Annual Fund
Leadership Gifts and Giving Levels
Head's Circle: $25,000 +
Stewards and Supporters will be listed by their relationship to DVFriends (parent, alum, etc.)
What is the DVFriends Annual Fund, and how is it different from other fundraising at the school?
The Annual Fund bridges the gap between tuition revenue and the actual cost of educating students. This means that the Annual Fund supports things like:
- Faculty salaries
- Financial aid
- Technology for classrooms
- Athletics
- Arts
What size gift should I make?
All gifts are important to the school, so make a gift of whatever size is comfortable for you. For all parents and grandparents who are new to the school, there is a suggested amount in the first Annual Fund letter you receive from us. However, you may be more comfortable with a smaller gift, or perhaps you can afford to make a larger gift. Last year, Annual Fund gifts ranged from $20 to $25,000.
I receive tuition assistance from the school. Does it send the wrong message if I make a gift to the Annual Fund?
I pay full tuition. Why should I make an additional gift on top of that?
Tuition does not cover the full cost to educate a student. Charitable gifts bridge the gap between tuition and actual costs. This means that every family benefits from gift income, regardless of how much tuition they are responsible for.
In 2019-20, tuition in the Upper School was $40,190, and the actual cost to educate a student was $48,129. That means that the school covered $7,940 in costs for every student. Gifts help cover these additional costs for all families, even those paying full tuition.
I already give in other ways, like through EITC/OSTC, or by attending fundraising events. Why should I make a gift to the Annual Fund, as well?
Many of our other giving opportunities are restricted for a specific use. For example, all funds raised through tax credit programs (EITC/OSTC) support tuition assistance; funds raised through Lighting the Way may support different needs each year.
Funds raised through the DVFriends Annual Fund, on the other hand, are unrestricted and can be used for whatever the school needs most at any given time. They can support unexpected needs quickly, and help DV stay competitive with teacher’s salaries, classroom technology, and more.
I can't afford a big gift. How can I make my gift go farther?
Check to see if your employer offers to match gifts. There is a tool on the DV website you can use to look it up: http://www1.matchinggifts.com/dvfs
Consider setting up a monthly recurring gift at dvfriends.org/gift. Splitting your gift into smaller monthly amounts may allow you to make a larger overall gift for the year, since it's not all coming at once.
What Were DVFriends' revenue sources last year?
Who are Bayard Rustin and Lucretia Mott?
