Annual Fund Q & A

The Annual Fund Q&A

For more information, visit www.thacher.org/annualfund

What does the Annual Fund support?

Day-to-day life at Thacher. Each year the Annual Fund contributes almost 15 percent of Thacher’s revenue. This is critical to support the operations of the School as the gap between tuition and the true cost of a Thacher education is about $20,000/year. The Annual Fund (and the draw on Thacher’s endowment) cover this gap to provide for the excellence in all areas of school life. The Annual Fund contributes about $3 million each year for Thacher’s operating expenses including faculty salaries and financial aid.

Endownment Income 25%

Annual Fund 15%

Tuition 55%

Other 5%

Where does my donation go? What does it buy? $10 buys an advisee dinner $25 buys a soccer ball $50 buys a camping backpack $100 buys a pair of riding boots $250 buys a trimester of books.

For more information, visit www.thacher.org/annualfund

How do I become a Gift Club member?

HEAD’S CIRCLE Gifts of $25,000 and above SHERMAN DAY THACHER ASSOCIATES Gifts of $10,000 to $24,999 PEGASUS SOCIETY Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999 CHAMBERED NAUTILUS SOCIETY Gifts of $2,500 to $4,999 CASA DE PIEDRA SOCIETY Gifts of $1,000 to $2,499 DIAMOND HITCH CLUB Gifts of $250 to $999; or $100 to $999 before 10th reunion

These generous donors are recognized each year in our Annual Report.

Do smaller gifts really make a difference?

In 2013-14, gifts under $100 added up to cover the salary of one of our dedicated faculty members. These gifts also helped Thacher achieve one of the highest alumni participation rates in the country (58.6 percent).

For more information, visit www.thacher.org/annualfund

Want to give to something specific?

While we encourage “unrestricted gifts” to be used wherever budget needs are greatest, you are welcome to direct your gift. Please consider the following areas:

• Financial Aid/Scholarships

• Faculty

• Horse

• Technology

• Environmental

Salaries

and Camping/Outdoor Programs Initiatives

When shall I give?

Thacher’s fiscal year is July 1–June 30. The sooner you give each year, the less often you will receive solicitations.

However, regardless of whether you give in September, December, or June, we are always grateful and honored to receive your gift each year.

For more information, visit www.thacher.org/annualfund

Why give to Thacher?

“I give out of nostalgia, shared memories and a fundamental belief that education serves the greater good.” ~ Freeman Ford CdeP 1959 “I give to Thacher because the longer I have been away from my time there, the more I realize how formative, influential, and unique those years have been and will continue to be in my life. The attachment to those experiences and people is stronger than almost any other and, by giving back, I hope to be able to support the idea that Thacher will continue to be ‘that place’ for many more individuals for years to come.” ~ Erin Blankenship CdeP 2000 “I give because Thacher is the best! Seriously. Pride is my number one reason but also because it makes me feel connected and still a part of the community. Like that time of my life didn’t end when I left the campus.

And because of all the amazing people I still have in my life that I met at CdeP.” ~ Mandy Sonenshine CdeP 1996 “My husband and I give to the School because we love the place! Now that we have children and are paying for the cost of private elementary school, the importance of supporting these institutions becomes even more clear.

Large or small donations, we believe it shows our support of the School.” ~ Diana Lewis and Liam Callahan CdeP 1984 “Thanks for the great work that Thacher does for the world. With all the challenges ahead - global warming, nuclear proliferation, wars caused by food shortages caused by global over-population–all of us are going to need leaders who can THINK. Sure, I could send fifty bucks a month to feed a few starving kids in Africa. OR, I can send fifty bucks a month to Thacher in the hopes that one of your better thinkers can figure out how to feed all of us.” ~ Jane Penny Knox CdeP 1966

For more information, visit www.thacher.org/annualfund

Who gives to the Annual Fund?

23% – Parents of Alumni & Friends

36% – Alumni

36% – Parents

1% – Corporations & Foundations 4% – Grandparents

Annual Fund support has an impact. $3.3 million was raised last year from the five sources shown above.

For more information, visit www.thacher.org/annualfund

Where do we stand?

For the past few years, 55 percent or more of the alumni body gave annually to support Thacher. In 2013-14, 58.6 percent contributed over $1 million to the Annual Fund to support Thacher’s excellence.

Here’s how our percentage compares to peer schools in 2013-14—Cate: 43, Middlesex: 49, Deerfield: 34, St. Paul’s: 44, Andover: 43, Exeter: 49, Groton: 45, Taft: 41, Hotchkiss: 40.

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

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ac M her i dd Sc Ph le illi se hoo p l x Ex Sc et h er o Ac ol a G de ro m to y n Sc C h St . G ate ool Sc eo h rg e’s ool Sc Th Ta hoo e H ot ft S l ch ch ki ss ool Sc ho o Ph Dee l illi rfi ps e An ld St .P do au ve l’s r Sc h St . A ool nd re ws

1%

For more information, visit www.thacher.org/annualfund

How can I donate?

Mail a check or credit card # to : The Thacher School 5025 Thacher Road

Ojai, California 93023.

Donate online by credit card at: www.thacher.org/giving

(In monthly installments if you’d prefer).

Find out if your company has a matching gift program at www.matchinggifts.com/thacher/.

Research our Boot Hill planned giving program to see how it can benefit you and Thacher at www.thacher.org/iwill.

For more information, visit www.thacher.org/annualfund

5025 THACHER ROAD OJAI, CALIFORNIA 93023 805-640-3201 FAX 805-640-9377 www.thacher.org/annualfund