Build Bold Campaign – FAQ's
What is All In for Build Bold?
All In for Build Bold is Seattle Academy’s unified fundraising effort for the 2025–2026 school year. It means that every dollar raised—whether through family contributions, major gifts, or SAAS in the City—goes directly to the Build Bold Campaign. By going “All In,” our community is helping complete the $60M philanthropic goal for the Home of the Upper School, a project that unites our campus on one block and transforms student learning for generations to come.
What is the Build Bold Campaign?
Build Bold is a $60M philanthropic campaign that supports the $107M total project cost for SAAS’s new Home of the Upper School. It is the culmination of a decades-long vision: a unified campus on one block, designed for the way SAAS students learn best.
What about financial aid?
Access remains central to SAAS’s mission. In 2025–26, 299 students (23% of enrollment) are receiving financial aid, with an average grant of more than $35,630. As campaign debt decreases, the school’s capacity to sustain and expand financial aid increases—opening SAAS to even more students across the region.
How will my gift make a difference?
Every gift matters. Each dollar reduces long-term debt, which directly increases future flexibility in SAAS’s budget. That means more resources for financial aid, new courses, faculty development, and student programs. Large leadership gifts help us make bold progress, but broad community participation is what ensures success.
Why is participation important?
Participation demonstrates collective belief in SAAS’s mission. 100% participation from families, faculty/staff, and trustees sends a powerful message and inspires others to give. Gifts of all sizes add up to transformational impact.
Is this replacing the Annual Fund forever?
No. This is a one-year, all-in strategy to meet this milestone moment. Normally, SAAS runs multiple campaigns (Annual Fund, SAAS in the City, and capital projects). This year, everything is streamlined into Build Bold so the community can focus on one bold goal. Annual Fund and other initiatives will resume next year.
Why should I give if I already gave last year?
Your past support brought us to this moment—thank you. But this year is different. Every dollar now goes directly to finishing Build Bold, reducing debt, and freeing future dollars for financial aid, programs, and faculty support. Think of it as the final step in a decades-long journey.
Why should I give if the building is already open?
The building is open, but the campaign isn’t finished. SAAS used creative financing so students wouldn’t have to wait. Philanthropy now ensures that future budgets aren’t burdened by that financing, maximizing flexibility for student programs and opportunities.
We already pay tuition—why give more?
Tuition covers the cost of educating students today. It does not cover major capital projects like the Home of the Upper School. Independent schools everywhere rely on philanthropy to make transformational projects possible. At SAAS, gifts to Build Bold strengthen the experience of every student by freeing resources for financial aid, faculty support, and innovative programming.
What if I can’t make a big gift?
Gifts of every size matter, and what we ask is that each family participates at a level that feels meaningful and, if possible, is a stretch for them. Together, these gifts send a powerful message of shared commitment to the SAAS mission.
How can I give?
You can make a gift or online, by check, through stock transfer, or via a multi-year commitment. Every gift made this year will be counted toward the Build Bold Campaign and will directly support the $60M goal.
What role does SAAS in the City play this year?
SAAS in the City will remain a joyful community celebration and one of the year’s key fundraising moments. In 2026, it will feature opportunities for collective giving and matching challenges—all directed toward Build Bold.