Foundation closes record giving year

It’s been another record year of giving at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. Preliminary totals show that more than half a million dollars was raised by the school’s Foundation for the fiscal year ending June 30.

“I think we all understand the difficult financial situation our state has faced in recent years,” LSMSA Foundation Executive Director Angela Robinson said. “Support from our donors has helped bridge that gap between what the school receives from the state and what it actually costs to provide a 24/7 living-learning experience for our students.”

Of the $547,039 dollars raised, $365,572 came from alumni of the school. The class of 1998, which held its 20-year reunion this year, lead the way in giving, raising $53,090. For the seventh year in a row, the class of 1992 had the highest participation rate.

“More than 75 percent of the Foundation’s funding comes from donations, and alumni dollars make up more than half of that. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our alumni, parents, employees and friends of LSMSA. The overwhelming generosity they show each year is evidence of the life-changing impact that LSMSA has on its students,” Robinson said.

It was also a record year for giving from the Foundation’s annual Phonathon, which raised $109,951. And for Giving Tuesday, 116 donors gave $42,159.

“The school would be seriously impeded by having to operate with just the funds awarded by the state,” LSMSA Executive Director Steve Horton said. “Without assistance from the Foundation, several students would not be afforded the opportunity to have the LSMSA experience, our student body would not have the student life program it currently enjoys, our faculty would not be able to compete nationally as scholars or be able to maintain currency in their professional development.”

Donor dollars help LSMSA fund projects big and small. Donations pay for college application fees, dorm supplies, textbooks, new desks, computer equipment and much more. Donations to the LSMSA Foundation are tax-deductible.

“Without the Foundation’s support, LSMSA’s mission would never be met,” Horton said.

The LSMSA Foundation develops and manages resources to enhance the work of LSMSA. For more information about the LSMSA Foundation, please visit www.LSMSA.edu/Foundation.