I have no idea how much more successful adding return postage to return envelopes amounts to in total revenues, but it angers me to think 23% of my donation goes to fund raising. Even based on a 10% response rate, (national average is less than half that) that means every donation covers more than $5.50 in just return postage, to say nothing of the initial expense of the enclosed printed material and distribution costs.
Just today I became aware this is a Jesuit Catholic Institution. I am sure they are doing a great job facilitating a wonderful school. I would like to see my hard earned donation put to better use.
Dan Schoenecker
Made a donation to Red Cloud Indian School in the memory of Paul Skillin. Paul cared about this school and supported it throught the years.
Andriana and Ralph Rivera
I am a long time donor to this K-12 school and have found it to be an excellent resource for the Pine Ridge Reservation, where there is 89% unemployment and 6 in 10 live in poverty. Not only do students receive an outstanding education (has the highest number of Gates scholars per capita in the nation) but it offers healthy meal programs, and community outreach for those hoping to start businesses . Over 90 % of Red Cloud students graduate from high school and of that number 90% go on to post secondary education. Residents of the reservation recognize the value of Red Cloud's Lakota culture curriculum as well as after school activities such as basketball. The teachers really care about the kids. I know several Pine Ridge families with children who have attended or are still in the school. While visiting these families I have toured the school and the cultural museum. A Red Cloud education has been a life changing process for the graduates, with many now in professions such as teaching, social work or in medicine. Go to their website to get more information: https://www.redcloudschool.org