Giving
Investing in the transformative education that shapes tomorrow’s world
We Are Shining Mountain
As an independent, non-profit school, Shining Mountain Waldorf School receives no federal funding, and tuition alone does not cover the full cost of educating each student. Every contribution directly bridges this gap, serving as a powerful vote of confidence in our educational vision and a clear declaration that you believe in our mission. Your support directly sustains our vibrant programs, empowers our dedicated faculty, and ensures we can continue cultivating resilient, curious, and compassionate lifelong learners who go on to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Your generosity allows us to:
- Provide meaningful tuition assistance, widening the circle of families who can access and benefit from this education.
- Invest in professional development for our dedicated faculty, deepening their craft and strengthening their ability to guide each child’s growth.
- Support our inclusive tuition model, ensuring all students can participate in after-school clubs and athletics at no additional cost.
- Maintain and enhance classrooms, artistic materials, technologies, and outdoor spaces that inspire learning and exploration.
- Nurture artistic, musical, and outdoor programs that cultivate confidence, creativity, and joy.
- Meet diverse learning needs through our educational support program, allowing every child to thrive as their unique self.
3 Impactful Ways To Give
Money
Time
Talent
Fundraising
ANNUAL FUND
The Annual Fund provides unrestricted support for the school’s greatest needs, helping bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the true cost of a Shining Mountain education. Annual Fund gifts support teacher excellence, tuition assistance, educational programming, campus improvements, and other operational priorities.
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS & STOCK GIFTS
Donor-advised funds (DAFs) and gifts of appreciated securities are meaningful ways to support Shining Mountain Waldorf School while maximizing potential tax benefits. A donor-advised fund allows you to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants to the school over time. Gifts of appreciated stock or securities may also provide significant tax advantages while making a lasting impact on our students and programs.
For assistance with making a gift through a donor-advised fund or by transferring stock, please contact the Development Director.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS
From time to time, Shining Mountain undertakes capital campaigns to support significant campus improvements and long-term investments beyond the annual operating budget. Previous campaigns have helped fund the Community House, Union Street House, the High School building, Shining Meadows, Festival Hall, and other important campus projects.
Capital campaigns provide an opportunity to invest in the school’s future and leave a lasting legacy for generations of students to come.
NON-CASH DONATIONS
In addition to financial contributions, the school welcomes gifts of goods and services that directly benefit our students and programs. Donations of equipment, furniture, supplies, books, tools, professional services, and other needed items may qualify as charitable contributions under applicable tax laws.
Please contact the Development Director, Leah Colby Alexis, at lalexis@smwaldorf.org before donating furniture, equipment, books, artwork, or other physical items to confirm the school’s current needs and available space.
Shining Mountain also participates in a vehicle donation program, allowing donors to contribute automobiles, with proceeds benefiting the school.
Colorado Gives Day
Colorado Gives Day is a statewide annual movement hosted on ColoradoGives.org that unites donors to support local non-profits, helping bridge the gap between tuition and the true operational cost of education at Shining Mountain Waldorf School.
Spring Gala
The Spring Gala is a signature fundraising event and our largest annual adult community gathering. More than a fundraiser, it is an evening to celebrate our school, strengthen relationships, and invest in the future of Waldorf education. Parent volunteers work alongside SMWS staff to help create a memorable event through planning, sponsorships, auction procurement, décor, and guest experience. If you enjoy event planning, community building, or creative fundraising, we’d love to have you involved.
Annual Community Farm Dinner
Held at the end of each summer, the Annual Community Farm Dinner brings together current families, alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends of the school for an evening of shared food, fellowship, and gratitude. Hosted in partnership with local farms, chefs, and community members.
The Human Advantage Summit
The Human Advantage Summit is Shining Mountain Waldorf School’s annual thought leadership event, bringing together educators, parents, entrepreneurs, artists, researchers, students, and community leaders to explore the uniquely human qualities that shape the future. Through inspiring speakers and meaningful dialogue, the Summit examines topics such as creativity, leadership, innovation, human development, and authentic connection in an ever-changing world. While presented by Shining Mountain, the Human Advantage Summit is intentionally designed as a community-wide event, welcoming all who are passionate about building a more thoughtful, creative, and human-centered future.