What is the Annual Fund?
The Dana Hall Annual Fund helps fund essentials within the operating budget, including faculty salaries and professional development, art supplies, technology, athletics, weekend activities, and even heating, lighting, and food in the Dining Center. The unrestricted gifts are applied wherever the need is greatest, and they are essential to the School's excellence and financial strength.

Doesn't tuition cover those expenses? 
No. Tuition only covers 70 percent of the school's operating budget. Dana Hall relies on the Annual Fund, income from endowment, and other non-tuition revenue to help cover the gap that exists between tuition and the actual cost of educating each student.

What is a fiscal year?
A fiscal year is a 12-month period used for calculating annual financial statements. Dana Hall's fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. All gifts made between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008 will count toward the current fiscal year, FY08.

How much should I give?
Every gift makes an impact. No matter how much you are able to contribute, your gift shows that you want to support Dana Hall School. Every single gift is appreciated. Combined with gifts from other alumnae, parents, and friends, your gift gets Dana Hall one step closer to its Annual Fund goal. All gifts to the Annual Fund are charitable gifts and are tax-deductible under Massachusetts state and Federal laws.

Why does participation matter?  
Participation matters because many foundations only fund schools that demonstrate wide support by their own alumnae and parents. Your gift signals your commitment to the school and the strength of Dana.

If I pledge now, when do I have to pay? 
You have until the end of our fiscal year on June 30 to fulfill your pledge. It is helpful to Dana if you make your commitment early in the fiscal year, even if you do not pay until later. To gain possible tax benefits during this tax year, donations should be paid prior to December 31. 

What is the endowment and how does it help the School? 
Endowment funds are similar to savings accounts or other financial accounts or assets that generate income. Part of the income earned from Dana's endowment is used toward annual operating expenses; the rest is reinvested. Dana Hall's endowment is close to $21 million. Thanks to the generosity of donors who make gifts to support a strong and growing endowment, this figure changes every day. Increasing the endowment continues to be a priority for Dana Hall.

What are matching gifts?
Many companies and organizations offer matching gift programs to encourage their employees to contribute to charitable organizations. Most of these programs match their employees' gifts dollar for dollar, and some will even double or triple the amount of the employee's gift! Check with your Human Resources department to see if your employer participates in a matching gift program. 

What is this year's Annual Fund goal?
The Annual Fund goal for FY08 is to raise $1.7 million. 

How can I help Dana Hall with its Annual Giving program? 
You can make your gift today! You also can volunteer to help contact your peers to generate support for Dana Hall. Please contact Caitlin Kattany if you are interested in volunteering. 

Make your gift today!