GUIDE TO PHILANTHROPY F ORS Y T H
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L E A V I N G
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F C D S
GETTING INVOLVED FCDS’s biggest strength is its community, and the Parents’ Association is your gateway to making connections and getting involved. The Parents' Association supports the school's academic, artistic, athletic, social, and philanthropic objectives by encouraging volunteerism, raising and disbursing funds, promoting communication within the school, and conducting events that increase school spirit and camaraderie. All parents are automatically members of the Parents' Association and are welcome to join us in pursuing our mission through volunteerism and involvement in FCDS.
PA Volunteer Opportunities
PA Officers, Grade Reps, LS Classroom Parents, & New Family Connections
Event Coordinators: All-School Tailgate, Book Fair, Faculty Appreciation Luncheon, Graduation, Grandparents’ Day, Wonderful Wednesday, and more
Visit the Parents' Association page at fcds.org/community/parents-association
Contact PA President Laura Dugan at laura.b.dugan@gmail.com or by phone at 215-341-5144.
PA President Laura Dugan '01 with her family
Key Events and Dates Music on the Lawn - September 10 Food trucks, live music, and camaraderie!
All-School Tailgate - October 1 Dinner, fun kid-friendly events, and home games!
Book Fair - November 12-19 A fun week of reading and purchasing books for home and the classroom!
Grandparents' Day - December 17 Our youngest students share their love in a musical celebration with their grandparents and parents! Scan the QR code for the latest events, dates, and to learn more about your PA representatives.
One of the easiest ways to get involved is to volunteer! If your schedule allows, we ask that you take an active part in your child’s education–perhaps by being involved in the classroom when asked, becoming a substitute teacher, attending athletic, fine arts, and community events, joining the Forsyth Fund volunteer team, the Arts Alliance, or the Fury Club. There are so many ways to give of your time and talents, and we truly appreciate your consideration!
Great schools happen when three key elements—exceptional people, world-class programs, and outstanding facilities— converge and thrive. A Fully Engaged Community At FCDS, we believe that great schools happen when three key elements—exceptional people, world-class programs, and outstanding facilities—converge and thrive. Thanks to the generosity and support of those who invest in our school, those elements come together every day at Forsyth Country Day, allowing us to provide the best possible educational experience for every member of our school community. We are committed to inspiring a strong culture of philanthropy and community engagement, which is essential to support a leading independent school education and the healthy growth of our school. The outpouring of support from parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, and friends enables FCDS to fulfill our mission and expand our vision for what's ahead!
Head of School Gardner Barrier '97 with his daughters
Philanthropy at FCDS Philanthropy takes many forms, and there are many ways to support FCDS. Our families have always been generous in giving of their time and talents to our community and with that FCDS hopes that 100 percent of our parents will give to the Forsyth Fund. Unlike tuition, gifts to the Forsyth Fund are tax-deductible and enrich the entire school community. Because tuition does not cover the cost of a Forsyth Country Day School education, we rely on contributions from hundreds of donors each year. In addition to the Forsyth Fund, parents, grandparents, alumni, local companies, and friends of the school may contribute to the school’s ongoing capital campaign, the endowment, and through estate planning. Charitable giving by parents is essential to the school’s success and stability.
YES! Every Gift Makes a Difference
Everything that happens at FCDS is supported by the Forsyth Fund, and every gift makes a difference—no matter the amount. Your gift supports our mission to cultivate creative thinkers, principled leaders, and compassionate global citizens equipped for lives of meaning and distinction. Each gift is an endorsement for Forsyth Country Day and has a much broader impact than its financial support alone. Foundations, grantmaking institutions, and major donors all look at giving participation as a key indicator of satisfaction. If our parent community stands behind the school, those organizations deem FCDS more deserving of their support.
THE FORSYTH FUND What is the Forsyth Fund? The Forsyth Fund supports the heart of Forsyth Country Day School. Like most independent schools, FCDS relies on tax-deductible gifts to enrich every area of campus life; they allow the school to provide a superior educational experience by funding strong, innovative programs, state-of-the-art technology, competitive salaries to attract and retain outstanding teachers, and diversity of the student body through financial aid.
Doesn’t my tuition payment cover costs?
No, tuition alone does not cover the full cost of an FCDS education. Asking families to support the tax-deductible Forsyth Fund allows us to keep tuition affordable, makes our school more accessible to a more diverse group of students, and gives every family the opportunity to build community and personal satisfaction by embracing philanthropy.
Why is participation important?
Where can I learn more about the Forsyth Fund?
This year's Forsyth Fund: "many STORIES, one COMMUNITY" kicks off October 1, 2021! You can visit our website www.fcds.org/giving or scan the QR code for more information!
The Forsyth Fund unites the entire school community behind one goal: supporting our students. The higher the participation, the more we can achieve for our school. In addition, foundations and other outside organizations to whom we appeal for support expect the highest levels of participation from our current constituents when considering gifts and grants.
GIVING SOCIETIES Giving societies are a way to recognize the charitable support members of our community provide each year. We invite you to join us by supporting our community of learners who are dedicated to preparing students for what's ahead.
The Vision Society Forsyth Country Day School’s culture of philanthropy supports and sustains our remarkable teachers, programs, and community. We’re excited to introduce the Vision Society to recognize families, friends, and supporters whose multi-year total giving to the school is $5,000 or more annually. The generosity of donors at this level turns visions into reality—from creating cutting-edge engineering facilities and programs to developing a robust arts program to ensuring our amazing teachers have the professional development to continue to inspire our students year after year. Leadership giving at this level is an investment in the Furies of today and tomorrow. Founders’ Club
$20,000+
Head’s Table
$10,000-$19,999
Trustees’ Circle
$5,000-$9,999
What is the matching gift program?
The matching gift program is the easiest way to maximize the impact of your gift! More than 1,500 U.S. companies offer the benefit of matching charitable gifts made by their employees. It’s a great way to double your donation. Request a matching gift form from your employer. We’ll take care of the rest!
Is my gift taxdeductible?
1970 Society The 1970 Society honors Forsyth Country Day's generous supporters who have made gifts of $1,970 or more to the Forsyth Fund annually. The loyal support of this group of leaders is critical to giving FCDS students distinctive academic experiences. Scholars’ Circle
$2,500-$4,999
Honor Roll Circle $1,970-$2,499 Additional Giving Levels Forsyth Circle $500-$1,969
Supporter
$499-Below
Gifts to the Forsyth Fund are 100 percent tax-deductible. Once we receive your gift, you will receive a receipt verifying your gift.
NEW GIVING SOCIETIES Young Alumni Society The Young Alumni Giving Society recognizes alumni who graduated within the last 15 years and who display their leadership by making a gift to the Forsyth Fund. Young Alumni Society members will be recognized at the 1970 Society Level when they give at the following levels: 1-4 years after graduation: $50 and above 5-9 years after graduation: $250 and above 10-15 years after graduation: $500 and above
The New Family Leadership Circle Inspired by Forsyth Country Day’s founding families, the New Family Leadership Circle of the Forsyth Fund welcomes first-year families into our community and encourages them to join us in supporting the mission of FCDS. First-year families who give $1,000+ are recognized that year as part of the 1970 Society and as part of The New Family Leadership Circle.
Legacy Society Forsyth Country Day School is deeply grateful to our Legacy Society members. Their carefully considered future giving is crucial to bolstering our endowment and ensures the school’s long-term financial stability. There are a variety of ways to support FCDS that benefit you, your loved ones, and the school at the same time. Known as legacy giving or deferred giving, consideration of a planned gift is a wonderful way to show your support and appreciation for FCDS and its mission while accommodating your own personal, financial, estate planning, and philanthropic goals. Common planned giving vehicles include designating FCDS as a beneficiary of a trust, life insurance policy, or your estate either through a residuary percentage or a fixed amount.
What types of assets are accepted?
There are multiple ways to make a gift. For example, appreciated assets such as stocks are accepted. Please visit fcds.org/giving/ways-to-give for more information regarding ways of giving.
PREPARING FOR WHAT'S AHEAD The FCDS Endowment An endowment fund is similar to a long-term investment or savings plan. It is a “permanent” fund in which the principal is invested and the earnings are spent. A strong endowment strengthens the school and allows us to always be prepared for what’s ahead.
The Campaign for Forsyth Country Day School For Here. For Now. For What's Ahead. How does the Forsyth Fund differ from the Campaign for Forsyth? The Forsyth Fund supports operational expenses for the current school year. Comprehensive campaigns occur every 7-10 years and provide significant funds for growth, such as construction and renovation of facilities, program development, and targeted endowment funds. Pledges to campaigns vary according to the financial means of the donor and may be paid over several years. We encourage you to contribute to the best of your ability. Because the Forsyth Fund covers immediate operating expenses, we suggest that you make it your first giving priority and that capital and endowment pledges be made in addition to your annual gift. The generosity of those who contribute will be recognized in the Annual Report.
Am I expected to give to the Forsyth Fund and the campaign? We encourage you to contribute to the best of your ability. Successful schools require both sustained annual gifts for operations as well as major capital support. By your continued support of the Forsyth Fund and your gift to campaigns, you are making a difference both in the immediate and long-term needs of our school. The generosity of those who contribute will be recognized in the Annual Report.
Where are we now? We are in the midst of a five-year campaign. There are numerous projects that have already been completed during the past two years including updated classroom spaces, outdoor learning spaces, renovated athletic facilities including a new track and tennis courts. Contributions have also been made to endowed funds supporting professional development, financial aid, and Johnson Academic Center services.
What are naming opportunities?
There are a variety of naming opportunities including spaces on campus and funds. Naming opportunities typically begin at $50k and can be paid out over time.
5501 Shallowford Road Lewisville, NC 27023
www.fcds.org
Meet the Philanthropy Team The Philanthropy Team at Forsyth Country Day School is dedicated to empowering and engaging our whole school community to build a lasting legacy of philanthropy and service that makes a genuine impact in the lives of our students, alumni, families, friends, and the communities in which they live.
Aaron Craven Associate Director of Philanthropy
Cate Lynch '03 Director of Family Engagement
Tom Howell Director of Alumni Engagement
Andy Clifton Director of Philanthropy
Michel Ellis Donor Relations Officer
Forsyth Country Day School is committed to administering all education and employment activities without discrimination based on one’s race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.