Annual Fund

Rising to the Challenge: 2020-21 Annual Fund Results and Awards

JULY 22, 2021

Taft's Annual Fund is an ongoing fundraising effort managed by the school's Alumni and Development team and realized through the dedication of legions of volunteers and donors. What does that mean? Annual Fund dollars help close the gap between what tuition covers and the true cost of educating a Taft student. During the Annual Fund year running July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, more than 600 volunteers, donors from 38 countries, 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, family, and friends came together to raise $5,760,737 in support of the school's operating budget. From infrastructure upgrades, laboratory materials and teacher salaries, to library books, art supplies, and athletic equipment, the Annual Fund gifts impact the experience of every Taft student, each and every day. And for that we are grateful. 

With guidance and support from the Alumni and Development team, passionate and dedicated volunteers led Taft's 20-21 Annual Fund efforts. Fund Co-Chairs Dylan Simonds '89 and Tamara Sinclair '05, Parents' Fund Chairs Neile and Chad Messer '90, Grandparents' Fund Chair Joanie Dayton, and Former Parents' Fund Chairs Jean and Stuart Serenbetz rallied their respective constituents in support of Taft's mission. For the 29^th consecutive year, at least 90% of current Taft parents made gifts to the school. This year, those gifts totaled $2,614,651, representing 45% of total giving. Alumni gifts, coming from 37% of Taft alumni, added $2,462,380 to the Fund's bottom line. With Taft's operating budget wholly dependent on tuition and philanthropic investment, Annual Fund participation is vital to our school. It is clear that the combined leadership of our volunteers and generosity of our donors continue to make a significant difference in the lives of Taft's students and faculty.

Thank you to all of our volunteers and donors who, during an exceptionally difficult and unusual time continued to "show their love" on Taft's Day of Giving; to the Classes of 2007-20 who reshaped our Young Alumni Challenge this year; to all of the parents who rose to the meet this year's Participation Challenge; and to everyone who gifted our community with their time, talent, or monetary donation large or small during the Annual Fund year. Your dedication and generosity help keep our community strong. 

Questions? Call the Alumni Office at 860.945.7900