Berwick Academy Guide to Philanthropy and Volunteerism
Dear Berwick Academy Community,
The long tradition of philanthropy at Berwick Academy began when the Chadbourne family created a land grant to establish the Academy in 1791, making it the oldest secondary school in Maine Thanks to many generations of supporters, the school has been able to advance its mission of promoting virtue and useful knowledge among the rising generations for over 230 years
Propelled by its aspirational mission and the courage to evolve, Berwick Academy's innovative curriculum prepares students for a rapidly changing world A Berwick education positions students to confidently take on and adapt to the dynamic opportunities that will exist for them in the future This requires the engagement of our entire community
At Berwick Academy, philanthropy and volunteerism are foundational to achieving our mission and vision The School’s robust annual giving program The Berwick Fund is critical to providing the Berwick experience to our students Additionally, our commitment to growing the endowment to ensure that Berwick is able to continue to serve future generations also needs your support Berwick is a family school, and we believe that students thrive when the adults in their lives collaborate to create the optimal learning environment Family involvement and volunteerism are critical in bringing the community and student experience to life
We are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated partners in our community. Together, we create an environment where students thrive and engage deeply in their education Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Berwick Academy and for all the ways you contribute to this remarkable school.
Sincerely,
Amy Smucker Assistant Head of School for External Affairs
The Berwick Fund
The Berwick Fund is the School’s annual giving program that raises critical philanthropic dollars to support the daily operations of the School during the current academic year. It fills the gap between what tuition covers and the actual cost of a Berwick education, supporting the people and programs that make the Berwick experience incredible.
Why is The Berwick Fund necessary?
As an independent school, Berwick Academy does not receive any state or federal funding. The School relies entirely on tuition dollars, an annual draw on interest from the School’s endowment, and charitable donations from the community
Additionally, as with most independent schools, tuition alone does not cover the full cost of educating our students, making additional philanthropic support essential. Each school year, every Berwick student receives at least $2,500 in support from charitable contributions to the School, regardless of their eligibility for Flexible Tuition.
Giving to The Berwick Fund each year is the most effective way for families to make an immediate and significant difference at Berwick. Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a vital role in enriching the lives of our students.
When can I give to The Berwick Fund?
The Berwick Fund launches in September, and concludes on June 30 each year. Early commitments have a powerful effect, so we hope you will consider making your gift or pledge this fall.
In May, the School hosts One Berwick Day of Giving, its largest 24-hour fundraiser for The Berwick Fund. This event is a fantastic and fun opportunity for the community to come together and support the School.
How much should I give to The Berwick Fund?
We simply ask that you give at a level where your passion for the School meets your ability to give. We understand that tuition is a significant investment and every family’s capacity for additional support is different. We just hope that Berwick becomes or remains a philanthropic priority. Gifts of ALL sizes help Berwick reach its financial and participation goals.
If you are interested in figures, please consider the following:
Regardless of Flexible Tuition qualification, Berwick spends an additional $2,500 on average for every student, above the cost of tuition.
Gifts last year were as diverse as our community. Parent/guardian giving ranged from $17.91 to $50,000, and 160 parents/guardians gave $100 or less.
Leadership giving begins at $1,791 and accounts for 85% of total giving to The Berwick Fund each year
How are gifts to The Berwick Fund spent?
The Berwick Fund supports every facet of the Berwick experience including Flexible Tuition, arts, athletics, a culture of innovation, and general school operating costs. You may designate your gift to any of these priorities.
We encourage you to come to campus and check out the Berwick Academy Facebook page, Instagram account, Hilltop Weekly, or Berwick Today magazine to see your investment at work.
The Berwick that students are experiencing today was made possible, in part, by past donors to The Berwick Fund Think of your gift as an opportunity to keep Berwick thriving, not just for current students, but for those yet to come.
— Darby Johnson and Drew Remignanti P’23
For more information about The Berwick Fund, please contact Director of The Berwick Fund Elizabeth Clemence at 207.384.6307 or elizabeth.clemence@berwickacademy.org.
Giving Societies at Berwick Academy
In celebration of Berwick Academy's long-standing tradition of philanthropy, giving societies were established to honor the profound impact of our donors.
The Deloris White Society recognizes the steadfast commitment of those who contribute to The Berwick Fund at any level for three or more consecutive years. With over 350 members, it represents the largest giving society at Berwick Academy
Leadership giving societies recognize donors who make cumulative gifts of $1,791 and above to Berwick Academy in a single fiscal year, while the Chadbourne-Thompson Society honors those who include Berwick Academy in their estate.
Head of School’s Society
Belltower Society
Fogg Society
Hilltop Society
1791 Society
Deloris White Society
Gifts of $50,000 and more
Gifts between $25,000 - $49,999
Gifts between $10,000 - $24,999
Gifts between $5,000 - $9,999
Gifts between $1,791 - $4,999
Consecutive gifts to The Berwick Fund for three or more years
Chadbourne-Thompson Society Bequests and Planned Gifts
For more information about leadership giving, please contact Director of Leadership Giving & Philanthropy Stephanie Caswell at 207.384.6396 or scaswell@berwickacademy.org
Volunteering at Berwick Academy is an invaluable way to support the Berwick community and contribute to a positive learning environment. Whether it's helping in the classroom, organizing events, or assisting with extracurricular activities, volunteers play a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience.
Berwick Parent Community
The Berwick Parent Community (BPC) fosters connections among parents and guardians while supporting the student and faculty experience through volunteerism. Each month, the BPC sends out an email guide to families, highlighting ways you can get involved. A few of these opportunities are listed below. A comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities may be found on the BPC Portal in myBerwick. Please reach out to the volunteer lead listed next to each event to learn more. To sign up to volunteer, please visit the BPC’s SignUpGenius page
Bulldog Golf Classic
Innovation Celebration
Spring Blue & White Day
Grandparents & Special Friends Day
One Berwick Day of Giving
Woofstock
October 21, 2024
April 24, 2025
April 26, 2025
May 2, 2025
May 8, 2025
May 30, 2025
For more information about the Berwick Parent Community, please contact BPC President Kelly Arp at 978.973.5491 or kellyarp@comcast.net
Admission & Advancement Volunteering
In addition to the opportunities within the BPC, there are several ways to volunteer directly with the School:
Admission Ambassadors and Panelists: Our Admission Office greatly benefits from the involvement of current Berwick families. Whether serving on Open House panels, guiding tours for prospective families, or participating in other admission events, your experience and insights are invaluable. Please contact Associate Director of Admission and Flexible Tuition Mike Kelley (michael.kelley@berwickacademy.org) to learn more.
The Berwick Fund Volunteers: Help us reach our annual fundraising goals and enhance the Berwick experience by joining our team of volunteers for The Berwick Fund. For more information, please reach out to Director of The Berwick Fund Elizabeth Clemence (elizabeth.clemence@berwickacademy.org).
Spread the Word
Our families are our greatest ambassadors. Ensure Berwick shines as one of New England's top schools by sharing your experiences on social media. Your stories and photos will inspire your friends and neighbors to explore the benefits of a Berwick education.
My experience with Berwick Academy has exceeded my expectations, and I am proud to be part of a community that values excellence in education, diversity, and whole-child development.
