Support
Bishop Shanahan relies on the generosity of alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends to fulfill the important mission of providing students with academic excellence, robust student life, and an active community of faith. Will you join us in this important work? ​Giving opportunities are below, and we invite you to contact the Advancement Team to learn more.
Ways to Give
The Shanahan Fund
The Shanahan Fund represents a source of funding that makes an immediate and vital impact on Shanahan’s annual operating budget. A successful Shanahan Fund is necessary to fulfill Shanahan’s vision. Donations to the Shanahan Fund enable BSHS to maintain an expected level of excellence and to strategically enhance and accommodate the rapidly evolving needs of students and faculty. Donors may also direct their support to specific areas of interest such as Fine Arts, STEM, Athletics, etc.
Tax Credit Program
The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Special Purpose Entity (SPE) programs of Pennsylvania are great ways to assist families in need of tuition assistance. The Tax Credit Program also allows you to tell Harrisburg how to use YOUR tax dollars. Join the many businesses and individuals who are tax-credit supporters of Bishop Shanahan High School students.
Endowment
Bishop Shanahan High School's Endowment Fund is the school's largest financial asset. It is a perpetual source of support for the school and its mission. The principal is invested and each year approximately 5% of the endowment is used to support the School’s greatest needs.
Shanahan Legacy Society
The task of ensuring Shanahan's future rests with those who invest in the school with a vision for tomorrow. Planned giving through The Shanahan Legacy Society is a way to leave a lasting legacy of support for the school. There are many vehicles to make a planned gift, all of which provide their own opportunities and advantages for you and Shanahan.
Stadium Sponsorship
Join other local businesses in supporting the BSHS Athletic programs. Sponsors enjoy large signage prominently displayed in the BSHS stadium which is the home for BSHS football, track and field, lacrosse, field hockey, boys and girls soccer, many CYO teams, and traveling teams' tournaments. All sponsors receive a BSHS all sports pass and invitations to the annual donor event. Gold and Platinum sponsors are announced during BSHS home football games.
Strategic Plan
In 2018 Shanahan took a critical look at the school's functions and priority needs that would best position BSHS as the premier high school in Chester County. Through intensive research, data analysis, and countless hours of collaboration of Board members, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends of BSHS, Shanahan launched a three-year strategic plan.
Matching Gifts
A matching gift occurs when participating companies match (sometimes up to double or triple) the amount of dollars given to Bishop Shanahan by their employees and spouses, or retirees. The company matches the gift only after the donor has sent his or her gift to Bishop Shanahan along with the companies' matching gift form. These forms can be obtained from the personnel offices of most companies. Certain companies will also match capital campaign and endowment gifts. Check with your personnel office to find out what kind of gifts they match.
Gifts of Stock
If you own stock, there are tax advantages to contributing stock rather than cash. A gift of appreciated stock offers two tax saving advantages. First, you avoid paying any capital gains tax on the increase in value of the stock. Second, you receive an income tax deduction for the full fair market value of the stock at the time of the gift. To qualify for these tax advantages, you have to have owned the stock for generally more than one year. Gifts of appreciated stock are fully deductible – up to a maximum of 30% of your adjusted gross income.
Gifts of Real Estate
A gift of real estate is like a gift of stock; any type of property may have so appreciated in value through the years that its sale would mean a sizable capital gains tax. By making a gift of this property, you would avoid the capital gains tax, and at the same time, receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the property. It is also possible to make a gift of your residence or vacation home so that you and your spouse can continue to use it for your lifetimes – while you receive a current income tax deduction.
Bishop Shanahan Merit Scholarships
Based on the results of the scholarship exam offered to 8th grade students, those with the ten highest scores are awarded a $3,500 renewable scholarship provided an average of 90 is maintained all four years. The scholarship exam is offered in October.
Tuition Assistance Fund
Gifts of any size designated for financial aid will be allocated to the Bishop Shanahan Tuition Assistance Fund. Aid is awarded on an annual basis and requires completion of the financial aid application. Recipients are named by Shanahan’s Financial Aid Committee.
Named Scholarships
Renewable gifts can be made in honor of or in memory of an alumnus/a, family member, friend, or even yourself! Most named scholarship funds (merit and need-based) are awarded in partnership with the parish elementary schools, and the recipients are named at the 8th grade commencement exercises. Other named scholarships are awarded by Shanahan’s Scholarship Committee and require completion of the financial aid application. Scholarships vary on their renewability. For more information on establishing a named scholarship, contact Trish Kyle at tkyle@shanahan.org.