Ways to Give
Each year, alumni, parents and friends of St. Mary's provide the school with much-needed financial assistance through planned and outright gifts of cash, securities, or property. These gifts provide necessary funds to fill the gap that tuition alone cannot cover, in addition to helping enhance academic programs and facilities to give our students the best educational experience possible. St. Mary’s has continually cemented our place among the best private high schools in Western New York, in large part due to the generous benefactors whose contributions allow us to grow and innovate. We are excited for St. Mary’s to continue being a second home for generations of Lancers to come.
For any questions regarding ways to give or to make a real-time gift, contact Brandon Bielecki at bbielecki@smhlancers.org or call (716) 683-4824.
Annual Giving
The continued financial support from Lancer Alumni, Families, and Supporters helps ensure the outstanding quality of our academic programs, provides opportunities to compete on the athletic field, and fosters artistic talent in the performing arts. Strengthening our students’ faith and educational excellence is always at the forefront of our endeavors. Through their school life, our students are shaped into well-rounded citizens of tomorrow. We hope that you will consider one of the many ways to give back:
Online, Mail, or Phone
Mail or Phone:
St. Mary's High School
Department of Advancement
142 Laverack Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086
(716) 683-4824
Please make checks payable to St. Mary's High School and include any designation or specification to which department or fund you would like your gift to be applied.
To make an online gift, please use the link below to be taken to our online gift form:
Planned Giving
Charitable gifts are one of the most important and fulfilling ways you can help shape the world around you. The time you spend deciding how much and where to give is an important process that can bring special rewards. By carefully considering what to give, when to give, and how to give, you assure maximum impact from your gifts.
There are several planned giving vehicles available at St. Mary's High School that will not only benefit the students but can provide you with valuable tax savings, including Bequests, Charitable Gifts, Insurance, Trusts, and Annuities.
For bequests specifically, if you wish to make a provision including St. Mary’s in your will you may do so by asking your attorney to add the following language: “I bequeath $____ or ____% to St. Mary’s High School, Erie County, NY (Federal ID#16-1401191).” If you have already designated St. Mary’s in your will or trust, please let us know so we can thank you personally.
For additional information regarding Annuities, Bequests, Charitable Gifts, Insurance, and Trusts, contact VP of Advancement Brandon Bielecki at bbielecki@smhlancers.org or call (716) 683-4842 x103
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship Opportunities are available to all members of the community. Sponsors are sought for all events at St. Mary's, including the Lancer Gala, Gala Auction, Golf Tournament, Sporting Events, Lancerfest, and more!
As a St. Mary's sponsor, you could be eligible to receive:
- Advertisement in the event's publications
- Branding and Links on our website
- Name in press releases regarding the event
- Mention in event ceremonies
In addition, St. Mary's is seeking individuals and organizations to advertise in programs (plays, musicals, auctions, etc.) and those who would be willing to donate services and/or products.
Recurring Donations
These gifts typically occur on a monthly or yearly basis and provide steady income to areas of need within the school. Recurring donations can be made using the online gift form or set up over the phone to have automatic payments made over a specified period.
Corporate Matching Gifts
There are currently hundreds of companies that will match the financial contributions of their employees. Some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses too. By taking advantage of a company’s matching gift benefit, you may be able to double or even triple the amount of a contribution. Each company has its own guidelines for employees, spouses, retirees, and widows/widowers. Most corporate procedures are very simple. Request a matching form from your human resources department to learn about your company’s criteria.
Stock Transfer
St. Mary’s High School will gladly accept donations of appreciated shares of stock as charitable contributions. These shares can be transferred to our brokerage account that is managed by The Legend Group. Our investment manager will value the shares on the date of donation and provide that information to St. Mary’s High School. Our advancement team will then provide the donor with an acknowledgement letter of charitable contributions.
Please click the following link to view all information related to stock transfers in our one-page instruction sheet, which we have linked for you here: Stock Transfer Instructions