GUIDE TO
Philanthropy Statement
PHILANTHROPY AT BURKE'S IS A REFLECTION OF OUR COMMITMENT OF EMPOWERING GIRLS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.
WE STRIVE TO CREATE A CULTURE OF GIVING THAT IS INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE TO ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY, REGARDLESS OF BACKGROUND OR CIRCUMSTANCE. THROUGH PHILANTHROPY, WE AIM TO PROVIDE OUR STUDENTS WITH THE RESOURCES, OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORT THEY NEED TO THRIVE ACADEMICALLY, SOCIALLY AND EMOTIONALLY.
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE GENEROSITY OF OUR DONORS, VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS WHO SHARE OUR VISION AND HELP MAKE OUR MISSION A REALITY. TOGETHER, WE ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE LEADERS, THINKERS AND CHANGEMAKERS OF TOMORROW, AND WE ARE PROUD TO BE A PART OF SUCH A VIBRANT AND CARING COMMUNITY.
Fostering a Culture of Philanthropy
At Burke’s, we take immense pride in our vibrant and inclusive community, fueled by a strong culture of philanthropy. The generosity of our community members plays a pivotal role in sustaining the exceptional learning environment we provide for our students. Your contributions enable us to uphold competitive teacher salaries, offer significant financial assistance to families, maintain an innovative curriculum and ensure our facilities meet the evolving needs of both students and educators.
Why Your Support MATTERS
EMPOWERING TEACHERS
Your generosity directly supports our dedicated teaching staff by ensuring they receive competitive salaries. This commitment to our educators allows us to attract and retain the best talent, creating an enriching educational experience for our students.
INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY
Philanthropic contributions make a significant impact on our Collaborative Tuition Program, to make a Burke’s education accessible to a diverse range of students.
INNOVATIVE CURRICULUM
MODERN FACILITIES
Your support ensures our campus facilities are designed to meet the evolving needs of our teachers and students, providing inspiring learning environments for a variety of learners.
We strive to be at the forefront of girls’ education. Your contributions fuel our commitment to developing and maintaining an innovative curriculum that prepares our students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
DIVERSE Fundraising Opportunities
Burke’s offers a range of diverse and meaningful fundraising opportunities, providing avenues for all members of our community to contribute. Whether you are a current parent, grandparent, parent of an alumnae or an alumnae yourself, there are various ways to get involved. We strive for 100% parent participation in all fundraising and communitybuilding initiatives, and our community’s robust involvement is a testament to the collective commitment we share.
Every Gift Makes a DIFFERENCE
We believe in the power of collective giving. Regardless of the size of your contribution, every gift is meaningful, impactful and deeply appreciated. Your generosity directly contributes to the advancement of Burke’s mission, reinforcing our dedication to providing an exceptional education for every student.
Ways to Give Fundraising Events
ANNUAL FUND
Make a direct impact by contributing to the Annual Fund, which plays a crucial role in supporting a variety of initiatives at Burke’s. Your participation in the Annual Fund contributes to nearly 10% of the school’s annual operating budget.
THIS ESSENTIAL FUND SUPPORTS:
Academic Programs
Ensuring a challenging, dynamic and innovative curriculum for our students.
Collaborative Tuition Program
Teacher Professional Development
Investing in the growth and expertise of our dedicated teaching staff and faculty.
Designed to provide financial access to our school through reduced tuition to qualifying families; making a Burke’s education accessible to a diverse range of students.
Campus Maintenance
Preserving the charm and functionality of our classrooms and beloved 3.5-acre campus.
Support Burke’s Parents’ Association’s major fundraising and communitybuilding events each year:
FAMILY FESTIVAL (FALL):
A joyful event that brings more than 2000 people together in the spirit of fun.
BURKE’S BENEFIT (SPRING):
An impactful gathering that supports crucial programs for student financial assistance and faculty and staff professional development.
BURKE’S DASH (SPRING):
A semi-competitive family walk/ run that not only promotes physical activity but also raises funds for physical education and athletics.
Capital Campaign
Capital campaigns have played a transformative role in shaping the Burke’s campus into the unique and treasured place it is today. These campaigns have not only enhanced our physical surroundings but have also grown our endowment to support exceptional teachers, a robust Collaborative Tuition Program and an innovative curriculum that sets Burke’s apart.
The success of our capital campaigns is a testament to the dedication and generosity of the Burke’s community. Your support has a lasting impact on the present and future generations of students, faculty and the entire Burke’s community.
Burke’s Endowment
Consider leaving a lasting legacy by contributing to Burke’s Endowment, which supports the long-term sustainability and growth of the school. A robust, well-managed endowment shields Burke’s from unpredictable external forces such as economic downturns, fluctuations in philanthropy, demographic changes and unforeseen challenges. A strong endowment is the hallmark of a respected and enduring institution.
Many of our families and alumnae have chosen to establish named endowment funds to honor loved ones or celebrate their family’s legacy. Additionally, each year the graduating eighth-grade class creates the Eighth Grade Class Endowment Fund, ensuring their impact continues to benefit future generations of Burke’s students.
Volunteer Opportunities
Your time and talents are needed!
As members of the Burke’s Parents’ Association, your participation is crucial in helping us achieve our community goals each year. Volunteering is a fantastic way to connect with other community members, have fun and make a real impact on our school. We encourage you to get involved in any way that suits your skills, interests and availability. Whether you have a few hours to spare or can commit to a regular role, your contribution is valuable and appreciated. Join us in making a difference at Burke’s!
Room Parent
Communicate with parents and organize occasional classroom activities to support the teacher and enhance the students’ experience.
Event Planning
Organize and assist with school events such as fundraisers, community events and teacher appreciation days.
Field Trip Chaperone
Supervise and support students during school field trips to ensure safety and enhance their learning experience.
Lunch Volunteer
Assist in serving lunch to students, ensuring a smooth and efficient mealtime experience.
Fundraising
Participate in or lead fundraising efforts to support school programs and initiatives.
Guest Speaker
Share your expertise or experiences with students by giving presentations or leading workshops.
Library Assistant
Help manage the library by shelving books and assisting the librarians.
Family Readers
Read with students to help improve their literacy skills and foster a love for reading.
We encourage you to explore these opportunities and remember that you can customize a volunteer position to align with your unique skills, knowledge and time constraints, ensuring a fulfilling and impactful experience.
How to Participate
Review our diverse fundraising initiatives to find a cause that resonates with you. Explore Opportunities
Engage with the Community
Attend events, volunteer for a committee and connect with fellow community members who share a passion for Burke’s.
Make a Gift
Your contribution, whether big or small, is a valuable investment in the continued success of Burke’s. Visit burkes.org/give to make a gift today.
BURKE’ ANNUAL GIVING LEVELS:
Visionaries Circle
($50,000 and above)
Founders Circle
($25,000 - $49,999)
Second Century Society
($20,000 - $24,999)
Legacy Leaders
($10,000 - $19,999)
*Patrons Circle
($7,500 - $9,999)
Century Circle
($5,000 - $7,499)
Green & Gold Scholars
($1,500 - $4,999)
Burke’s Boosters (Up to $1,499)
*Our Leadership Circle is made up of donors at the Patrons Circle and above.
Thank you for being an integral part of our philanthropic community at Burke’s.
Your support ensures that we can continue to empower the next generation of leaders and provide an exceptional educational experience for all our students.
OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Giving Timeline
ANNUAL FUND
Pledge by October 31 Leadership Donor Event
There are 400 ways to be a Burke’s girl and 1000s of ways to support Burke’s.
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY
BENEFIT
Pledges Due by May 15 Tickets on Sale Benefit April 5
