RaiseRight

Yes, physical gift cards will remain available through our bulk school order program. We will continue to operate on our standard schedule: twice a month from September through May, with the exception of March, which will have only one order date. All order deadlines will continue to fall on Fridays. 

Important Policy Change: Effective September 2026, to streamline our program and improve efficiency, we are moving to a fully digital ordering process.

• All orders must be placed online.
• Families will need an active online account to participate.
• Paper order forms will no longer be accepted.

How to Order Physical Gift Cards

To participate, submit all physical gift card orders through the RaiseRight platform.Deadlines are strictly enforced, and if you miss a cutoff or fail to submit payment by the designated time, your order will be processed during the next scheduled cycle .All payments and orders must be received no later than 9:00 AM on the designated bi-monthly deadline date to be included in that order. You may choose from the following payment methods:

• In-Person: Drop off cash or a check at the school office. Important: All in-person payments must be clearly labeled with your name to ensure they are credited correctly.
• Online: Pay directly through the RaiseRight platform using a linked bank account, or via credit/debit card (note that fees apply).

When and how will I receive my gift cards from a school-wide bulk order?

Orders are due on Fridays, with gift cards ready for distribution by noon the following Friday.Rarely, there can be a delay with the UPS delivery of the order to the school. Please indicate your preferred delivery method on your Participation Agreement Form:

• Sent home with your youngest child (excluding preschool).
• Held at the school office for pickup.

Bulk School Order Schedule

Grandparents, extended family members, and even friends can participate in RaiseRight to help earn tuition credits for your family. When enrolling online, they must list the youngest student’s full name they are supporting.

For students graduating or not returning the following school year, the earning period is 6/1/2026-12/31/2026 and will be applied to your February tuition statement. In order to receive this special mid-year credit, the coordinator MUST be emailed and notified of this request no later than Jan. 1, 2027. Otherwise, no tuition credit will be applied to your account.

Any funds raised that are not designated for a specific student or family, as well as any orders placed by a nonprofit organization, will be donated to the STMCS General Tuition Assistance Fund.

 STMCS Tuition Credit Disbursement: Yearly school earning period is June 1 through May 31

1. Purchases made between 6/1/2026 - 5/31/2027 will be applied and reflected on your July tuition statement.
2. For students graduating or not returning the following school year, the earning period is 6/1/2026-12/31/2026 and will be applied to your February tuition statement. In order to receive this special mid-year credit, the coordinator MUST be emailed and notified of this request no later than Jan. 1, 2027. Otherwise, no tuition credit will be applied to your account.
3. Any rebates that exceed your total tuition costs or that are not allocated for will be donated to the STMCS General Assistance Fund.

Any rebates that exceed your total tuition costs or that are not allocated for will be donated to the STMCS General Assistance Fund.

RaiseRight is a tuition reduction incentive program designed to help offset the cost of your child’s education. By using RaiseRight for your regular household purchases, you earn rebates on everyday spending. These participating retailers provide these rebates as a way to support families and help reduce tuition expenses for your child’s Christian education. If you are already financially secure with your tuition status, you can still participate by allocating your earnings to another family or donating them to the St. Michael Catholic School general fund. It is a wonderful and easy ministry of stewardship. 

The only "catch" is that you need to plan your shopping slightly in advance. However, the RaiseRight app makes this simple: you can purchase an eGift card for many retailers while standing in the store or sitting at a restaurant and redeem it instantly.

Physical gift card orders are not placed during the summer months. You are encouraged to purchase e-gift cards or use reloadable cards through the RaiseRight app for immediate access. 

Yes. Some retailers will quit the program or may have gift cards that are temporarily unavailable. New retailers are added. Discount percentages change. Retailers will often run specials and increase their % discounts - especially around the holidays. ​

No. The cards are purchased on your behalf and cannot be returned. 

Rarely, problems do occur. Usually, this is a result of the merchant (incorrect loading) and not the Great Lakes RaiseRight office. First, please call the phone number listed on the back of your card (if available). Let them know you purchased your gift card from Great Lakes RaiseRight program and the nature of your problem. This usually will fix the problem. If you are unable to resolve your issue or need assistance, please contact the RaiseRight Coordinator (Malorie Ohnstad), so that she can assist you. 

No, they are not tax deductible because you received the dollar for dollar value.