Cate Fund
What is the Cate Fund?
The Cate Fund is the School’s most important fundraiser each year. The School uses donations for faculty professional development, academic resources and supplies, yearly facility improvements, equipment and technology purchases, financial aid and scholarships, and extracurricular expenses. Gifts made to the Cate Fund also allow the School to seize exciting opportunities and be prepared for unforeseen challenges.
What is the Mesa Association?
Established in 1976, the Mesa Association recognizes donors who make leadership Cate Fund contributions of $2,000 or more. Mesa Association donors enhance the School’s ability to provide a transformative education and foster growth and innovation for Cate students and faculty.
Mesa Association members inspire a culture of philanthropy, encouraging others to give generously. In 2023-2024, donations at the Mesa Association level made up 91% of the overall dollars raised in the annual fund. Cate is truly grateful for those who are able to consider such leadership. Additionally, leadership donors receive unique opportunities to engage with the School’s leadership and attend the Mesa Dinner. Cate thanks these donors for their dedication to the mission and sustainability of the School.
If you have questions, are interested in becoming a Cate Fund volunteer, or would like to make a donation, please contact Alison Boris, Cate Fund Director at alison_boris@cate.org.
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Did You Know?
Your Dollars in Action
Cate's Most Pressing Need
Cate's Most Pressing Need
By designating your contribution to Cate’s most pressing need, you allow the Head of School, C.F.O., and the Board of Trustees to prepare for unforeseen circumstances and capitalize on exciting opportunities.
Scholarship & Access
Scholarship & Access
Cate students come from every corner of the world and are distinguished by their curiosity, compassion, and kindness. Cate’s need-based financial assistance program and your contribution ensure that attendance costs do not preclude access to an extraordinary educational experience. We are committed to making the Cate experience accessible to families of all income levels.
Exceptional Faculty and Staff
Exceptional Faculty and Staff
A portion of the Cate Fund is allocated towards attracting and retaining remarkable educators who inspire and guide our students. Cate faculty members are committed and have received numerous academic and professional awards and prizes, including the Presidential Award for Mathematics, Tandy Prizes, Klingenstein Fellowships (at Columbia University), and a California Outstanding Educator Award. Eighty-one percent of Cate faculty hold advanced degrees.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Your contribution supports the School’s ongoing effort to create a culture of belonging for all and acknowledges the centrality of D.E.I. competency in teaching, professionalism, and collaboration.
Health and Wellness
Health and Wellness
Ellis House is a safe space for students to find a confidential, comfortable, supportive, and collaborative environment where they can find wraparound care for their emotional, physical, social, and intellectual well-being. Your contribution supports Cate’s health and wellness facility, programming, and excellent medical team.
Campus Maintenance and Upgrades
Campus Maintenance and Upgrades
Cate is reimagining and revitalizing the living and learning spaces of tomorrow, a testament to our enduring commitment to innovation. We know that the best education honors the past, nurtures the present, and prepares our students for the future. Your support ensures the Mesa remains safe and provides a comfortable and inspiring environment for your student to thrive.