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What is the Somerset College Foundation?

The Foundation was established in 1989 to create a vehicle to raise short-term and long-term funds to enable the school to operate as independently as possible.

The Foundation has raised funds from direct contributions made by school parents and those funds have been used to establish, earlier than would otherwise have been possible, major essential school projects such as The Great Hall, the Swimming Pool Complex and the Tennis Court Complex.

In total the Foundation has raised close to $2.0m which has been used for the direct benefit of pupils of Somerset College.

Does the School need to raise funds?

The simple answer is Yes!

The School income is derived from school fees and funds available from Government grants. This income is almost completely exhausted on the direct operational costs of running the school on a day-to-day basis.

After meeting the direct operating costs, there are no significant excess funds available for essential capital works.

If the School does not raise funds for capital works, the provision of major facilities such as The Great Hall becomes more difficult.

Somerset is determined to maintain its high standard of education and leadership. To meet this responsibility the School must provide the best facilities for our pupils.

• Classroom refurbishment
• Resource Centre
• Upgrading library facilities
  

Is it compulsory to join the Foundation?

The short answer - No!

The School recognizes the contributions of parents and other benefactors in many different and valuable ways.

Some parents have the financial capacity to contribute to the Foundation and it is to these parents that the Foundation looks for ongoing support.

Why should I join the Foundation?

Somerset College needs your financial assistance to provide the best facilities and environment for your children.

All donations to the Foundation’s Building and Library Funds are tax-deductible.

Who runs the Foundation?

The Directors of the Foundation are members of the School Council.

The Foundation is run by a committee consisting of the Headmaster, representatives of the School Council, the President of the Parents’ and Friends’ Association, the President of the Somerset Alumni Association, elected members and the Dean of Admissions and Community Relations.

Those who contribute constitute the membership of the Foundation.

How do I join the Foundation?

Membership is achieved by making a tax-deductible annual donation of $2,000 or more to the Building or Library Funds and membership is acknowledged at the following levels:

Members/Associates
Donations of more than $2,000

Fellows
Donations of more than $10,000

Benefactors
Donations of more than $20,000

Patrons
Donations of more than $50,000

The Foundation is committed to identifying appropriate ways of acknowledging the significant role that members of the Foundation take in maintaining and advancing the standards of excellence at Somerset College.

What do I do now?

Please contact John Baconon 5530 4536 or email foundation@somerset.qld.edu.au for further information and to register your interest in becoming a member of the Somerset College Foundation.