Each year, generous donations from parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff, and other members of our school community help us sustain and evolve the outstanding educational experience we have provided since 1974. While tuition pays for the essential elements needed for a high-quality learning environment, philanthropy allows us to be agile, innovative thought leaders by providing teachers and students with the resources they need to discover their next passion or talent.
A Culture
of Giving
Independent schools like Tampa Prep rely on a tradition of philanthropy to support the operating budget, so that notion of living with “a higher purpose than self” aligns with this culture of giving. This culture is embraced by the Board of Trustees, faculty, parents, alumni and even students, as they initiate fundraising efforts through clubs. The Terrapin Fund is the School’s primary community-wide fundraising endeavor. Planned gifts are also important to the School’s long term success. Learn more about Planned Giving, and how donors at any age and giving level can create a legacy of innovation and connection for generations to come.
Engage the Community
The Development Office hosts events throughout the year, including the annual Gala, Day of Giving, Grandparents’ Day and multiple alumni events. They also partner with the Tampa Prep Parents Alliance (TPPA) to oversee the many events they host for both parents and students. Members of the Tampa Prep community have also graciously hosted information sessions for current capital projects, regional and local alumni events, parents of alumni socials, thank you events for our annual giving volunteers and more!
Please contact the Development Office to learn more about opportunities with any of these events.
Your Contribution
Your generous contribution goes towards:
FAQ
What is the Terrapin Fund?
The Terrapin Fund is the School’s primary community-wide fundraising endeavor. It is our hope that, as a member of the community, you will participate in this fundraising initiative at least once throughout the academic year in a way that is meaningful to you. The Terrapin Fund directly impacts every program, department, student and faculty member by contributing to the School’s overall financial health and sustainability. All gifts are deeply appreciated. Unrestricted gifts allow school leadership and the Board of Trustees flexibility to address the highest priority needs of the school.
Is the Terrapin Fund necessary?
Tampa Prep is a nonprofit organization that operates without financial support from local or federal taxes. The School relies on tuition, annual giving, endowment, and auxiliary income (income from summer camps and facility rentals) to operate and continually improve.
Will my gift really make a difference?
Absolutely! Every gift plays a part in Tampa Prep’s success. Overall donor participation reveals how the school is valued by its constituents, and your gift is an expression of gratitude to the teachers who invest so much in our students. We encourage everyone to make Tampa Prep a philanthropic priority at whatever level they are able whether that be $5 or $50,000. Our Terrapin Society recognizes those individuals who give $1,000 or more. That being said, every gift, regardless of size, makes a difference.
What is the best way to make a gift to Tampa Prep?
GIVE TO THE TERRAPIN FUND
There are many ways to make a gift to the School. You may give by check, credit card or online. Consider giving monthly to relieve the pinch of a larger gift. For instance, a $2,500 gift to the Terrapin Fund would only be $208/month! GIVE NOW
EVENT SPONSORSHIP
We love our sponsors! Event sponsorship at our spring Gala is an additional way to support Tampa Prep. Please contact our Development Office, to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
GIFTS OF SECURITIES
A gift of appreciated securities (stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares) is the most economical way to make a gift. Your broker/financial advisor may electronically transfer ownership of the securities to Tampa Preparatory School’s account at Northern Trust. Please notify Director of Development Ki Perry in the Development Office at Tampa Prep when you initiate the transfer so we can be sure to credit your gift properly. Give your broker the following information:
Broker: Depository Trust Company
The Northern Trust Company, Trust Department
Account Title: Tampa Preparatory
Tampa Prep’s Account Number: 26-57916
DTC Number: 2669
Contact Maria D. Acosta at Northern Trust with any questions: 305-789-6204 | mcd4@ntrs.com
MATCHING GIFTS
Many companies offer a matching gift program to their employees as an added benefit. If your company has a matching gift benefit, it could double or even triple your gift to Tampa Prep. Contact your company’s human resources officer to determine whether or not they participate in a matching gift program. You can also check to see if your employer will match your donation when you make a gift to Tampa Prep online here!
ORDER A PAVER
Leave your mark by purchasing a paver inscribed with the message of your choice. Pay tribute to your family, an alum, faculty member, student, athlete or anyone to whom you wish to give a permanent place in Tampa Prep history. Complete this online order form to order yours!
PLANNED GIVING
Planned giving allows you to provide future support for the Tampa Prep programs that are of most interest to you–and often make a larger gift than you might have thought possible–by incorporating contributions to the School in your overall financial estate plan. Planned gifts are important to the School’s long-term success. Learn more about how donors at any age and giving level can create a legacy of innovation and connection for generations to come. Contact your tax professional for help in determining the best charitable gift for your situation.
CAPITAL GIVING
In addition, there are also a variety of ways to help ensure Tampa Prep’s future through Capital Giving. Similar to investing in your home, contributing capital funds enable new additions, buildings, and facility improvements at Tampa Prep to remain commensurate with the high level of programs offered.
Is my gift tax deductible?
Tampa Prep is a 501(c)(3) organization as determined by the IRS. All cash gifts qualify for a charitable deduction in the year of payment as allowable by law. The tax deduction is limited to the excess of the contribution over the fair market value of any items received in exchange for the donation. For gifts to the Gala, your tax receipt will indicate the estimated value of services received. If you make a gift of appreciated securities, you will be entitled to a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the securities on the date of the gift and may be free from having to pay the tax on the capital gain. We recommend that you consult with your financial advisor to understand these tax benefits.
How can I contact the Development Team?
The best way to experience Tampa Preparatory School is to visit our campus and meet our students and faculty. Or we’d love to have you attend (and sponsor!) one of our upcoming special events!
What’s Next?
Where our students learn matters.
Our new BOLD Building (Building of Learning & Discovery) is scheduled to open Fall 2024 and will be on the cutting edge of STEM learning. By Building Bold, we will expand our space into a place where the impossible becomes possible.