Fundraising a lifeline for independent schools

By ClarenCe fanto The Berkshire Eagle

As some of the area’s independent schools emerge from severe financial challenges, the role of philanthropy is especially crucial.

Beyond tuition, fundraising remains an increasingly important stimulant for the schools’ operating budgets.

Here are snapshots of the region’s schools that responded to The Eagle’s questions.

MISS HALL’S SCHOOL

Founded in 1898 as one of the first girls-only boarding schools in Massachusetts, the Pittsfield has just raised $75.9 million to support female leadership, teaching excellence as well as new programs and buildings on the historic Holmes Road campus.

The “Be Bold” campaign was supported by more than 2,250 donors. According to an announcement from the school, the funds enable significant investment “in reimagining its academic and student life programs, while also preserving and re-shaping its Frederick Law Olmsted-designed 80-acre campus.”

“The campaign has empowered us, marking an extraordinary moment in Miss Hall’s School’s collective history,” Head of School Julia Heaton said. “We have achieved an audacious goal and elevated women’s philanthropy along the way. We have committed to making a life-changing Miss Hall’s education available to more students and to building a truly inclusive, global community.”

The school currently has 192 students in grades 9-12 from 10 U.S. states and 24 countries. Applications are up 11 percent over last year, said David Smith, communications director.

Annual contributions are growing. “Miss Hall’s is extremely fortunate to have dedicated alums, families, and friends who believe in the school’s mission and who donate generously in support of personalized family tuition, outstanding faculty and the life-changing student experiences,” he said.

The Buxton School

The Williamstown school has successfully resolved recent financial challenges, including a potential land sale to the nearby Clark Art Institute, said Rebecca Wehry, director of development and alumni affairs. Just over $1.8 million was raised in a six-week period last spring. Overall for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, the total was slightly above $2 million.

“A dedicated group of alumni organized a significant percentage of their peers and came together to raise funds to take the place of the Clark partnership offer,” she told The Eagle. “Those alumni continue to be committed to ongoing collaborative fundraising efforts as we build enrollment and ensure long-term financial stability for Buxton.”

Current enrollment at the collegeprep boarding and day school for grades 9-12 is 52 students, reflecting a decline primarily caused by the COVID-19 pandemic impact and “certain policy changes during the previous administration,” Wehry noted. “However, we anticipate a slow but steady increase in enrollment over the next few years as we implement strategies to attract and retain students.”

Last year’s record-breaking fundraising was “largely driven by heightened engagement from our alumni community in response to news regarding the potential land sale to the Clark,” Wehry said. “We are currently in a unique position with our alumni base highly engaged, which has greatly contributed to our fundraising success. The support and involvement of our revamped board will also play a crucial role in developing effective fundraising plans and strategies.”

The Darrow School in New Lebanon, N.Y., was facing a shutdown at the end of the school year due to financial struggles. But supporters rallied to meet a $5 million fundraising target set by the trustees, keeping the school open for at least another year.

“Contributions contribute significantly to our bottom line, providing essential operating funds,” Wehry commented. “As we continue to build upon enrollment, this will continue to hold true.”

THE DARROW SCHOOL

Sited on an original 1780s Shaker settlement in New Lebanon, N.Y., just west of the Berkshire County line, the

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F O R T H E SE U P CO MI N G E V E N T S !

Photography Exhibit

Come see photographs taken across the U.S. and in Wales and Italy in “Beyond Berkshire: Photography by Alex Barnosky ’19 ”

T hrough March 2. Monday–Sa tur day, 8:30 am–5 pm

The Warr en Family G allery, The Kennar d Visual Arts C ent er

Vocal Cabaret

Solos and duets f ea turing selections from the Grea t American Songbook.

April 19 a t 7:30 pm The Berk shir e Hall Atrium

Spring Dance C Oncert

Sh owca si ng a ran ge of s ty le s from hi p- ho p an d ja zz to con tem po rar y, s tep , an d ba ll et

May 16 a t 7: 30 pm Al le n The a t er

Capric Cio Cla S Sical Music Recital

Berkshire’s chamber music ensemble p e r fo r m s various clas sical pieces.

May 3 a t 7:30 pm The Berk shir e Hall Atrium

Instilling a love of learning … for life.

Berkshire School is a co-ed, college preparatory boarding and day school for 430 ninth–12th graders and post-graduates. Advanced sections and AP offerings in all disciplines with an average size of 12 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 4:1. Students are encouraged to learn, in the words of the School motto, “not just for school, but for life ”