GUIDE TO PHILANTHROPY F ORS Y T H
C OUNT RY
M A K I N G
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DAY
S C HOOL
D I F F E R E N C E
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C O M M U N I T Y
L E A V I N G
B U I L D I N G
L E G A C Y
S U P P O R T I N G
F C D S
ENGAGING IN OUR COMMUNITY My connections to this community run deep. I’m not just the Head of School - I’m a 1997 alumnus and the proud father of two current Furies. I know how important this community was to me, and how important it is to my daughters - and to every other student on our campus. As I enter my seventh year at FCDS, I’ve never been more positive about our school’s past, present, and future. We’ve had seven straight years of enrollment growth, and we continue to work hard to improve all facets of the student experience. How do we support their experience? We all pitch in. We, as caring adults, invest in their present and in their future. We volunteer our time. We support the school financially. We show up for events, cheer them on at games, and attend performances. We spread the word about FCDS in the community at large. Because we all do it, it’s not a heavy lift. In fact, our shared goals and responsibilities bring us all closer as a community.
Head of School Gardner Barrier '97 with his daughters
I’m deeply grateful to you for choosing FCDS and for doing your part to support our school and its students. When caring adults come together for the benefit of children, there is nothing we can’t do. Take care and Go Furies! Gardner
“I give for our girls. For the community at Forsyth Country Day. For the teachers who shaped me and who shape my children. I give because I want to give teachers the best opportunity to educate our children.” - Dr. Aliana Trujillo Sindram ’95
Philanthropy at FCDS Philanthropy takes many forms, and there are many ways to support FCDS. Our families have always been generous in giving their time and talents to our community, and we hope 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 an FCDS 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.
THE FORSYTH FUND What is the Forsyth Fund? What do you love about Forsyth Country Day? Chances are, the Forsyth Fund supports it. Like most independent schools, FCDS relies on tax-deductible gifts to enrich every area of campus life. These donations allow the school to provide a superior educational experience by funding innovative programs, providing state-of-the-art technology, and enhancing our spaces and places to best serve the needs of every student
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, 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: "For Every First" kicks off September 1, 2022! 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. Philanthropic organizations look at our parent giving percentage as a measure of our school's health, and they're more likely to give if parent participation is higher.
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!
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
Is my gift taxdeductible?
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.
GIVING SOCIETIES Young Alumni Society The Young Alumni Giving Society recognizes alumni who graduated within the last 15 years and who show 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. 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 comprehensive 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 our campaign, you are positively impacting 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 comprehensive campaign. We have completed numerous projects during the past two years including updating classroom spaces, creating outdoor learning spaces, and renovating athletic facilities, which include a new track and tennis courts. Donors have also contributed to endowed funds supporting professional development, financial aid, and access to Johnson Academic Center services. Scan the QR code to the right to see the impact of our campaign.
How do I learn more about the Campaign for Forsyth?
To learn more about the inspiring components of the Campaign for Forsyth please go to: www.fcds.org/giving or scan the QR code below for more information!
CORPORATE PARTNERS Support FCDS and Connect with Our Community! By partnering with FCDS your business will be reaching: 870+ students 1200+ parents 2,500+ alumni 86 Triad zip codes (27104 is the zip code with the most FCDS families) 255,000+ annual website visitors 20,000+ annual attendees at campus events And your business will be supporting FCDS students!
FCDS Corporate Partner Program 2022-2023 Patron Points
Partnership Levels
Contribution
20
Platinum
$10,000
15
Gold
$7,500
10
Silver
$5,000
5
Bronze
$2,500
3
Sapphire
$1,000
Choose Your Own Partnership Using Patron Points EVENT PARTNERSHIPS 10 - Forsyth Golf Classic 5 - Forsyth Golf Classic Swag Partner 5 - Forsyth Golf Classic Refreshment Partner 5 - Forsyth Golf Classic Cart Partner 5 - Athletic Awards Event 5 - Athletic Hall of Fame 5 - Grandparents' Day 5 - Division Spirit Weeks (LS, MS, US) 5 - Music on the Lawn 5 - All-School Tailgate 3 - Regular Season Athletic Contests 3 - Fine Arts Performances All - FCDS Website Event partnerships includes logo on website, invitations/flyers, signs, programs, and tickets where applicable.
PRINT 6 - 1/2 Page in Amidst the Trees Magazine 3 - 1/4 Page in Amidst the Trees Magazine 2 - 1/8 Page in Amidst the Trees Magazine All - Listing in Amidst the Trees Magazine
DIGITAL 3 - Feature on Social Media 1 - Campus TV Monitors 1 - CAC Lobby Monitors All - FCDS Website All - Scrolling Board in the CAC All - Social Media Thank You All - All-School Email Thank You
SIGNAGE 5 - Corporate Board (MS/US Drop-off) 5 - Corporate Board (Pre/LS Drop-off) 3 - Sign in the CAC 2 - Banner at Smith Field 2 - Banner at Rhea Stadium/Legacy Track 2 - Banner at Sutton Softball Field 2 - Banner at William Family Tennis Center All - FCDS Website
Make sure to ask about our Premium Partnership Opportunities!
To learn how your company can become a corporate partner, please email Andy Clifton, Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement , at andyclifton@fcds.org or call him at 336.978.3941.
Meet the Philanthropy & Community Engagement Team The Philanthropy & Community Engagement 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 & Community Engagement
Cate Lynch '03
Director of Family Engagement
Tom Howell
Director of Alumni Engagement
Andy Clifton
Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement
Michel Ellis
Donor Relations Officer
Learn More About Philanthropy & Community Engagement at FCDS This is an exciting time at FCDS and we’re grateful that your family is here for it! Our team enjoys connecting with all members of the school community and sharing more about our mission and plans for what’s ahead. We hope you will join us for the many events that we have planned this year. We invite you to come to campus for a personal tour or to talk over a cup of coffee any time. Please contact Andy Clifton at andyclifton@fcds.org or 336.978.3941 or Aaron Craven at aaroncraven@fcds.org or 336.480.6304 to schedule some time with us. Thanks and Go Furies! 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.