What is the ‘Wick Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is a yearly fundraising campaign that provides unrestricted dollars to the School’s operating budget. Typically the Annual Fund is launched in September of the new school year and runs until the fiscal year-end on June 15. All members of the Brunswick community, including parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and other friends of the School, are solicited for donations to the Annual Fund.
Why is the 'Wick Annual Fund important?
Tuition and endowment income combined are not sufficient to meet the total annual operating expenses of running the School. This shortfall is typical of independent academic institutions; the “gap” between income and operating expenses varies annually. The Annual Fund is the primary source of income that enables the School to bridge the gap.
Where do ‘Wick Annual Fund contributions go? Annual Fund dollars go directly into the operating budget of the School. In other words, they enhance virtually every area of students' life at Brunswick. Annual Fund dollars support faculty and staff salaries, professional development programs, enhancements for academic departments, technology (both equipment and education), studio and performing arts, athletics, facility maintenance and financial aid.
Who should give to the 'Wick Annual Fund?
We ask EVERYONE who is part of the Brunswick community to participate in Annual Giving. We hope that every member of our school community understands the importance of the Annual Fund and will participate as generously as possible. Regardless of the amount, each and every gift is important!
More than 98% of current parents made donations to the 06-07 ‘Wick Annual Fund. Larry Doyle was the Chair for the 2006-2007 school year, and again for this the 2007-2008 school year. He is assisted by parent “Captains” for grades pre-k through eleven who will organize additional volunteer solicitors. Parents of senior boys participate in a separate Senior Fund in lieu of the Annual Fund. For more information, go to the Senior Fund link on the left hand side of this page.
Brunswick alumni also participate in the Annual Fund as a way to thank the School for the education they received thereby supporting the excellent education that boys are receiving today. In addition to parents and alumni, “friends” of Brunswick include grandparents and parents of alumni all of whom recognize the value of a Brunswick education.
Everyone who is solicited is asked to give generously, and more importantly, to give to the best of their ability. Corporate matching gift programs enable donors to increase the impact of their contribution and are an invaluable source of additional revenue for the Annual Fund.
Why is Percentage of Participation Important?
High participation in the Annual Fund is an important way for us to demonstrate the commitment and dedication of our parents and alumni to the School and its students. It is not only the total dollar amount raised that is important, but also the percentage of the constituency who participate. We aim for 100% participation and hence are very proud of the 98% participation rate for parents in 2006-2007. When considering participation levels, a $10 gift is just as valuable as a $10,000 gift because both gifts contribute to a higher percentage of participation.
Many corporations and foundations offer grant programs to which Brunswick applies for funding. These corporations and foundations want to see strong support from individuals within the school community before they make an institutional contribution. The most important measure that is used to evaluate community-wide support for the School is to look at the percentage of individuals who participate in the Annual Fund.
How can I make a donation to the ‘Wick Annual Fund?
To give a gift to the Annual Fund you can click on Give Online on the toolbar at the top of this webpage. Gifts may also be made to in the form of cash, check, or credit card. In addition, Brunswick accepts gifts of marketable securities, real estate or life insurance. If you choose to give appreciated stock, please contact the Development Office for the necessary forms.
Please remember, every gift to the Annual Fund makes a difference. The Annual Fund provides the backbone of the School’s financial health, enables the School to resist pressure on tuition increases, and most of all, enhances the Brunswick experience for every boy.
