A pledge is simply a promise to make a gift – through any of the methods  below (except DAFs*). Properly submitted pledges are counted immediately toward participation in the Westmark Fund or any other campaign.

Pledge installments may be be scheduled monthly, quarterly, or annually on any schedule you prefer. Pledges to the Westmark Fund must have their final installment scheduled before June 30 of that school year.

Please submit the online pledge form to pledge to the Westmark Fund. To pledge for a different purpose, please contact the Advancement Office. Verbal pledges cannot be accepted or recorded.

* Donors cannot make pledges to give through donor-advised funds because of the nature of those organizations. We will, however, note your intent to give once you've recommended the grant from your DAF.

Just visit our online giving form to make an immediate payment using your Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit or debit card, or give using ACH (e-check).

Westmark pays processing fees on each online transaction; fees are much lower for e-check payments (75¢), than for credit card payments (~3.0% of the total) – so you can maximize the impact of your gift by paying by e-check!

Make out your check to Westmark School, note in the memo area what your gift is meant for (e.g., "Westmark Fund" or "Spring Gala" etc.), and then mail your check:

Westmark School
Attn: Advancement Office
5461 Louise Ave.
Encino, CA 91316

You can also, of course, drop off your check at reception!

If you need the instructions for sending a wire transfer in US dollars, please contact the Advancement Office by email or at 818-986-5045.

Directing a gift through a donor-advised fund is relatively simple with most providers:​

First: When specifying the organization, please make sure you've selected LEARNING WITH A DIFFERENCE INC. DBA WESTMARK SCHOOL with the tax identification number 95-4616645.

Second: Please request that your institution mail the check to the paper check address listed above. (If the fund requires a name for the letter to be addressed to, please use Mary-Ellen Lavigne, Director of Advancement.)

Third: When asked to designate a purpose for the funds, please be specific: “Westmark Fund” or “Spring Gala” or other purpose. Alternatively, you can choose the “where needed most” default option with most funds; Westmark School’s policy is to apply gifts with that designation to the Westmark Fund.

Finally: Once you've recommended the gift to your institution, please notify the Advancement Office of the details and, if possible, provide the receipt or confirmation. (While not required, this helps ensure gifts are properly documented when received.)

If there are any issues – or if your donor-advised fund needs any documentation from the School – please email the Advancement Office with the specifics of what they need, and we'll make sure everything is set from there.

Donating gifts of appreciated securities like stocks and mutual funds that have been held for more than 12 months can be advantageous to many donors.

These gifts represent a two-fold savings opportunity. Donors avoid paying capital gains taxes on the increased values of their stocks and receive a tax deduction for the full market value of the stock on the date of the gift.

VIEW INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIVING APPRECIATED SECURITIES

Planned gifts are made now and distributed in the future. You can name Westmark School as a beneficiary of your will, trust, IRA or retirement plan, life insurance policy, or financial account, or fund a charitable gift annuity or trust that may provide you with tax benefits and income.

Naming Westmark School in an estate plan provides for our long-term fiscal health and gives donors the opportunity to receive immediate or deferred tax benefits while leaving a legacy.

CONSULT OUR PLANNED GIVING GUIDE

COMPLETE THE PLANNED GIVING NOTIFICATION FORM

An endowment (invested reserves) is a fund that is invested and maintained in perpetuity. Each year, a percentage of the annual income (dividends, interest, and capital appreciation) is distributed to support the specific purpose designated by the donor (for example, financial aid, service learning, or faculty professional development).  The remaining income is added to the endowment principal to help preserve the purchasing power of the endowment over time. Endowments provide a stable income for the school and foster academic excellence. 

You can add to the school’s general endowment or establish an endowment with a gift of $100,000. and more. Endowed funds can be named in honor of an individual, or in tribute to loved ones, or other significant individuals. Donors build strong ties with school and receive annual reports on the impact of their endowments and are invited to attend special functions.