028. A campaign to raise R75 million by 2028 is underway and 35% of this has been raised. Giving Day 2025 raised R4.6 million and Giving Day 2026 is planned for 16 and 17 September 2026. Join us as we plan to raise R5m in 2026 for the 75 by 75 campaign.
Why the 75 by 75 Endowment Fund Campaign Matters
All funds and assets donated to the St Stithians College Endowment Fund will form a part of the principal investment which will be managed by Melville Douglas to yield the best possible returns. Management of the fund is steered by the Chair of the Financial Committee Mr. Rob Hawton (Class of 1993), The Rector and the Financial Committee.
In time, interest of the capital amount will be released to be used for scholarships and capital projects required by the school. The delayed use of the investment income will provide a sustainable financial asset, passed from one generation to the next, to ensure the long-term sustainable future of the school.
Ways to give
Once-off Donation
A single, voluntary, tax-deductible financial contribution made to St Stithians College. Choose the amount and timing of your gift. To make a once off donation, click on the Donate Now button above or jphipps@stithian.com
Monthly or Annual Pledge
A voluntary, tax-deductible financial contribution made to St Stithians College each month via credit card.Choose the amount and timing of your gift. To make a monthly donation, click on the DONATE now button above or email: jphipps@stithian.com
Leave a Legacy
Sign a codicil and leave a percentage of your deceased estate to St Stithians College Endowment Fund. Email, jphipps@stithian.com for more information
Gifts in Kind
Donate goods or services rather than money, directly meeting the practical needs of the school. Gifts in kind are eligible for Section 18A tax certificates provided they are not sponsorships.
Corporate Partnerships
A corporate partnership is a collaborative relationship in which both parties work together for mutual benefit, combining educational goals with business resources or expertise. Email jphipps@stithian.com
Scholarship Support
Supporting scholarships opens access to an exceptional education for talented students who might otherwise be excluded by financial barriers. It strengthens the school community by fostering diversity and leadership. Email jphipps@stithian.com
Networking and Skills
Donate your skills or share your professional network with St Stithians College. This is a powerful way to create meaningful, lasting impact beyond financial support. By sharing expertise, mentorship, strategic advice, or connections to opportunities, alumni and supporters help enrich students’ learning experiences and strengthen career pathways. Email jphipps@stithian.com
Fundraising Statistics
Fundraising goal reached so far
People contributed
Target amount to be raised by 2028
FAQ
An Endowment fund is a long‑term investment fund made up of donated money or assets that are invested to generate ongoing income for the school. Typically, the original capital is preserved while a portion of the investment returns is used each year to support priorities such as scholarships, academic programs, facilities, or staff development, ensuring the school’s financial sustainability for future generations.
An Endowment fund is essential to the long-term sustainability of St Stithians College because it provides a reliable financial foundation that extends beyond annual school fees.
While school fees cover day-to-day running costs, they are often not enough to absorb the rising expenses of maintaining high-quality education over time.
Independent schools face increasing costs such as staff salaries, infrastructure upkeep, technology, utilities, and compliance requirements, all of which tend to grow faster than inflation. Relying solely on fees would place unsustainable pressure on families and limit the school’s ability to plan for the future.
St Stithians College’s Endowment Fund is a long‑term financial asset designed to ensure the school’s sustainability and ability to plan confidently for the future. The fund supports the following key areas:
- Scholarships and Bursaries
Endowment income provides ongoing financial assistance to talented students who would not otherwise be able to access a St Stithians education, helping to promote inclusion, opportunity, and leadership development. - Strategic School Projects and Capital Development
Funds are used for carefully identified projects such as facilities, infrastructure, and campus development that enhance academic, sporting, and cultural life across the College. - Long‑Term Financial Stability and Resilience
The Endowment Fund is invested to grow over time and generate sustainable income, helping the school manage future challenges, economic uncertainty, and major planning needs without relying solely on school fees. - Ring‑fenced Legacy and Named Funds
Donors can establish specific endowment funds, such as named scholarships or memorial funds, where part of the donation is invested and part distributed annually, ensuring lasting impact aligned with the donor’s intent.
Together, these areas allow the Endowment Fund to protect and extend St Stithians College’s mission of providing a values‑based, world‑class education for generations to come.
Yes, the St Stithians Endowment fund does have constraints, and these exist to protect the fund’s purpose and ensure long‑term sustainability.
The Endowment Fund is under the governance of the St Stithians College Executive and the College Financial Committee. The Head of the Executive is the Rector, Mrs. Celeste Gilardi and the Chair of the FinCom is Mr. Rob Hawton (Class of 1993).
