Educating the Whole Child:
Mind, Body, and Spirit.
From 1987 to 2010, Father Tom Donaldson served as priest of St. Francis Church & School. During his tenure, he left an indelible mark on all students, staff, and families at St. Francis School. The School thrived under his leadership resulting in record enrollment and the need to build an addition onto the school. The annual Father Tom Donaldson Vision Fund aims to continue Father Donaldson’s vision of providing quality Catholic school education at low or no cost to every family who desires this for their children.
This is an annual fund supporting St. Francis School. The fund is made up of gifts from alumni, parents, grandparents, parishioners, and friends of our school. All gifts are unrestricted contributions that allow us to fulfill the vision of Father Tom Donaldson.
The Father Tom Donaldson Vision Fund is the cornerstone of all fundraising for St. Francis School. Without it, we would not be able to keep our doors open because tuition alone does not cover the cost of educating a student. The true cost to educate one student is $9,000 and annual tuition is $3,500.
The Father Tom Donaldson Vision Fund helps close the gap between tuition revenue and the true cost of educating our students, providing essential support for the annual operating expenses of St. Francis School. The most significant contribution you can make to our School is to the Father Tom Donaldson Vision Fund.
Make a monthly recurring gift using our Monthly Giving Form which you can download here.
Send a check made payable to:
St. Francis School
244 W Woodworth St
Ellsworth, WI 54011
Yes! Many donors prefer giving through an appreciated stock, a donor-advised fund, or their IRA. Donors are encouraged to consult with their financial advisor. Please contact St. Francis School at 715-273-4391 for assistance with any of these options.
Multiply the value of your gift! Many employers (and former employers, for retirees) match the charitable gifts of their employees. A matching gift by your employer increases your generosity to St. Francis School by adding the matching amount to your gift at no additional expense to you. It is easy to make a matching gift: simply ask your human resources department about its matching employee donations policy and follow the recommended procedure. Many companies now use an online portal where you will search for St. Francis School Tax ID (EIN) # 39-0813434.
The St. Francis School Legacy Society honors those individuals and families who lead our philanthropic efforts by making a gift of $1,000 or above to the Father Tom Donaldson Vision Fund and/or by making a planned giving gift of $1,000 or above. Learn more here.
The 2023-2024 Vision Fund Report provides a detailed overview of the impact and contributions of the Father Tom Donaldson Vision Fund. The Vision Fund plays a crucial role in sustaining the school’s mission of offering high-quality Catholic education at an affordable cost. The report highlights the generosity of our alumni, parents, grandparents, staff, and friends whose unrestricted gifts support the continued growth and success of St. Francis School, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive an excellent education, regardless of financial circumstances.
See the complete report and honor roll list HERE.Your gift made to the Father Tom Donaldson Vision Fund will provide every student with opportunities to grow in a challenging academic environment where faith and values build a strong foundation for future success. We appreciate your prayerful consideration and generous support of the Father Tom Donaldson Vision Fund. Thank you!