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What is the Fund for Friends?

The Fund for Friends, also referred to as Annual Giving, serves as the base support for the School. Tuition does not cover the full cost of a Friends Seminary education. Simply put, the Fund makes up the shortfall between tuition and endowment income, and the actual costs of a Friends education. Every independent school, college and university has this gap. Gifts to the Fund for Friends are applied directly into the current year. 

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How does the Fund for Friends help the School?

Unrestricted funds go where they are needed most. More specifically, the Fund for Friends gifts are directed to the operating budget to help fund financial aid for one in four students, pay competitive faculty salaries and support programs and activities like science and computer equipment, athletic programs, innovative curricula, community service programs, music and drama productions, and special events, such as Peace Week.

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Why is annual giving important?

Every Friends student benefits from the generosity of our Annual Giving contributors because tuition does not cover the real cost of a Friends education. Tuition covers only 85% of the operating budget, so we rely on the Fund for Friends to make up the shortfall. The gap per student in 2017-18 is $5,978 not covered by tuition and fees.

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Why is participation so important?

High donor participation is a testament to our strength as an institution. It reflects the loyalty and support of our constituents, and serves to provide a sustained pool of donors for the operating budget of the School. All members of the community are asked to contribute to the Fund for Friends as their means allow. Through the Fund for Friends, all alumni, parents, grandparents and friends can express their philanthropic commitment to Friends and make a gift that is personally meaningful. In 2016-17, we achieved a record highs of 92% parent participation and 90% faculty and staff participation.

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For more information on giving to the Fund for Friends, click here