Brookwood School It Starts Here.

What is the Annual Fund? Why do we need the Annual Fund at Brookwood?

The Annual Fund is a yearly fundraising campaign, providing unrestricted dollars to the School’s current operating budget. Tuition covers 82% of the operating budget. Therefore, the Annual Fund is vital to helping make up the difference- the difference being more opportunities and stronger programs for our students and faculty. Brookwood needs gifts from you— our parents, grandparents, alumni/ae and friends— to balance the operating budget and to close the gap of $4,335 (between tuition and what it actually costs to educate each Brookwood student.)

Why not raise tuition?

Minimizing the annual increase in tuition makes Brookwood School more accessible to a wider population. A successful Annual Fund is one way for Brookwood to support a student body that is diverse and multi-talented.

What is the Bridge* level of giving?

The Bridge, $4,335, is the difference between tuition and what it actually costs to educate a Brookwood student.

Who supports the Annual Fund?

The Annual Fund is a community effort and broad participation makes the campaign a success. Every member of the Brookwood community— current parents, alumni/ae, past parents, grandparents and friends— is asked to give generously. In FY09, Brookwood faculty had a 100% participation rate of giving. We hope that every member of the community will make Brookwood a philanthropic priority.

Why does Brookwood need to raise these funds on an annual basis?

Brookwood would need to increase its endowment by $11.5 million in order to replicate the monies raised by the Annual Fund each year.

How is the Annual Fund different from capital giving?

The Annual Fund supports expenses in the School’s annual operating budget. Capital giving supports expenses for construction projects and/or special programs. Annual funds help Brookwood live. Capital funds help us grow.

How are Annual Fund dollars spent? Can I designate how my gift is used?

Annual Fund dollars are unrestricted and will be used where needs and priorities are greatest. It should be noted that the Annual Fund supplements the general operating budget; it does not fund “extra” items. The School’s budget funds everything from faculty salaries and student financial aid to classroom materials, extracurricular supplies and facility operations. Gifts designated to a specific purpose not included in the regular operating budget are considered “restricted” and must be approved by the administration.

How much should I give?

Only you and your family can decide what this amount will be. From year to year, you may vary your support based on current circumstances. It is our goal to have everyone participate each year at a level at which they feel comfortable. Every gift at every level counts.

Why should I consider increasing my donation to the Annual Fund from the previous year?

Because the cost of living increases each year with inflation, the Annual Fund must also increase.
If your gift remains the same annually, its impact diminishes as the cost of a Brookwood education increases with the rate of inflation.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

All gifts are tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt for your gift. All gifts received by June 30 will be credited towards this Annual Fund’s fiscal year.