German International School of Silicon Valley

Your gift is an investment in our students!

The Annual Fund is a vital yearly fundraising campaign that helps bridge the gap between tuition, a grant from Germany, and the true cost of a GISSV dual language education.

Your contribution directly supports outstanding academic programs, faculty development, and student financial aid—ensuring GISSV’s continued excellence, stability, and growth.

Every gift matters. Thank you for your support!

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You can also give in the following ways:

Stock donations
Your employer’s workplace giving or matching gift platform

Matching Gift and Volunteer Grant information provided by

Corporate Matching Gifts

Matching gifts from your employer are a great way to leverage additional dollars to support GISSV. Many companies offer a matching program and will double or triple their employees’ support of nonprofit organizations. Contact your HR Department to find out more.

GISSV is grateful to these companies and to you for choosing to support our school.

Annual Fund FAQ

Why does the school have an Annual Fund?

Most independent schools worldwide have an Annual Fund to raise money to sustain their operations, improve programs, build endowments, and invest in the future of the school.
A quality international, dual-language education is expensive, and GISSV raises funds to sustain the school, meet the growing demands and needs of families, and ensure flexibility to meet our students’ evolving needs.
Tuition and funding from the German government alone does not cover these expenses.
Even if your family is only here for a few years, your gift supports the experience of your children and their peers this school year.
Your gift creates a lasting impact by helping to sustain the exceptional education that has shaped numerous students over GISSV’s 25-year history.

We already pay tuition. Why should we also give to the Annual Fund?

Tuition alone does not cover the cost of providing a GISSV education.
A healthy Annual Fund keeps tuition affordable and encourages greater diversity among the student body.
Tuition covers about 70% of our expenses. Funding from Germany contributes just 10% and continues to decline.
Tax laws in the U.S. encourage voluntary support of independent institutions. GISSV is a nonprofit organization, allowing Annual Fund gifts to be tax-deductible. Meanwhile, tuition is not tax-deductible.

Why is 100% participation important?

The Annual Fund brings our community together in support of what matters most—our students. When every family participates, it sends a powerful message of unity, commitment, and belief in GISSV’s mission. High participation rates strengthen the school in tangible ways:

Foundations and grantmakers look for strong internal support before awarding funds. High participation shows that those closest to the school are invested in its success.
Corporate donors and matching gift programs often consider community involvement when making funding decisions.
Accrediting bodies, such as CAIS, view participation and philanthropic support as indicators of a healthy, engaged school community.

Every gift—no matter the size—counts. Together, we build a culture of giving that fuels greater opportunities for our students and teachers.

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How do I make a gift to the Annual Fund?

We accept donations by check, credit card or stock (see above). You can make a one-time gift or set up monthly contributions, whatever works best for you. Pledges and payments are welcome at any time by June 30.

Giving online is simple and secure through the donation form above.

Many employers offer workplace giving platforms and matching gift programs. If GISSV is not listed as an approved nonprofit in your company’s system, or if you wish to give anonymously, please contact us at giving@gissv.org.

When should I make my Annual Fund gift?

Contact Us Today with Any Questions

We welcome any questions you may have and would be happy to provide you with the information you need. Please feel free to contact us at giving@gissv.org, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.