Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact Jason Turner, director of annual giving, for further information. Darlington School is a 501(c)3 organization.

What is the Annual Fund?

The Annual Fund is a tax-deductible way for alumni, parents, grandparents and friends to support the school. The Annual Fund is responsible for providing the fiscal support it takes to maintain year-to-year excellence in educational technology and curriculum, faculty development, financial aid for students, and other needs. Tuition and endowment earnings provide just over 90 percent of Darlington’s operating budget. The rest must come from annual gifts.

Since 1968, Darlington has called on its alumni and friends to make an investment in the school’s present students with a gift to the Annual Fund campaign. Annual Fund dollars are unrestricted and are used to fund current operations based on areas of greatest need. However, donors may also direct their gifts to one of four funds that supports the school; these are known as the Family of Funds.

What is the Family of Funds?

Donors now have the option of directing their gifts into one of four funds that supports the school. If you are passionate about faculty development, the Learning Center, or providing financial aid for deserving students, you may now designate your gift into one of these “families.” If you make no designation, then your gift will go to Darlington’s area of greatest need, which may include costs related to curriculum development, technology enhancements, school operations, and other essential programs.

You may direct your donations to one of the following funds:

• Faculty Development Fund
• Learning Center Fund
• Financial Aid Fund
• Darlington’s area of greatest need

Why is my participation important?

Darlington needs every member of the school community to make this institution a charitable giving priority through a gift to the Annual Fund. A high rate of participation is an important measure of the breadth of concern and involvement by the school community. Decisions by foundations and corporations to support our school are positively influenced by strong, broad support. Depending on individual financial circumstances, contributions vary from $5 to $10,000 or more. We ask that each constituent give as generously as possible within his or her means. Darlington needs and appreciates gifts of every size.

What is Darlington’s Annual Fund goal, and how will we reach it?

The goal for the 2009-10 Annual Fund is $1 million. Darlington simply could not have grown into the school it is today without the patronage of the entire Darlington family. The future of Darlington will be equally dependent upon a broad base of support maintained through the Annual Fund. Darlington’s “today” is possible because of the donors and friends of “yesterday.” The responsibility for maintaining and enhancing Darlington’s excellence rests squarely on the shoulders of every member of the community who is a beneficiary of its past or guardian of its future.

I really want to participate in the Second Century Campaign, but I don’t have the financial capacity to make a large donation. How can I participate?

You can participate in the Second Century Campaign by giving to the Annual Fund, which is budgeted to bring in $7.5 million of Darlington’s $90 million campaign goal. Every time you make an Annual Fund donation, you support the vision of the campaign that is transforming Darlington’s future.

What is a matching gift?

Matching gifts are often available from employer’s matching gift programs. Please take the time to ask the Human Resources Office if your employer has one, or click here to check our list of companies that match gifts.

What is a stock gift?

Gifts of common stock can be donated at any time, allowing the donor to receive the fair market value of appreciated securities at the time the gift is made, while avoiding capital gains tax in the appreciated value of the stock.

I would like to make a donation, but I cannot afford to write a check for the full amount all at once. What options do I have?

Your gift does not have to be a one-time payment. You can make multiple payments by check, cash, credit card or transfer of stock. Paying securely by credit card online is an easy option by visiting our giving page. Multi-year pledges are also encouraged.

How long do I have to fulfill my pledge?

Darlington’s current fiscal year runs from June 1 to May 31.