GIVING WEEK FAQs

List of 17 frequently asked questions.

  • Who is PHIL?

    Phil represents Philanthropy at St. Mary’s, including each and every one of our amazing donors. Phil is the face of fundraising at St. Mary’s School. When you make a gift to St. Mary’s School, you become Phil.
  • Who can participate?

    Alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of St. Mary’s are all encouraged to support during the I am Phil Giving Week! At the end of the giving form, you can select your affiliation and choose the role(s) that best represents your connection to the community. 
  • Is there a minimum or maximum donation limit?

    No - every gift counts! Thanks to the support of generous donors, many gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar, amplifying the impact of your gift, however big or small. 
  • Is my contribution tax-deductible?

    Yes - your gift is tax-deductible. You will receive an email confirmation that may serve as your receipt for tax purposes.
  • What if I already made a gift to St. Mary’s School this year?

    Thank you for supporting our incredible community! Your gift creates transformative experiences for our students. Your gift is recorded in the number of gifts and towards our total goal. 
  • What is "the area of greatest need"?

    Giving to the area of greatest need provides St. Mary’s School with the resources to respond quickly to emerging opportunities, such as financial aid. 
  • Will I have to pay credit card fees?

    No, there are no credit card fees. 
  • How will the donation be reported on my credit card?

    Gifts made during I am Phil Giving Week should primarily appear on donors' credit cards as, "St. Mary’s School."
  • What is I am PHIL Giving Week?

    I am Phil is an annual fundraising campaign for St. Mary’s School. Over these five days, we ask our whole community to support the school we love. 
  • Where does my gift go?

    Donors may designate their gift to the area of greatest need, financial aid, academic programs, enrichment activities, or athletics. Wherever you decide to give, your support will make a measurable difference and directly advance St. Mary's mission. 
  • Can I use my employer's matching gifts funds?

    Yes - please contact Bethany Brown, Director of Advancement 541-414-1208 or email bbrown@smschool.us
  • Can I make a pledge? 

    Yes! Send an email to advancement@smschool.us and include your name and the amount you would like to pledge. We will count you as participating in Giving Week, and you can make your pledge payment anytime before June 30, 2024.
  • Can I donate via Venmo?

    Yes, you can! Please submit payment to @StMarysSchoolofMedford on Venmo and make sure to put your information in the "notes" box (name, email, and phone.) for a donation receipt to be sent at a later date. Your Venmo donation may not immediately show on the Donor Wall as these gifts are entered manually. 
  • Can I send a gift by mail or phone?

    Yes - If you would like to make a gift by phone during the Week of Giving, please call Bethany Brown, Director of Advancement, at 541-414-1208 or Sarah Primerano, Associate Director of Advancement & Alumni Engagement at 541-414- 1276. If you would like to mail a check, please make the check payable to St. Mary’s School and mail to:

    St. Mary’s School 
    Attn: Advancement Office 
    816 Black Oak Drive
    Medford, OR 97504


  • Can I give a gift of stock?

    Yes! Please let Bethany Brown, bbrown@smschool.us that you are sending a gift of stock and share the following information with your financial advisor:
    Morgan Stanley DTC # = 0015
    St. Mary’s of Medford
    173-022313-009


  • Can I give through my IRA?

    Yes, if you are over 70 ½ years of age, you can make a gift (Qualified Charitable Distribution) through your IRA and receive a tax benefit for yourself.  Normally, when you take a distribution from your IRA, it is counted as taxable income. By rolling over your gift directly to a qualified charity like St. Mary’s School, you can enjoy the satisfaction of making a meaningful and impactful gift; at the same time, you lower your tax burden because that distribution is not counted as income. Individuals age 70½ and older can make direct transfers of up to $100,000 per year from individual retirement accounts to a qualified nonprofit without having to count the transfers as income for federal tax purposes.

    To make a gift through your IRA, contact your IRA administrator and instruct them to transfer funds to St. Mary's School (93-0514209). Please also email advancement@smschool.us so we can be on the lookout for your gift.
  • Who do I contact with questions about the I am PHIL Giving Week?

    Bethany Brown, Director of Advancement: 541-414-1208 | bbrown@smschool.us

    Sarah Primerano, Advancement Officer & Director of Alumni Relations: 541-414-1276 | sprimerano@smschool.us