Endowment and Special Gifts
The establishment and building of an endowment is especially important for Brownell Talbot for several reasons.
- As an independent school without state or federal funding, Brownell Talbot must rely on tuition, fees, and contributions for both annual operation budgets and capital projects. Annual gifts are raised primarily to support the annual operating budget, while endowment funds are invested for the future. The endowment's principal remains invested; it is only the generated annual interest that is used.
- An endowment has the flexibility to be restricted or unrestricted, thus giving contributors the freedom to designate their gifts.
- An endowment serves as a buffer to unforeseen financial expenditures not covered in an annual operating budget.
- Finally, having an endowment is one way that independent schools can moderate dramatic increases in tuition and still provide a stable annual budget.
An Ongoing Commitment
In 1965, Brownell Talbot leadership turned its focus to the need for a systematic endowment program. In conjunction with this commitment, the Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation established a long-term giving program, which included a financial commitment designated for endowment. This "matching gift" challenge constituted the first major campaign for endowment and was very successful.
The Brownell Talbot Board of Trustees remains dedicated to increasing endowment and improving facilities. They will ensure that new contributions will reflect the same proportion as that of earlier gifts distributed between these two areas. By doing so, they will continue to protect Brownell Talbot's assets and to use them as judiciously as possible.
Memorial Tributes
One of the most gratifying experiences a donor can have is giving a gift in honor or in memory of a loved one. Brownell Talbot is fortunate to have been asked many times to help families honor and memorialize alumni, past parents, grandparents, and friends. When you make a tax-deductible memorial or tribute gift, we will send a note to the family of the person being honored and an acknowledgement to the donor.
Scholarships
Currently, scholarships are awarded to students in grades 7 through 12 based on financial need. Scholarships are important to the school's ability to recruit a talented and diverse student body and enhance the ethnic, socio-economic mix of the school community.
Special Gifts
Operating an independent school, and striving to maintain the excellence in education for which we are known, has real costs. Perhaps you would like to help increase the collection in the James Library, contribute specifically to a program, club, or activity, thank a favorite instructor or support an athletic sport. We welcome the chance to speak with you about these special interests and projects.
Please contact Shannon Gilroy, Executive Director of Advancement, to make your contribution or obtain more information.
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