FAQ

FAQ

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What is the Stevenson Fund? Hide

The Stevenson Fund supports the operating budget of the school with annual, unrestricted gifts. While 85% of the annual budget comes from tuition, the balance is reached through annual gifts and interest from the endowment. Annual giving is a vital component of Stevenson’s $16 million operating budget, raising $1,095,349 (5% of the budget) in 2006-2007. The goal for 2007-2008 is $1 million and 20% participation from alumni and 60% participation from parents.

What is an “unrestricted” gift? Hide

Unrestricted gifts provide Stevenson with discretion to use the funds to meet the general institutional priorities of the school. Unrestricted gifts to Stevenson provide 3% of the total operating budget.

Where does the money to the Stevenson Fund go? Hide

The Stevenson Fund will provide 5% of the school’s yearly revenue in support of the operating budget. It pays for faculty and staff salaries; utilities and office maintenance; financial aid; library books, periodicals and research materials; laboratory and athletic equipment; and academic and extracurricular programs.

What percent of students receive financial aid? Hide

Eighteen (18) percent of current students receive financial aid.

Doesn’t tuition cover the cost of a Stevenson education? Hide

No. Tuition has never covered the full cost of a Stevenson education, and, in fact, every student has been, in effect, a financial aid recipient. Today, tuition covers only about 85%. All Stevenson students have been subsidized by the generosity of the alumni who have gone before them.

Why is participation important? Hide

A key question on foundation grant applications is the strength of constituent participation in the Stevenson Fund. The support from alumni and parents is a clear measure of the effectiveness and success of Stevenson’s program.

To what causes may my gift be distributed? Hide

You may designate your gift to one of the areas below, or to “wherever the school needs it most.”

• Wherever the school needs it most:
  You may make an unrestricted gift to the Annual Fund, which allows Stevenson to direct your gift to the area in which it will have the most immediate impact.
• Faculty:
  Gifts here enable Stevenson to recruit and retain the best teachers while ensuring competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Scholarship and Financial Aid:
  Donations support the cost of tuition for talented students who would not otherwise be able to attend Stevenson.

Why should I make a gift to Stevenson? Hide

Stevenson’s ability to continue to fulfill our mission depends upon building support for the future. Despite our previous, successful capital campaign and a recently increased endowment as a result, most of our peer institutions enjoy a much larger resource base. Stevenson relies upon philanthropy and income from our endowment to provide nearly 15% of the revenue for annual operating expenses.