What is the Brooklyn Friends Fund?
The Brooklyn Friends Fund is the school's annual giving campaign. Each year we ask all of our constituencies- parents, alumni/ae, grandparents, faculty/ staff and friends, to make a voluntary donation to the school at the level most appropriate for them and their family. The money raised through this fund offsets the daily costs of running the school not brought in through tuition.
What areas does the Brooklyn Friends Fund support?
The Brooklyn Friends Fund generally supports the operation of the school- this includes financial aid, faculty salaries and benefits, and the educational program. More specifically, the fund allows us to increase the educational and extracurricular opportunities available to our students, to provide professional development experiences to our dedicated faculty and staff, and to remain up to date in technological and cutting-edge educational resources.
Each donor has the ability to designate his/ her donation to one of the following areas:
- Educational Program
- Financial Aid
- Faculty Salaries
- Areas of Greatest Need
How much do people donate?In the development office we are often asked the amount of a typical donation to the Brooklyn Friends Fund. Our answer is that there is no typical donation. We receive donations of $20,000, as well as donations of $5.00. Every gift regardless of the amount has an impact on the school, is equally valued, and is greatly appreciated because each donation increases participation in the fund. High levels of participation speaks volumes of our communities' belief in the mission of the school and the educational experience that we are providing to students. As the school seeks outside financing organizations to support our expansion, companies and foundations will look at those participation levels as a compelling reason to commit to supporting BFS.
In 2010-2011 the average donation to the Brooklyn Friends Fund was $861.00. There are specific levels of giving to the Brooklyn Friends Fund- anything above $1,867.00 is considered a leadership donation to the school.
Brooklyn Friends Fund Gift Circles:
Meeting House Circle $10,000+
Mary Haviland Circle $5,000- $9,999
Schermerhorn Circle $2,500- $4,999
Founder's Circle $1,867- $2,499
Blue and Gray Circle $750- $1,866
Pearl Street Circle $250- $749
Giving Circle up to $249
What is the fundraising goal for the year?
We change our fundraising goal for each academic year based on the need- the goal for the 2011-2012 Brooklyn Friends Fund is $750,000. With increased giving levels and participation we are confident that we can achieve this high goal in the coming year. As the school continues to expand, fundraising needs to rapidly increase to support the needs of an increasing number of students, faculty and changing physical facility. We hope that each family will join us in supporting this exciting phase in the school's future.
How can you support the Brooklyn Friends Fund?
Donations to the 2011-2012 Brooklyn Friends Fund from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012 can be made in the form of cash, check, credit card (MasterCard or Visa), or appreciated stock. You can call the development office to make a donation over the phone at 718.852.1029 ext 243, send your donation in the mail, or make a gift online at our secure online giving page: http://www.brooklynfriends.org/donate.
You can make payments over the course of the year- monthly or quarterly, to spread the costs over the course of the year.
If you would like to make a stock donation please contact Director of Development, Karen Edelman at 718.852.1029 ext. 206 or kedelman@brooklynfriends.org.