At Escuela de Guadalupe, the impact of a donation isn’t abstract—it’s visible in the joyful smile of a Pre-K student mastering letter sounds, in the thoughtful reflection of a middle schooler during a bilingual discussion on social justice, and in the high school success stories of proud alumni. With a lean budget and a powerful mission, Escuela stretches every dollar to create deep, lasting change in students’ lives.
“We’re different from most schools,” says Caroline Orr, Director of Philanthropy. “Most private schools get 70% of their funding from tuition and 30% from fundraising. Escuela is the opposite—only about 30% of our revenue comes from tuition. The other 70% is raised through individual donors, foundations, and events.”
This fundraising model is mission-critical. A high percentage of Escuela’s students come from families who cannot afford the full cost of a private, bilingual, Catholic education. To make the school accessible, Escuela provides approximately $1.4 million in scholarships each year, representing the school’s single largest funding need.
A Distinctive Model of Denver Philanthropy
Escuela’s commitment to fiscal responsibility is reflected in how the school allocates its budget:
- 66.3% of expenses go directly to classroom and educational programming, including scholarships
- 26% supports management and operations
- 7.7% goes toward development and fundraising efforts
This means that donors aren’t just supporting a school—they’re directly supporting students.
“Our donors are incredible,” Caroline shares. “They’re not just writing checks—they’re coaching our cross country team. They’re volunteering in our Pre-K program. They’re delivering lunch on staff development days. These are people we know and love. It’s a close-knit community, and our donors are part of it.”
Donors Who Go All In
Escuela’s donor base is uniquely engaged. Many donors give both time and money, forging deep, lasting relationships with the school community.
Caroline notes, “People ask, ‘How can I help? What do you need right now?’ We have donors who truly want to walk alongside us in this mission.”
This level of personal connection is rare—and it’s part of what sets Escuela apart within Denver philanthropy circles. Donors don’t just give—they build relationships, see their impact firsthand, and often stay connected with students long after graduation.
Events that Build Community and Support
Two annual events help connect donors and introduce new supporters to Escuela’s story:
- Salud, the school’s signature fundraising event, has grown dramatically over the years, now raising nearly $600,000 annually.
- One Child at a Time, a breakfast event, invites new friends to learn about the school’s mission—often sparking long-term involvement.
Caroline explains, “We used to think of ourselves as a small, hidden gem. But we’ve started pushing our limits. We’ve elevated our events and challenged assumptions about what’s possible for a school like ours. Now, we’re competing with big organizations in terms of impact and professionalism.”
Escuela’s growth story is a powerful testament to what focused, community-driven Denver philanthropy can achieve.
A Team Approach to Fundraising
Though the development team is small, it’s mighty. Caroline leads fundraising strategy, with Zoe Hoekstra serving as Events and Annual Giving Manager, and President Nicky Freeburg, Ed.D., actively cultivating donor relationships.
One example? Caroline and Zoe personally call every single donor—even those who give just one dollar.
“We call within 24 hours to say thank you,” Caroline says. “We send handwritten notes. We send student-made crafts. Donors feel the love, because it’s real.”
The team also runs strategic prospecting and outreach, sends direct mail at key points in the year, and keeps strong relationships with foundations—who account for 33.2% of Escuela’s funding. Individuals contribute 21.1%, tuition covers 25.5%, and the rest comes from events, investment income, and smaller sources like ACE scholarships and in-kind donations.
Real Impact, Right in Front of Us
What makes Escuela so compelling to donors? Caroline puts it simply: “Our mission is literally right in front of us every day.”
Unlike organizations where impact feels distant, Escuela’s donors meet the students they support. They see them succeed, grow, and thrive—many from Pre-K through 8th grade and beyond. Alumni return to volunteer, teach, and pursue education careers—made possible by the opportunities Escuela provided.
When it comes to Denver philanthropy, Escuela offers a rare level of transparency, trust, and transformation. “When a donor gives here, they don’t have to wonder if their money mattered,” Caroline reflects. “They see it. They feel it. That’s why they give.”
