Yajna Circle of Supporters Programs
Welcome to our Inaugural 2025-26 Supporter Engagement and Appreciation Program. DAVMES is proud of our 25 years of service to the Houston and
International communities. Please join us as we establish our vision for strategic
growth focused on Academic Innovation, Health and Wellness, and Community
Partnerships. Your collective stewardship will be transformational for our
community and students. We welcome partnerships and conversations in a shared cause; our children and the future.
ARTHA - Strength and prosperity
Our vision for the future requires financial resilience. Our vision of innovation and excellence serves our mission to serve the next generations. We stand on the pillars of academic excellence, health and wellness, and community belonging.
DHARMA - Purposeful Action
Our philisophy and outlook is anchored in our inherent duty as a school and institution. Our service is to our students, families, and the broader local and global community. Our mission is to build charachter, resilience and instill a strong sense of service in our children.
SANGHA - Community Connection:
The strength of our community, of all of our people, is paramount to our collective success. We seek to deepen our relationships, weave a stronger more inter-connected community around the school. The people in our community are the highest role models for our children.
Join us for our Silver Tapestery Community Event
Adi Sthapaka
The First Builders
$100,001
Special Honorific for our Founders, Architects and Builders that have set the foundations for our service
and future.
Param Yajman
Grand Patrons
$25,001
Our Strategic Visionaries that
assure our growth strategies and capabalities.
Yajman
Patrons
$10,001
Our hosts and stewards of resiliance integrity and mindfulness
Vajra
Diamond
$5,001
Our providers of scholarship and strength through tactical projects and initiatives and members of our Leadership Circle.
Swarna
Gold
$2,501
Our Standard Bearers of
Excellence and Integrity and
supporters of our highest honor; our Teachers
Rajat
Silver
$1,001
Our supporters of mental clarity and innovation; providers of resources,
labs and books.
Tamra
Copper
$251
Our supporters of balance and
purity in effort; removing obstacles to health.
Mitra
Friend
$51
The force that holds society
together through trust and good
will for all humanity.
Join us for our Silver Tapestery Community Event
14 February 2026 at the GSH Event Center, Houston
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Yajna Circle of Supporters Program?
It is our official program to recognize and celebrate those who invest in our school’s mission. The program is designed to involve our community of supporters and build upon shared bonds. Yajna is a Sanskrit word for a sacred offering, symbolizing the collective spirit that sustains our community and children. This inaugural program, launched for the 2025–26 school year, invites parents, alumni, community members, and businesses to partner with us.
Why does the school need donations in addition to tuition? What will my gift support?
Like many independent schools, DAVMES relies on philanthropic support to bridge the gap between tuition income and the true cost of providing an excellent education. Tuition covers basic operations, but your donations fund special projects and educational innovation across a broad range of subjects and domains. Your contribution makes a direct, daily impact on our students’ experience and helps the school to keep tuition accessible for the greatest number of students.
Can I direct my donation to only benefit DAV Montessori & Elementary School?
Yes. DAVMES operates as an independent and secular educational institute in compliance with the State of Texas educational standards. We are affiliated with Arya Samaj Greater Houston (ASGH), a 501(c)3 nonprofit umbrella organization. All donations received via the website Giving page are automatically designated for DAVMES exclusively. All gifts and contributions that are marked for DAVMES via ASGH are fully tax-deductible.
What is the Governance and Management structure?
The program is managed by a dedicated Program Administrator. There is also a Governance committee that meets regularly to review program objectives and progress.
Will there be updates on how funds are being used?
Absolutely, we will publish an annual presentation. We want to make sure all donors understand how their contributions are being used to the benefit of the students and community, and everyone will receive annual updates.
Can I request a personal meeting to discuss my contributions or ideas?
Yes. We welcome discussions. Please reach out to us and we can arrange a time for you to visit the campus or coordinate a phone call.
What is the Leadership Circle?
Contributors at the Vajra – Diamond level and above are invited to special Leadership presentations during the school year to get updates on the program and participate in feedback and discussion of school investments and prioritization.
What is the Parents Teachers Advisory (PTA)?
The PTA is made of up school parents and teachers that have been nominated by DAVMES Leadership. The PTA works on special projects, events and supports the school through volunteer efforts across a wide variety of initiatives. The PTA also advises on school priorities and gives recommendations to DAVMES.
What are the ways I can donate to the Yajna Circle?
We are currently setting up the online forms and technology. Current donations can be made by check or special arrangement with us. We will offer multiple convenient giving methods to suit our donors:
- Check or Cash: You can donate via personal check or cash. Many donors simply drop off checks at the school office or mail them.
- Credit/Debit Card: We accept credit card donations, including online payments. This is a fast and easy way to contribute using our secure online giving portal.
- Bank Transfer (ACH): We can provide routing details for ACH transactions directly from your account.
- Pledges/Installments: You may make a pledge, a commitment to give a certain amount, and pay it over time. This allows you to stretch your gift across the year while still achieving a higher impact level.
- Recurring Gifts: Some donors set up a recurring monthly donation via credit card or bank draft. A modest automatic gift each month can add up to significant support over the year, and you can cancel or adjust at any time.
- Gifts of Stock or Securities: We can accept appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Donating stock can provide tax advantages. Contact us for brokerage instructions if you’d like to make a stock gift.
- Other Assets: Because we operate under a nonprofit, we can also facilitate other types of non-traditional contributions. If you have a unique giving method in mind, our team is happy to work with you to accommodate it.
No matter the method, every gift counts and will be acknowledged. If you need assistance with any giving option, our staff will gladly help provide the necessary information or paperwork.
Does DAVMES accept employer matching gifts?
Absolutely. If your employer offers a matching gift program, check with your Human Resources department or corporate giving portal to see if your company will match charitable contributions. We are happy to provide any documentation needed to complete the match and will confirm receipt with your employer. Matching gifts are credited to you for recognition purposes; you’ll get full donor credit for the combined amount of your gift plus the company’s match when we determine your giving level.
Can my company or family sponsor an event like the Annual School Appreciation Event or other initiatives?
Yes. We welcome both corporate and family sponsorships for school events and special programs. The Annual School Appreciation Event, our yearly gathering to celebrates our student’s performance and achievements and to thank supporters, offers sponsorship opportunities where an individual, family, or business can underwrite part of the event. We have various cultural and academic events throughout the year, sponsoring an event is a great way to engage with the school community and can provide positive visibility for businesses. We also have opportunities to sponsor other initiatives, and we invite local businesses to partner with us in ways that align with their philanthropic goals. For instance, companies have sponsored tables or activities at school functions gaining an opportunity to celebrate the school’s mission and connect with our community. If you’re interested in sponsorship, please contact us to discuss sponsorship packages and recognition benefits.
Can my company or family sponsor some of the initiatives or special programs in the Strategic Investment Plan?
Yes. We welcome your perspectives and would be pleased to engage in discussions. As this is a
transformational period for us as we execute on our 3-5 year Strategic Plan, there will be a
broad range of investments that need to be detailed and prioritized. Your input into these
areas can be valuable, and your sponsorship will have great impact. We can also discuss how
you would like to be recognized, we have a number of recognition avenues and can also discuss
special arrangements.
What are the giving levels (tiers) in the Yajna Circle program?
The Yajna Circle recognizes donors in multiple tiers, each with a special name rooted in Sanskrit to honor the donor’s contribution. Giving levels are determined by your total donation amount. They range from our entry-level supporters to our transformational philanthropists. The tiers and their minimum annual gift amounts are:
- Mitra (Friend) – $51+
- Tamra (Copper) – $251+
- Rajat (Silver) – $1,001+ Swarna (Gold) – $2,501+
- Vajra (Diamond) – $5,001+
- Yajman (Patron) – $10,001+
- Param Yajman (Grand Patron) – $25,001+
- Adi Sthapaka (First Builder) – $100,001+
If I donate in installments or make multiple gifts, will they count toward a higher tier over time?
Yes. We track your cumulative giving, so you can achieve a higher tier through multiple contributions. All gifts you make including any employer matching funds are added together for recognition purposes. For example, if you initially give $100, qualifying as a Mitra — Friend, and later donate another $151, your total of $251 would elevate you into the Tamra — Copper tier.. We update donor tier status as additional gifts come in. We want to encourage participation at whatever pace is comfortable; as your cumulative donations grow, we will proudly advance you to the corresponding Circle level and acknowledge you accordingly.
How will my gift be recognized? What benefits do supporters receive at each level?
Every donor is appreciated and acknowledged. All Yajna Circle supporters, regardless of level, receive a formal thank-you letter/receipt and an acknowledgment of their tax-deductible gift. Donor names are then added to our Yajna Wall of Honor, both on our website and a physical display at school listing supporters in each giving tier. Being listed on the Yajna Wall is a way to permanently recognize your generosity in the company of others who have given at similar levels. In addition, we celebrate donors at special events: for example, Yajna Circle members are invited as honored guests to the Annual School Appreciation Event, where we publicly thank those who have given to support the school. With your permission, we may have social media recognition for your contributions. We occasionally present special tokens of appreciation, like student art, plaques or certificates, to major donors, and all donors are kept informed through updates about how their funds are making a difference.
Can I choose to remain anonymous or opt out of public recognition?
Certainly. We understand that some donors prefer privacy. If you do not wish to be listed on the Yajna Wall of Honor or in any publications, you can give anonymously. Even if you opt for no public recognition, you will still receive a receipt and personal acknowledgment letter privately.
Can I choose how my name is presented?
Yes, you may choose how your name is displayed. Some supporters prefer to be recognized as a
family, The Sharma Family, or through a company name, while others use an individual’s name.
The Yajna Circle is about including you in a way that aligns with your wishes while still allowing
us to express our appreciation appropriately.
Are donations tax-deductible? Will I receive a receipt for IRS purposes?
Yes. DAV Montessori & Elementary School’s fundraising operates under Arya Samaj Greater Houston, which is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This means that your contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of U.S. law. For every donation, you will receive an official acknowledgment letter/receipt that includes our nonprofit details, your donation amount, and a statement that no goods or services were provided in exchange in compliance with IRS guidelines. You can use this receipt for claiming a charitable deduction on your income tax return. Always consult your tax professional for specifics for your situation.