Why does it matter if alumni give back to Buckley? Isn’t annual giving the responsibility of the families of current students?
Just as your university or college has an annual giving program that is evaluated in part based upon alumni support, we too are evaluated during our accreditation process and by other outside entities based on our alumni involvement and financial support. It is seen as an indication of how much alumni value their educational experience at Buckley.
I can’t give a big gift. Will a small gift matter to Buckley?
Gifts of all sizes matter. The act of giving is important because contributions of all sizes add up to big differences in our students’ lives and the viability of Buckley. We urge you to give what you can. It is about your participation and your voice of support for the quality of education you received, not the amount.
My parents paid a lot for me to attend Buckley. Why should I give?
When you attended Buckley, your tuition paid for only ninety percent of your education. Parents, grandparents and alumni made contributions then to ensure that funds were available to meet the annual budget. Buckley’s model of education is an expensive one, particularly because we offer a K-12 experience. Not only do we have music, drama, dance, art, athletics and academics in the Lower School, we also have wonderful Middle School and Upper School athletics, performing and visual arts, academic programs and a robust list of AP courses for our Upper School students. Furthermore, our student to teacher ratio is exceptionally small. Seventy percent of the annual budget is spent on faculty and staff salaries and benefits.
Giving to Buckley’s endowment offers a permanent way to ensure that Buckley will continue to be a school of which you can be proud.
Where will my gift go?
We would like to ask for your support of the school’s endowment. Although Buckley has been in existence for more than 75 years, our endowment is significantly smaller than the nationally recommended amount for schools of our age and size. An endowment fund is one where the principal donation is maintained in perpetuity and a portion of the annual investment return is spent on the highest priorities of the school, including faculty support, campus improvements and financial aid. We hope that providing for Buckley’s long term future is meaningful for alumni.
Will a gift to the endowment support the Campaign for Buckley?
Yes, the Campaign for Buckley includes both a capital and endowment component. The endowment component has a goal to raise $2.5 million and is chaired by former Head of School Walter Baumhoff and current Trustee and grandson of Dr. Buckley, Blaise Simqu. Donations of any size that support the endowment count toward the campaign goal and will be recognized in campaign publications.
What happened to the WINGS scholarship?
The WINGS scholarship was designed to cover the cost of tuition for a deserving Upper School student who might not otherwise be able to afford a Buckley education. For the past several years, the level of funding has not been high enough to subsidize the education of a WINGS scholar for four years. While our long-term goal is to endow the WINGS scholarship fund, contributions will be distributed when financially feasible.
Why do you solicit alumni so frequently?
We ask alumni to give once per school year. Most likely, other non-profit organizations with which you’re affiliated ask more often!
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