Every gift shapes what's possible
Philanthropy enables WIS's mission to be an exemplary learning community. Gifts from parents, alumni, and friends sustain the programs, people, and experiences that tuition alone does not cover, and every contribution, whatever its size, strengthens the School.
At WIS, philanthropic support flows to three primary areas: the Annual Fund, which meets immediate needs across the School each year; Club WIS: An Evening for Financial Aid, our annual gala supporting access for families who need it; and the Endowment, which builds lasting financial strength for generations to come. Together, these three areas help WIS meet today's needs, open the doors of a WIS education to more students and families, and invest in the future.
Giving Priorities
WIS Annual Fund
WIS Endowments
Giving Circles
Every level of giving matters. Our Giving Circles recognize the annual generosity that sustains WIS — from families just beginning to those who have given for years.
Legacy Giving
The Cathya Wing Stephenson Society recognizes donors who have included Washington International School in their estate plans. Established by the Board of Trustees, it honors those whose generosity will shape the School for generations to come.
The Society honors the memory of Cathya Wing Stephenson, a WIS co-founder and one of its most steadfast supporters from 1966 onward. A leader in international education for world citizenship, she included WIS in her will with her bequest designated for financial aid, an expression of her conviction that an international education should be within reach of a broad cross-section of Washington, DC students. Though she is deeply missed, her example continues to inspire the alumni, faculty, parents, and friends who have chosen to provide for the School in their own estate plans.
A planned gift — through a bequest, retirement account, or other legacy arrangement — costs nothing during your lifetime and leaves a lasting mark on the students who follow. Members of the Society are recognized for their foresight and generosity, and join a community committed to carrying forward the legacy Mrs. Stephenson began.
To learn more about planned giving at WIS, visit our Planned Giving page or contact the Advancement Office.
