Annual Fund

In these uncertain economic times, the Annual Fund is more important to the school than ever. So far, our participation is down from last year, so every gift, no matter the size, helps us toward our goal.

The Annual Fund ends on June 30, so there is still time to give!

Annual Fund Q&A

Why is Taft an “independent” school?

Taft is a nonprofit organization that operates without financial support from local or federal taxes. It relies on tuition income, annual fund income and endowment income to exist.

Why must money be raised each year in addition to the tuition?

Taft charges tuition that covers only 63 percent of the cost of educating a student. Operating expenses exceed tuition income by $16,873 per student! Income from the Annual Fund and the endowment bridges the gap between tuition income and the operating budget.

What is the Annual Fund Program?

It is a tax-deductible opportunity to support your school. It is a yearly program that starts on July 1 and ends on June 30 (not the calendar year!). All the money raised goes into the operating budget. That means it pays for the books in the library, the soccer balls and baseball bats, the salary for your favorite teacher, the paint brushes and the clay in the art studios, the petri dishes in the chemistry lab, the yearly budget for The Papyrus, the cost of a DJ for a Saturday night dance and much, much more.

What is a matching gift?

The company you work for may match your gift to a nonprofit organization like Taft. It is like free money. And you get credit for it. But they won't tell you. You must ask your employer for the form. (To see if you employer matches charitable gifts, please click here.)

What is the endowment?

Endowment funds are like savings accounts which generate income from the investment of the principle. For example, a gift to the Lance Odden Scholarship is put in the endowment so that it may grow and spin off more and more income as years pass. The principle is not touched. A gift to the endowment is NOT a gift to the Annual Fund.

What is capital giving?

Periodically, the Board of Trustees identifies projects that require large sums of money. Current capital priorities include the new dining hall and renovation of HDT, which, when completed next year, will dramatically improve the quality of life for all of the Taft community. Additionally we are always seeking funding for endowment as it provides meaningful support of our most valuable assets: students, faculty and staff. If you are interested in learning more about contributing to these capital gift opportunities, please call Chris Latham, director of development, at 800-959-8238.

What is the difference between annual giving and capital and/or endowed giving?

The Annual Fund is used for annual expenses. Capital and endowed gifts are for building and special projects. The Annual Fund helps us live. Capital funds help us grow.

How can we make a gift to the Annual Fund?

It's very simple:

1. The easiest way is to call the Alumni Office at 800-959-8238 and use your credit card
2. Or you can write a check to "Taft Annual Fund" and send it to The Taft School, Alumni & Development Office, 110 Woodbury Rd., Watertown, CT 06759.
3. To make a gift of securities, call Amy Gorman at 800-959-8238
4. Or you can make a gift online (totally secure!)

Thank you!