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Annual Fund Options Matching Your Gift Giving Levels
Frequently Asked Questions Q: Where does the Annual Fund money go? A: All money raised for the Annual Fund goes into the operating budget, which means that it pays for the books in the library, the soccer balls, football jerseys, lacrosse sticks, the salary of your favorite teacher or coach, the microscopes in the chemistry lab, and much, much more. Q: How does the Annual Fund fit into Bridgton Academy?s larger financial picture? A: By balancing a healthy Annual Fund with income generated by the endowment, Bridgton Academy is able to keep tuition prices from rising too sharply. At the same time, the proceeds from the Annual Fund give Bridgton Academy an opportunity to attract the best faculty, offer competitive financial aid, support academic programs on campus, and fund the many other initiatives that make a Bridgton Academy educational experience so unique. Q: Why should I contribute to the Annual Fund? A: Contributing to the Bridgton Academy Annual Fund is perhaps the simplest and most important thing you can do to help the school. Your gift - whether it?s $10,000 or $100 - works to make a difference for Bridgton Academy. The Annual Fund is about all of us joining together to make a significant impact for our students and preserving the Bridgton Academy legacy. Through your support, you are demonstrating a spirit of philanthropy that will foster the ideals of future students. Q: Why does my participation matter? A: Participation matters because many foundations only fund schools that demonstrate they are widely supported by their own alumni, parents, and administration. The breadth of commitment for Bridgton Academy among alumni, parents and friends demonstrates a ?vote of confidence? and favorably influences the school?s pursuit of foundation grants. Annual giving participation is also an important measure of our success as gauged in accreditation criteria. For this reason, Bridgton Academy needs and appreciates gifts of every size from all constituencies. Q: If tuition alone doesn?t cover the whole cost of educating each student, why not just raise tuition? A: Raising tuition to such an extent would have two disadvantages: the entire burden would be borne solely by current parents, and such increases would exclude many talented students. Through the Annual Fund we can offer all the supporters of the school (not only current parents) the opportunity to make tax-deductible gifts as they are able. Q: What is the difference between annual giving and capital and/or endowed giving? A: The Annual Fund is used for annual expenses. Capital and endowed are for building and special projects. The Annual Fund helps us live. Capital funds help us grow. Q: How much should we give? A: It is hoped that parents and alumni will give as generously as possible to Bridgton Academy. Every single gift, regardless of the amount, is valued. Even if families receive financial aid, it is hoped that they will make a gift in order to join in the common mission of demonstrating community support for the school. Your Participation Counts There are also many other Bridgton Academy events and programs that require volunteer and financial support; participation in any or all is greatly appreciated. Examples are the commencement auction, golf outings for scholarship, and class gift fundraisers. In addition, Bridgton Academy conducts periodic capital and endowment campaigns. However, the Annual Fund is the core fund-raising activity that provides essential funds for running the school and balancing the budget.
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