Friends School of Baltimore

Annual Fund

Frequently Asked Questions

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How can I make a gift?

Gifts may be made by

  • Donate online by visiting our Online Giving page;
  • Calling the development office directly at 410.649.3206;
  • Mailing a gift to:     Development Office
                                5114 North Charles Street
                                Baltimore, MD 21210

We accept

  • Cash
  • Check (made payable to "Friends School of Baltimore")
  • Credit Cards (Visa/MasterCard/Discover/American Express)
  • Appreciated Securities
  • Stock

Increasingly, businesses and corporations are contributing to our Annual Fund through their matching gift programs.  Not sure if your employer participates in a matching gift program?

Check the matching gift program database>>

Will I be solicited?

Yes. Each year, all members of the Friends School community are asked to help support this critical effort. The Annual Fund is the basis for all development undertakings at the School. Both dollars raised and the percentage of participation within each constituency is what help us reach our goal. If you receive a call from one of our dedicated volunteers, please give generously.

Where does my money go?

Annual Fund gifts support all areas of the School, and are unrestricted in nature in order for the contributions can be used where they are most urgently needed. The areas receiving Annual Fund gifts include academic, professional development, computers and technology, athletic, and arts programs, financial aid, facilities maintenance and special projects.

Can I direct my gift to aid in certain areas?

You may direct your gift to any of the areas encompassed by the Annual Fund such as Science, the Arts, Humanities, Foreign Language, Athletics, Financial Aid, or Faculty Salaries.

Are there giving levels?

Yes. The giving levels at Friends are as follows:

   George Fox Society  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50,000 and above
   Park Avenue Associates  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25,000-$49,999
   Eli M. Lamb Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $10,000-$24,999
   Headmaster’s Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,000-$9,999
   1784 Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $2,500-$4,999
   Scarlet and Gray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000-$2,499
   Third Century . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $500-$999
   Lantern Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250-$499

Is my gift tax deductible?

Yes. Your gift is fully tax deductible.

How can I help with the fundraising efforts of Friends?

We are always searching for volunteers to give some of their time. There are several ways in which you can volunteer for the Annual Fund:

  • Phonathon Volunteer: Phonathons are a good way to meet other volunteers, staff, and administration and support the fundraising efforts of the School.  There are six nights of calling in the fall, and several more in the spring.
  • Alumni Class Agent: This group of Alumni is responsible for the fundraising efforts of their classmates, specifically for the Annual Fund. Class Agents participate in phonathons  and solicit their classmates by phone, written correspondence, and/or e-mail.
  • Annual Fund Steering Committee Member: This committee meets once a month during the school year and is integral in the planning and implementation of the Annual Fund. Each member is responsible for several leadership solicitations. Committee members participate in phonathons, represent the Annual Fund at various school activities, and are active in representing the School in the community and beyond.
  • Development Grade Chair: Development Grade Chairs are responsible for educating other parents in their children’s grades about the Annual Fund. Working closely with the Annual Fund Director, they participate in phonathons, recruit other parents to do likewise, and are advocates of the Fund and the positive impact it has on our students and faculty.
  • Senior Family Gift Committee Member: All senior parents are invited to participate as members of the Senior Family Gift Committee. Volunteers communicate directly with other senior parents and students to determine a meaningful project and then oversee the planning and solicitation of gifts to fund it.  Past projects have included scholarships, visiting scholar programs, new courtyards, and campus renovations such as the Upper School Library and the Greenway steps.

Annual Fund Growth

Annual Funds play not only a financial role, but also a role of showing support.  Giving to the Annual Fund is a way of showing loyalty to the School.  The Annual Fund augments the School's operating budget, thus providing funds for critical components of School programs.  Across campus you can see how Annual Fund dollars have been put to work helping everyone in the Friends School community – with classroom supplies, athletic equipment, musical instruments, and of course student financial aid.  As the budget increases, so does the need for gift dollars.  Participation is essential to our community and our dedicated families continue to demonstrate their support of Friends School.

Annual Fund Growth Chart

 

Friends School of Baltimore Since 1784 | 5114 North Charles Street | Baltimore, MD 21210 | 410.649.3200