The Blake Fund A Guide for Parents and Guardians
Blake is a nonprofit. Blake’s financial model is based on fulfilling year-to-year needs of the school and not on generating profit. All donations are invested directly into educational needs. Philanthropic support is essential. Why does Blake, like most independent schools, ask for philanthropic gifts in addition to tuition? The school relies on four main forms of income: tuition, rentals, endowment and the Blake Fund. Philanthropic gifts contribute to 9% of the annual operating budget, providing $3,000-$4,000 per student in revenue to bridge the gap from what tuition does not cover.
10+90+
Philanthropic gifts contribute to 9% of the annual operating budget, providing $3,000-$4,000 per student in revenue to bridge the gap from what tuition does not cover.
The Blake Fund is an unrestricted annual giving campaign that runs every July 1 through June 30. Blake Fund gifts are equitably distributed throughout the operational budget, supporting comprehensive programs that distinguish Blake as a top educational organization. This offers students choice in a variety of activities that align with their interests. Families can direct their generosity to an area of the Blake Fund that is most meaningful to their children: Arts | Athletics | Student Financial Assistance | Faculty Professional Development | Breakthrough Minneapolis at Blake | Blake’s Greatest Need
What Blake Fund dollars support. Because unrestricted giving supports the annual operating budget, it in turn supports a variety of resources that benefit students’ educational experiences. For instance:
A GIFT OF…
$75
buys one helmet for P.E. ice skating units.
$500
$250
outfits an entire science class with protective goggles.
$1,000
covers repairs for string instruments after one year of use.
supplies lumber for woodshop.
$2,000
$3,000
covers music licensing for one school musical.
supports busing and speakers for a grade-wide field trip.
Parent and guardian giving. All community members are asked to participate in giving. Parents and guardians are stakeholders within the larger school community—when you give it shows you believe in Blake’s mission and values. A high rate of participation is a sign of a healthy independent school. Gifts of all sizes matter. We ask you to give an amount meaningful to you and your family. Participation is key, and Blake strives to have the support of all current families.
Last Year’s Blake Fund Stats (2025-26)
$2.1M
Total Blake Fund dollars raised
1,590+
Community members supported the Blake Fund
440
Total number of families who participated in the Blake Fund
32%
Percentage of Blake Fund dollars raised by parents and guardians
32%
50+
New-to-Blake families participated in the Blake Fund
Making your Blake Fund gift and other FAQs How do I make my gift? Use our secure online giving form at www.blakeschool.org/give. Gifts can also be made through mail, transfer of stock, donor advised fund, wire transfer or matching gift program. Visit the Ways to Give page for more information: www.blakeschool.org/support/ways-to-give. When is Blake’s fiscal year? The fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30. When should I give? The 2026-27 Blake Fund goal is $2.2 million. Please consider making your gift early in the fiscal year. Knowing in the fall we will meet our dollar goal helps us plan responsibly for the remainder of the year. What is Blake’s IRS tax code? Blake is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the IRS tax code EIN 23-7243247. Does Blake have giving levels? Gifts at all levels are important—participation is key. If you would like to learn more about the Blake Fund’s leadership giving levels, please contact Director of Annual Giving Chelsea Unold at 952-988-3442 or cunold@blakeschool.org.
For more information about the Blake Fund and other Advancement initiatives, please contact Director of Annual Giving Chelsea Unold at 952-988-3442 or cunold@blakeschool.org.