Support

Support CCS

The KNIGHTS FUND
(formerly known as the annual fund)

As a Christian School with a 100-year legacy, our single mission is to develop Christian leaders as a multicultural force for renewal, unity, and hope. Throughout our history, we have been blessed by the support of many organizations and families, like you, who share in our mission and partner with us in a Christ-centered learning community that pursues transformational growth.

This November, we once again invite parents, grandparents, alumni, churches, and businesses to join us in support of school programs, athletics, organizations, and overall school excellence. With an annual Knights Fund goal of $500,000, these gifts provide direct impact for student programming, student organizations, teacher training, and drives opportunities for excellence across all three campuses.

Most of all, giving to Chicago Christian Schools allows us to continue our mission, and we are grateful for every gift that allows us to pursue excellence for our students.

100% of students, faculty, and staff benefit from the Knights Fund to help fund the difference between the true cost of providing an excellent Christ-centered education and what families can feasibly afford.

IMPACTING EXCELLENCE IN

● Academics

● Faculty Development

● Athletics

● Fine Arts

● Co-curricular Organizations

Join us this November as together we exceed our Knights Fund Goal in providing excellence

Thank you for supporting our mission.

We are a blessed community! Through support from our parents, grandparents, alumni, friends, and churches, we are able to continue our mission … to be a Christ-centered learning community intent on restoring God’s world. We are able to offer a richer and more vibrant experience due in large part to the generosity of our extended family. Your support comes in many ways … financial support, service, and your sharing of expertise, enthusiasm, and love. We commit to you to be diligent, effective, and transparent in our work. Please visit our About Page to see a copy of our most recent Annual Report.

Ways to Give Now

List of 10 items.

Annual Fund

ANNUAL FUND Goal for 2023/24: $500,000
The Annual Fund is the backbone of our fundraising efforts. These gifts support some of our highest priorities. Here are a few examples of how these gifts are used:
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Capital Campaign

Preparing for the Next Century Capital Campaign

Modernizing and expanding our campuses will support a dynamic and engaging education, plus expand our space as enrollment grows. Go to our Campaign page to learn more, view renderings for all three campuses, and see how you can get involved.

Are you ready to join us for the next century of impact?
Tuition Assistance

Tuition Assistance
This program provides much-needed funding to keep an SCCS education accessible to our families. With the rising costs of education and life in general, more and more families rely on this assistance.
Foundation
The SCCS Foundation is a permanent fund in which the donor’s gift funds the future. The assets are invested and managed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Only the income earnings are used to provide an annual source of financial support for the school.

Since its inception, the Foundation’s assets have grown from its first gift of $100 to over $10 million. In 2023/24, the Foundation supported the school with a gift of $400,000. A strong Foundation helps ensure that Southwest Chicago Christian Schools will continue to the next generations.
- Cash donations are always welcome – just click on the “Donate” button above.
- Planned Gifts – Most of the growth for the Foundation has come from planned gifts – estates and wills, real estate, appreciated stock gifts, etc. Please go to the Planned Giving section below for more information. Please note that if you want to designate your gift to the Foundation, you must indicate the recipient of the gift as Southwest Chicago Christian Schools Foundation.
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Memorial and Honorary Gifts

A memorial gifts acknowledge the memory of a friend or loved one who has passed. SCCS will share the names of the donors with the family of the memorialized individual.

Honorary gifts celebrate special occasions in the lives of our community—birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones. SCCS will share the names of the donors with the individual being honored.
Alumni Project

Each year, Chicago Christian High School alumni come together to fund a need identified by the principal. With the generosity of our alumni, we recently updated and enhanced audio and visual equipment for chapel services and performances held in our auditorium. Check out the Alumni Page to see the list of projects alumni have funded in decades past, plus learn about our alumni events, check on the status of your reunion, and find out what’s going on with your classmates.
Matching Gifts

Many employers participate in a matching gift program. By making a gift to Southwest Chicago Christian School, your employer may match the amount and double your gift! Please check with your human resources department for information and to obtain your matching gift forms. If you need assistance, please contact Jean Bergeson at JBergeson@swchristian.org or 708.388.7656.
Athletic Booster Club

Booster's supports inter-scholastic sports on all three campuses -- Oak Lawn, Tinley Park, and Chicago Christian High School. They purchase all of the team uniforms, and fund specific needs for the teams. See the Booster's page for more information.
PTL - Parent Teacher League

PTL supports the faculty, families, and students at our elementary campuses in Oak Lawn and Tinley Park. For more information, and to make a donation, click this link.
Legacy Bricks

Become a permanent part of Chicago Christian High School through our personalized brick program. Design an engraved brick to be placed at the front entrance of the high school. All profits from this program will go towards continued enhancements of the high school campus.

Cost: $200 for individuals; $300 for businesses; $500 for Class Reunions
Read More

Our Advancement Team

List of 3 members.

CJ Cesario

Interim Director of Admissions

(708) 388-7656
LyNae Schleyer

Director of Executive Operations

(708)634-1108
Henry Doorn

Capital Campaign Liaison

(708) 388-7656

Ways to Invest in the Future - Smart & Powerful PLANNED Giving

Planned gifts offer you smart and creative ways to support Chicago Christian Schools – often while benefitting your family, too. By understanding the available options, you can multiply the end results of your generosity in ways that are simple, flexible, cost-effective and extraordinarily powerful.

Gifts in a Will
By including charitable giving in your will, you model to your loved ones a legacy of generosity. You also help ensure CCS continues to make a difference well beyond your lifetime.

Non-Cash Assets

You may be able to increase your potential impact –and experience significant tax benefits – by giving non-cash assets.

Examples of non-cash assets

Stock or marketable securities
Real estate
Business interests
Farm commodities
IRA charitable rollover (for donors ages 70 ½ and older)
Tangible personal property

Income for Life

Lifetime income agreements are wonderful solutions for Christians who wish to give in a substantial way, but are concerned about having enough retirement income. You can give cash or other property, and receive steady income for the rest of your life. The remainder will benefit CCS.

Questions? Call 708.388.7656.

Not 'Got To' But 'Get To'

Check out these tips to make your gift giving and estate planning more impactful!

We partner with Barnabas Foundation to offer our supporters Planned Giving and Estate Planning services at no cost. Their professional staff provides confidential consultation and Planned Giving expertise.

To find out more about Barnabas Foundation, call 888.448.3040 or go to their website at www.barnabasfoundation.com.

Winston Churchill

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

More Ways to Support CCS - Volunteering

Looking to get connected with our community? How about volunteering? We need you! Please check with our supporting organizations listed below. Parents can also check with their campus office. There are always lots of opportunities, and we have ongoing needs at the Pass It On Thrift Center. Did you know this thrift center provides support to our schools specifically to keep tuition costs accessible?

Gifts made to Chicago Christian Schools are tax deductible. Southwest Chicago Christian Schools Association is a recognized 501(c)3 charitable organization.