Fundraising FAQ

What is a pledge?

A pledge is a declaration of what you plan to give to Trillium for the school year. It supports our operating budget and allows us to plan and budget for the year. This differs from donations that are one-time, immediate transfers of funds, and allows the donor to give in installments over the course of the year.

Why does Trillium Academy need pledges from the community when parents already pay tuition?

Tuition revenue alone is not enough to cover the cost of educating a child at Trillium, but we are dedicated to keeping our tuition as affordable as possible to a wide range of families. We rely on our Perennial, Rhizome, and Ephemeral Campaigns to sustain our operating budget for non-tuition programming. This includes field trips that spark curiosity, events that build community, and materials for passion projects that help our students bloom, in addition to maintaining a small student-to-teacher ratio and making strategic investments in our building to ensure our students have a comfortable and safe learning environment.

If our family receives financial aid, will we be asked to contribute?

Yes, making a gift to Trillium gives you a sense of ownership and investment in the community beyond your investment in your child’s education. We understand that not every family can make a major contribution, and gifts of all sizes come together to make an impact for our students. No matter the size, your gift is a demonstration of your support of Trillium Academy and your belief in our shared mission and vision.

Why is it important to reach 100% participation?

We have a goal of 100% participation from our families, and we want everyone to take part in sustaining our school community. Additionally, full participation is a key metric that external donors use to determine whether or not (and how much) to support an organization, and it strengthens our grant applications for specific programs.

Do we have to pay it all at once?

No. We ask that you make a pledge by October 24, but you can fulfill that pledge anytime before June 15, 2026. Pledges may be fulfilled in a single payment or in installments—monthly, quarterly, or in a timeline that works for you. For more details about how to set up recurring payments, please email giving@trilliumacademy.org.

Do we need to give a gift to both the Perennial Campaign and the one-time Ephemeral Campaigns?

No. We ask that all Trillium families support the Perennial Campaign by making a gift or a pledge. Our primary audience for our Ephemeral Campaigns (Giving Tuesday and GiveBIG) is friends and extended family members of our students, as well as other external donors. Families can give an optional donation to these campaigns or support these one-off giving efforts by sharing the donation link with friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone else who may want to support your child’s education. These campaigns also help us grow our donor base for future years.

How can I contribute to Trillium’s long-term financial sustainability?

The Rhizome Campaign seeks larger donations to provide foundational support during our school’s start-up phase, allowing us to operate with the depth and richness our twice-exceptional students deserve, while strategically building the infrastructure for sustainable growth. If you have additional questions about the impact these donations have on our financial sustainability, please email giving@trilliumacademy.org.

Does Trillium Academy have an endowment?

Yes. A generous donor household donated to start our Diversity Endowment. The fund aims to support the outreach, recruitment, and enrollment of BIPOC students in the Seattle area. We welcome additional donations to our endowment. Please email giving@trilliumacademy.org to inquire about gifts to the endowment fund.

What is the best way for me to give?

Donations given via ACH, bank wire, stock transfer, DAFs, and checks have the lowest fees associated with the gift. However, we welcome gifts of all sizes through credit card payments as well. More information about ways to give is here. If you ever have questions about how to make a donation, please email giving@trilliumacademy.org.