Ways to Give

Your Support is Essential

Thank you for your interest in supporting Waldorf education at the Vancouver Waldorf School. Philanthropic gifts of all sizes help us provide transformational learning experiences that inspire students to be their best selves. Our strong, enduring culture of giving makes VWS the best it can be for both current and future students.

Our community’s extraordinary generosity creates wide-ranging opportunities for students and faculty—impacting the classroom, our campus, and beyond.

Donate today →

Annual Fund

Endowment

School Expansion

(coming soon!)

Vancouver Waldorf School strives to support the evolution of community-minded and socially responsible learners. VWS provides a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to education where arts are integrated with all disciplines. The curriculum is designed to cultivate students’ intellectual, emotional, and physical capacities. The school works to create, embrace, and support a community of respect and dignity where everyone feels respected, connected, and valued in the service of expanding the beauty of diversity at the school, in the community, and in the world. Thank you so much for your generous giving.

FAQ About Giving

Whether you’re a first-time donor or a returning contributor, we understand you may have questions.

How will my donation help my child’s education?Laura2024-11-06T18:07:56-08:00

How will my donation help my child’s education?

Our community benefits immensely from the vision, courage, and dedication of our founding families and past community members. Today, the future of Vancouver Waldorf School rests in the hands of our existing families and friends.

Gifts to the Annual Fund make an immediate impact in our classrooms. Think of it as turning “it would be nice to have” into “we are doing this” funding. This support helps create the unique Waldorf experience that draws people to our school and fulfills the expectations of our community.

We have already paid tuition. Why do we need to donate? Laura2024-11-06T18:08:16-08:00

We have already paid tuition. Why do we need to donate?

While tuition covers operations costs, donations go further by enabling us to recruit and retain Waldorf teachers and maintain and update the school facilities. Gifts from our donors empower our teachers to explore, maintain, and enhance their thoughtful classroom environment to foster creativity, trust, and inspire a passion for lifelong learning in all our students.

Why not charge more for tuition and not ask for gifts?Laura2024-11-06T18:08:25-08:00

Why not charge more for tuition and not ask for gifts?

A school that charged the full cost of educating its students would price itself out of the market, making Waldorf education out of reach for working families. Like most independent schools, we rely on Annual Funds and different fundraisers and campaigns to keep tuition increases as modest as possible, making VWS affordable to as many qualified students as possible.

The school relies on fundraising and the many generous current and past Waldorf families to provide financial support so we can offer the range of programs, activities, trips, events, performances, and festivals that the community has come to expect as part of the exceptional Waldorf experience we provide.

There are a lot of worthy causes for giving, why should I give to VWS?Laura2024-11-06T18:05:22-08:00

There are a lot of worthy causes for giving, why should I give to VWS?

Rudolf Steiner named the economic realm the realm of brotherhood and sisterhood – this is not a coincidence. We need the support of our whole community to be able to reach our strategic goals.

In general, independent schools often have fewer supporters than universities and national registered or provincial charities. Because we are a smaller community, our number of donors is small, and each and every donation makes a significant difference. Your generosity helps us deliver transformational learning, and its impact is felt across campus in all our exceptional learning environments.

Won’t you consider making our children’s education and their school your top philanthropic priority? Please be as generous as you can be…and Thank You! When we say that every gift makes a difference, we mean it.

What benefits can I experience as a donor?Laura2024-11-06T18:07:07-08:00

What benefits can I experience as a donor?

Have a direct impact on daily school life at VWS.
Receive a full tax receipt for your donation.
Support ongoing community engagement events, which you are encouraged to join.
Receive updates on how your gift is making a difference.
Be a part of growing VWS into the school we need for the future.
Receive updates on the impact of your gift.
Be a part of growing VWS into the school we need for the future.

Grocery Card Program

One of the easiest ways to support the Vancouver Waldorf School—at no extra cost to you—is through our Grocery Card Program. Each family is encouraged to purchase a minimum of $200 in grocery gift cards per month for use at participating stores. You spend the same amount you normally would on groceries, but a portion of every purchase goes directly back to the school.

Why It’s a Win-Win

No Additional Expense: You pay the same amount you’d spend on groceries anyway.
Ongoing Support: Funds raised help maintain robust programs, improve facilities, and empower our dedicated faculty.
Convenient & Flexible: The cards never expire and can be used at multiple stores across Canada, perfect for regular grocery runs.
Easy to Get Started: Simply set up or adjust your monthly card order to suit your family’s needs.

How to Sign Up

Order grocery cards online or contact giftcard@vws.ca to modify your monthly order. Even a modest $200 purchase each month adds up quickly and helps sustain a rich Waldorf experience for all our students. Read the FAQ to learn more.

Order grocery cards →

Additional Ways to Make Your Spending Power Count

Every purchase you make can support the Vancouver Waldorf School while promoting a more sustainable, community-minded lifestyle. By choosing ethical products and local partners, you help fund essential programs, encourage responsible consumerism, and build a healthier world for our students.

Current Partners:

Just Mulch: Use the code WALDORF at Just Mulch to receive a discount and have 10% of your sale go to our school.
Mabel’s Labels: Visit Mabel’s Labels, search for “VANCOUVER WALDORF SCHOOL,” and place your order to support our fundraiser with every label you purchase.
Maple Leaf Garden Centre: Shop in person and let the cashier know you’re from Vancouver Waldorf School to receive a 10% discount on all your gardening supplies.
Tru Earth: Reduce plastic waste and clean green by shopping at Tru Earth – VWS PAC. 20% of each sale supports our school.

By taking these small steps—like choosing local businesses, buying eco-friendly products, and supporting school fundraisers—you’re making a tangible difference in our children’s education and in the world they’re growing up in. Thank you for helping us turn everyday choices into meaningful support for the Vancouver Waldorf School!