
Support GSMS
A Big Vision
Good Shepherd Montessori School has a big vision: to create space for children to flourish, to cultivate wisdom in each child, and to unlock their capacity and desire to contribute to the common good.
Our school has thrived because of its history of generous community giving. We’re excited to welcome you into Good Shepherd’s story—please take a moment to watch our video. Thank you for considering a gift today!
Impact Goal:
$300,000
What We Need:
$272,000
Giving Information
Donations to Good Shepherd support our Common Good Fund, which represents our annual fundraising efforts and provides a critical component of our operating budget. This fund helps bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating our students, directly supporting our mission by funding personnel, need-based scholarships, and facilities maintenance. Contributions to the Common Good Fund that exceed the budgeted amount of $272,000 will create additional opportunities to enhance our facilities and programming. Inspired by the life and work of Maria Montessori, we invite you to join one of our giving circles:
- $5,000+ The Shining Light Circle
- $2,500 to $4,999 The Maria Montessori Circle
- $1,000 to $2,499 The Peace Circle
- $500 to $999 The Golden Bead Circle
- $1 to $499 The Circle of Friends
FAQ
Gifts to the Common Good Fund are unrestricted contributions that directly support our mission and are raised annually, beginning with a fall kickoff campaign. These funds are not “extra money”' for Good Shepherd but represent a vital portion of our annual operating budget, ensuring we meet essential obligations. As a result, every member of the GSMS community benefits from the Common Good Fund, enabling us to carry out our core mission of educating students each day.
The Common Good Fund helps bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating Good Shepherd students. Fundraising efforts are crucial for the school's operations and ensure its financial stability. Contributions to the Common Good Fund that exceed the budgeted amount of $272,000 will create additional opportunities to tackle deferred maintenance projects and enhance our facilities and programs.
Gifts to the Common Good Fund support:
- Classroom and farm supplies and materials
- Salaries and benefits for the faculty and staff who nurture GSMS students daily
- Professional development training for faculty and staff
- Building maintenance and improvements
- Need-based scholarships for GSMS families through the Family Support Fund, and more!
Every gift brings us closer to our $272,000 goal for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. Contributions to the Common Good Fund range from $10 to over $10,000, and each dollar directly enhances our students' experience at Good Shepherd. We sincerely appreciate every contribution, regardless of size.
Good Shepherd seeks full participation from its Board of Directors and current families as this demonstrates a united belief in the school and its mission. This collective confidence signals to prospective donors — including foundations, grant-makers, and other external supporters — that their contributions will be carefully managed and used effectively within a community that is committed to its own success.
Each year, current and former GSMS parents, alumni, faculty, staff, grandparents, and community members who believe in Good Shepherd’s mission contribute to the Common Good Fund.
SGO Scholarship Fund
Donations to a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) in support of financial aid at Good Shepherd receive a 50% Indiana state tax credit and are federally deductible. More information about the SGO Program.
Donate at Community Foundation of Elkhart County. Be sure to designate your donation for Good Shepherd Montessori School. Please consult your tax advisor for guidance in your particular situation.
Felicia A. Driscoll Scholarship Fund
The Felicia A. Leon-Driscoll Scholarship Fund provides financial support for children attending Good Shepherd Montessori School. The fund was established in memory of Felicia, a co-founder of GSMS, who worked with children as the catechist of the school.
To contribute to this scholarship fund, please click here and select "A scholarship fund." Enter "Felicia A. Leon-Driscoll Scholarship Fund for Good Shepherd Montessori" in the "Fund Name" field.
Olga Logan Larimer FUnd
To contribute to this scholarship fund, please click here and select "A scholarship fund." Enter "Olga Logan Larimer Scholarship Fund for Good Shepherd Montessori" in the "Fund Name" field.