Fund for Avon FAQs

Yes, philanthropy is essential to our stability. The school depends on 14% of the annual operating budget to come from our donors. We are thankful for each of you as well as the diligence and planning of Avon's administration and the Board of Directors for keeping us financially stable.

The "gap" is 14% of the operating budget that is not covered by tuition or the endowment and is funded by the Annual Fund. That amount is approximately $10,000 per student.

Avon's Annual Fund is money raised on an ongoing basis and covers the 14% of day to day costs not fully covered by income generated from tuition or the endowment. Donations are unrestricted, making them flexible and instantly available as sources for student support that can be used when and where it is needed the most. This year, that translates to $3.8 million that needs to be raised.

The Annual Fund helps us to maintain a tuition that is competitive with our peer schools and promotes a diverse student body. All gifts to Avon are tax-deductible.

Avon's Annual Fund directly impacts every aspect of the school and supports a mission and a faculty that empowers boys for lifelong success. Gifts to the Annual Fund ensure that Avon can:

• Develop programs and curriculum that enhance relational, experiential, and active learning in and out of the classroom
• Retain faculty and strengthen professional development and compensation that nurtures our expertise in educating boys
• Provide scholarship support to all boys, regardless of financial need, who embody Avon's values and have academic promise
• Improve our campus and facilities that honor our tradition and inspire excellence in Mrs. Riddle's (Avon's) community
• Support experiences that help our students become successful

100% of our Annual Fund goes toward supporting our faculty and our programs, the lifeblood of our school. The Annual Fund also supports all the operations of the school, including the financial aid program. In 2019-2020 Avon awarded aid in the amount of $5 million to 37% of our students.

Leadership gifts are contributions of $10,000 and higher; they ensure financial sustainability and flexibility for Avon in the future. The portion of the operating budget contributed by the annual fund is approximately $10,000 for every student. To be part of our leadership societies, we ask that you show leadership by giving at or more than the per-student contribution.

Absolutely! Every gift matters. The participation of our entire community is critical to the success of our work. Every student benefits from the Annual Fund. Community support for the Annual Fund reflects the strong culture of philanthropy at our school. Participation is a metric that is used nationally and most easily signifies confidence in Avon. Strong participation can be an indicator for foundations and other organizations that are considering a gift to Avon. Our goal is to reach 100% every year!

Avon would not be the same school without the incredible gifts of time and talent from our community. Even so, Avon relies on support from the Annual Fund to achieve our goals and keep tuition as low and competitive as possible. A participatory gift of any amount is appreciated.

Extra funds are invested in a special reserve, set aside to stabilize Avon's finances by providing a "rainy day savings account" for unexpected needs.

You can make your gift online at www.avonoldfarms.com/givenow or contribute by check, wire transfer, donation of stock, or through your employer's matching gift program. Contact Debra Gordon at (860) 404-4289 with questions. Gifts are tax-deductible.

Yes. A gift made early in the school year is a great advantage to Avon because it enables us to know how much money will be available to support the school's budget; however, we must have all Annual Fund commitments by the close of our fiscal year on June 30. We ask that matching gift pledges be submitted to employers by March 1, 2020.