What is Capital Giving?

Independent schools depend on capital fundraising initiatives to provide funds for projects such as renovations, the purchase of additional land or the construction of new facilities. Capital campaigns are also conducted to add to the endowment fund.  Capital campaigns can be significantly augmented by corporate matching gift programs.  Click here to see if your employer participates in such a program. 

Solicitation of major capital gifts is ongoing and is directed currently toward the renovation of the Upper School facility, including the conversion of Burke Gymnasium into a performing arts center.  This new campaign, Foundations for the Future, is anticipated to raise over $45 million and will be divided equally between capital projects and human capital (endowment for faculty, program enrichment and financial aid).  The photo on the right shows the rubble of Durkin Auditorium which was torn down to make room for a new entry atrium, enabling the campus to become fully handicapped acessible.  The major portion of the Upper School renovation was the conversion of Burke Gymnasium into a performing arts center, complete with 410 seat auditorium with full backstage, lighting and sound capabilities.

The  Centennial Campaign: Building For Generations raised $50 million for the purchase of the King Street property and construction a new Middle School and the Sampson Athletic Center.  Phase II of the King Street campus expansion, funded by a second capital campaign A New Century of Commitment: Sustaining Tradition, raised $29.5 million for the new Lower School, Burke Field House, a new turf field with lights and stadium seating and 10 faculty houses.