Taipei American School Wins Bronze for Community Giving Campaign in 2024 CASE Circle of Excellence Awards

In a year of revitalized community spirit, Taipei American School is proud to announce that we have been awarded a bronze ranking in the prestigious 2024 Circle of Excellence Awards, administered by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), for our "3 Weeks to 300" Community Giving Campaign.  

CASE is a global non-profit organization dedicated to educational advancement, supporting schools, universities, and research institutions in developing their fundraising, alumni relations, and communications efforts. CASE has been a valued partner of TAS for many years, offering resources, professional development, and networking opportunities that have helped us strengthen our advancement efforts. From supporting our philanthropic initiatives to helping us effectively communicate our mission and values, CASE has played a crucial role in empowering TAS to grow and thrive as a leading educational institution. 

This recognition in the category of Fundraising | Annual/Regular Giving Campaigns highlights the impactful and collaborative efforts of our community to support the School’s mission.  

The Circle of Excellence awards celebrate exemplary programs in educational advancement. Each year, winners represent the best of the best from around the world, showcasing outstanding work in supporting the growth and success of educational institutions globally. 

These awards recognize exceptional achievement across all areas of advancement, from alumni relations, communications, fundraising, and marketing, with a focus on creativity, innovation, and measurable impact. Projects recognized as part of this competition serve as a benchmark for institutions globally, acknowledging the work that makes a real difference in a school community. 

TAS's award-winning campaign, "3 Weeks to 300," was launched during the 2023-2024 school year by our Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), Ms. Caroline Baugh. After a three-year pause in the Annual Giving Program and General Fund due to the pandemic, Ms. Baugh reignited TAS's fundraising efforts by introducing an unrestricted annual fund. An anonymous donor pledged a matching gift challenge, and the goal was set: to receive 300 gifts in three weeks, unlocking $100,000 USD for TAS.  

Our Advancement Department got to work, and an explosion of creativity and community support followed, with students, employees, parents, guardians, administrators, and Board members joining forces to make this campaign a success. Thanks to this outpouring of support, we reached our target in the second week of the campaign, which prompted an inspiring, additional gift of $25,000 USD if the community could reach a stretch goal of 600 total gifts. 

 What made this campaign particularly meaningful was the way it reestablished a culture of giving at TAS. Through engaging messages, creative events, and inclusive outreach, the campaign communicated a vital message: philanthropy at TAS is about collective impact—every contribution, regardless of size, strengthens our community. By the end of the campaign, over $250,000 USD had been raised from 780 donors, with a 13% increase in parent and guardian participation compared to previous years.  

For CASE judges, the grassroots nature of "3 Weeks to 300" made it stand out. Our Upper School Honors Art students designed a "thermometer" that tracked Tiberius the Tiger, our mascot, as he climbed toward the goal of 300 gifts, bringing a sense of creativity and fun to the campaign. The Advancement Office also set up a "Donation Station" outside the school, where families could take photos, learn more about the campaign, and grab a sticker or pin as a token of appreciation.  

The CASE judges commended TAS for its strong, targeted strategy, citing the campaign's measurable outcomes, creative methodology, and community engagement. They noted that for a small team, the Advancement department executed an impressive plan that successfully reengaged their community post-pandemic and generated notable results. 

As we look ahead to a year of 75th anniversary celebrations and more opportunities to come together as a community, TAS is excited to continue building on this success. The "3 Weeks to 300" campaign and the Circle of Excellence Bronze award are a testament to the power of community-driven philanthropy. We are grateful for the collective effort that made this achievement possible. Together, we are making a lasting impact at TAS!