Capital Campaign
Campaign History
In 2006, an anonymous donor group gave Wingra an amazing gift of $1 million to purchase the Dudgeon School building where we had been renting since 1972. In addition, these same donors provided a matching opportunity of $4 million to improve and expand the school to be raised in two phases:
- $2 million by December 31, 2011
- $2 million by December 31, 2017
We have already made signficiant improvements including:
- New heating system
- New windows and doors
- Security system
- Electrical upgrade
Future Plans
By gathering feedback from our community and taking a closer look at how we can best achieve our vision and goals, we have identified the follow as top priorities for additional campaign components:
- Outdoor Environment: innovative, creative and green
- Gym Space and Community Gathering Space
- Accessibility
- Building Improvements and Renovation: lighting, classroom, hallways, and bathroom upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we in the midst of a Capital Campaign when we need to raise money for Scholarships and Operating Expenses?
The gift of matching funds (2006) provided Wingra with the unprecedented opportunity to purchase the Dudgeon building and renovate it to more perfectly match our vision of a home that mirrors the academic experience we provide for our students. The school has, and always will, have a need to raise funds in support of operational expenses (including tuition assistance).
Certainly, the added opportunity of the campaign requires us to bolster our fundraising activity - our hope is that the systems we put in place during the campaign will increase our fundraising capacity for annual fund and scholarship funds post campaign.
How does the Capital Campaign help the overall financial health of the school?
Recently we replaced our heating system and boiler. This was an inevitable expense. Because we are able to pay for this with campaign funds, it saves us from paying this out of regular operational funds. Similarly, other necessary upgrades will be paid out of a "capital budget" instead of having a negative impact on the school's operational budget.
Why should I give to the Wings for Wingra Annual Fund and the Capital Campaign?
While all funds support the ongoing work of the school, the Wings for Wingra Annual Fund and the Capital Campaign provide for two distinct pieces within Wingra's mission:
The Wings for Wingra Annual Fund helps support what makes our school excellent. Gifts to the annual fund help enhance the day-to-day life of our students and staff by supporting key elements of our program, such as classroom equipment, staff salaries and development, technology and tuition assistance.
The Capital Campaign provides for all the necessary capital (building) upgrades. Additionally, we have outlined priorities for making the building better serve our mission and curriculum. Without campaign funds, these upgrades and improvements would not be possible.
How can I make a gift?
Every gift given to the campaign is matched dollar for dollar. Gifts may be given outright, or pledged and paid through the end of 2017, and the entire amount pledged is matching right away.
Gifts of Cash, Check or Credit Card
Print this form (PDF) and mail it with your payment to Wingra School. Please make checks payable to: Wingra School, Inc. (Adobe Reader is required to open the PDF file - download Adobe Reader for free.)
Give Online
Make a gift online on our secure giving page. MasterCard, Visa and Discover are accepted.
Gifts of Stock or Securities
Donating appreciated stock to the school can generate significant tax saving. Contact Christen Ring at 608-238-2525 or christen@wingraschool.org for instructions on how your broker can transfer your stock.
Wingra School is a 501(c) (3) organization and donations to the Capital Campaign are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.