Invest in Rochester's Young Men
Developing Men of Character
Vertus High School is a non-profit public charter school in Rochester, NY, serving young men in grades 9-12 from underserved communities. In a city facing some of the highest poverty rates and lowest graduation rates for young men of color, your gift helps our students defy the odds – through strong relationships, personalized year-round academics, character education, and career preparation.
When you give to Vertus, you don’t just make a donation. You make an investment in the future of our community.
Ways to Give
Choose the path that fits your goals – every level of support strengthens our students.
Annual Giving
Fuel Everyday Excellence
Annual gifts power the day-to-day work that makes Vertus exceptional – from year-round academics and character education to transportation, uniforms, athletics, and college and career readiness. Unrestricted annual support gives us the flexibility to meet students’ needs as they arise, all year long.
Suggested giving levels:
- $50: Provides school supplies for a student
- $100: Supports a college campus visit
- $250: Funds ACT tutoring for a student
- $500: Helps cover transportation for activities and summer session
- $1,000+: Sustains enrichment and career-prep programming
Major Giving – Shield Society & Giving Circles
Create Lasting, Transformational Impact
Major gifts allow you to make a defining difference in the life of our school. Whether you fund a signature program, contribute to our endowment, or support a named initiative, your leadership gift creates opportunities that last well beyond a single school year. Our team will work with you personally to direct your gift toward the impact you care about most.
Suggested giving levels:
- $2,500+: Underwrites a year of internship and job-readiness programming
- $5,000+: Supports the Vertus Red Blazer recognition and mentorship initiatives
- $10,000+: Supports a program or special initiative
Recognition: Leadership donors $5000+ are recognized through the Shield Society and invited into a closer relationship with the school.
Gala & Corporate Sponsorships
Partner With Us
Businesses and community partners play a vital role in our mission. Sponsor the annual Warrior Gala, become a corporate partner, or provide in-kind support while connecting your brand with one of Rochester’s most meaningful causes. Sponsorships offer visibility across our events, website, and annual report while directly supporting our students.
- Warrior Gala sponsorship tiers (full breakdown in Section D)
- Year-round corporate partnerships
- In-kind donations and matching gift programs
- Logo and brand recognition across communications
Your Gift at Work
Your Generous Gift Directly Supports
- Year-Round School Supplies: the tools students need for academic success
- Required Uniforms: promoting equality and a sense of belonging
- The Vertus Red Blazer: earned through exemplary character, attendance, and aspiration during a student’s first year at Vertus
- College Field Trips: firsthand experiences of prospective colleges
- ACT Tutoring: essential preparation for college admissions
- Job & College Prep Assistance: guidance through applications and the college process
- Athletic Supplies: keeping programs accessible and free for all students
- Transportation: access to jobs, sports, activities, and year round summer session
- Driver’s Education: preparing students for independence and responsibility
How to Give
Once you’ve chosen how you’d like to support Vertus, here are the ways to make your gift. Each method offers its own benefits – including valuable tax advantages.
Online & Check
The fastest way to give is online through our secure donation page.
Prefer to mail a gift? Make checks payable to Vertus Charter School and mail to:
Vertus Charter High School
℅ Julie Locey
21 Humboldt Street
Rochester, NY 14609
Gifts of Appreciated Assets
Donating appreciated securities, stocks, or mutual funds may provide significant tax advantages while making a meaningful impact for Vertus students.
Benefits may include:
- Avoiding capital gains taxes
- Receiving a charitable income tax deduction
- Maximizing the value of your gift
Please contact Julie Locery our CEO or our Development Office before initiating a transfer so we may properly acknowledge your gift.
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
Vertus Charter High School is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit and can accept grants from Donor Advised Funds. DAF giving allows you to recommend grants over time, simplify your charitable giving, and create a lasting philanthropic plan. Please consult your sponsoring organization for details.
Gifts from Traditional IRAs
Individuals age 70½ or older may make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from a Traditional IRA to Vertus. Potential benefits include satisfying Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), reducing taxable income, and supporting students in a tax-efficient way. Please consult your financial or tax advisor regarding eligibility.
Planned & Legacy Giving
A planned gift helps ensure the future strength of Vertus for generations to come. Options include bequests in your will or trust, beneficiary designations, gifts of life insurance, and charitable trusts.
Sample Bequest Language
“I give and bequeath to Vertus Charter High School, Rochester, NY, the sum of $_____ (or ____% of my estate) to be used for its general charitable purposes.”
Employer Matching Gifts
Many employers match charitable contributions — doubling or even tripling your impact at no extra cost to you. Check with your HR department to see if your gift qualifies.
Professional Advisor Information
We encourage all donors to consult with their attorney, accountant, financial advisor, or estate planning professional when considering charitable gifts, planned giving arrangements, or tax-related strategies.
Vertus Charter High School is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is happy to work with you and your professional advisors to help facilitate your charitable goals.
To discuss any giving opportunity confidentially, please contact:
Stephanie Campanelli, Development Director
Vertus Charter High School
(585) 329-2027
scampanelli@vertusschool.org