It is important to us to show our appreciation for the generous support which helps to make such a great difference. This will be done in a number of ways, from naming elements of the projects and programmes, to appearing on supporter boards.
We want donating to St Paul’s to always be a positive process and, should you wish it, a sociable one. To this end we have established a number of recognition groups that aim to bring together like-minded individuals at bespoke events and activities throughout the year.
All our donors will be recognised in the annual philanthropy report and invited each year to a special summer thank-you reception hosted by the High Master.
1509 Society
The 1509 Society (named to honour the St Paul’s School founding year) encourages gifts of up to £5,000 per year to the Excellence without Exclusivity bursary campaign – these amounts may be any amount of your choosing or related to our founding year i.e. £1.50; £15.09; £150.90 or £1,509.
The 1509 Society has been championed since 2016 by two Old Paulines who successfully encouraged OPs to give at the £50 level in groups to raise an annual bursary (50 OPs contributing £50 per month raises £30,000 a year – 110% funding for one pupil’s fees and extras). They saw such groups being built around old friendships, profession groups, year groups and sports.
The pupil-led Thomas Gresham Committee will be encouraging leavers to sign up to the £1.50 level as a sign of their commitment to the values of the school.
Members of the 1509 Society are listed in our yearly Community & Philanthropy Report and are invited to a special summer thank you hosted by the High Master.
Erasmus Circle, High Master’s Circle , Founder’s Circle and Leadership Circle
Membership of the Erasmus Circle, High Master’s Circle, Founder’s Circle and Leadership Circle is offered to supporters who pledge £5,000 or excess per annum to any element of the campaign or alternatively make a one-off gift of £5,000 or above.
Erasmus Circle Gifts £5,000 – £24,999
High Master’s Circle Gifts £25,000 – £99,999
Founder’s Circle Gifts £100,00 – £999,999
Leadership Circle Gifts over £1m
Those giving at Erasmus, High Master or Founder level will be invited to a special dinner hosted by the High Master and Governors. In recognition of the Founder level funders’ outstanding generosity they will receive personalised invitations and tailored visits to the school throughout the year. In recognition of the Leadership level funders’ outstanding generosity they will receive personalised invitations and tailored visits to the school throughout the year.
The Colet Society
The Colet Society, established in 2019 as a way of saying thank you to those who intend to leave St Paul’s School a legacy, is always pleased to welcome new members.
Members and their families are invited to special school events throughout the year, such as the annual High Master’s summer drinks and the school’s carol service. There will also be invitations to visit the school during term time to see the modern school and staff in action. Members of the society will have their name recognised in the annual philanthropy report and receive a Colet Society tie or pin badge.
In addition to the impact such gifts have on the school, any sum you bequeath to St Paul’s is not only free of tax, it may also reduce the overall tax liability due on your estate.