What is the “Ever Episcopal Campaign” and what will it fund?
The Ever Episcopal Campaign is an effort to raise $90 million to help fund the construction of Episcopal’s new campus in Newtown Square and to increase the size of the endowment. The Campaign is entirely separate from the Annual Fund, which raises money to help support the school’s annual operating expenses. The campaign began in 2001 and will conclude in December, 2008.
What is the “public phase” of the campaign?
During this phase of the campaign we ask for the support of the entire community: alumni, parents, faculty, and friends to help us to complete our campaign. We have raised $80 million so far through one-on-one discussions and are now ready to send out a brochure to our entire community to encourage more participation. We need the support of everyone to make it the rest of the way!
What is the “challenge” I read about in the brochure?
A generous alumnus has challenged the community to raise $5 million (to bring our campaign total to $85 million) by September, 2008. If we do this, he will contribute an additional $5 million to bring us to the $90 million mark.
Can I make a gift over a period of years, or do I have to pay right away?
Pledges of $5,000 or more may be paid over five years. Gifts of $2,000 - $5,000 may be paid in annual installments, provided that each installment is a minimum of $1,000. Pledges below $2,000 should be fulfilled within one year.
We cannot commit more than a few hundred dollars to the campaign. Does Episcopal need my small gift?
Yes! Every gift counts. We hope to have the participation of all members of our community. There are a number of special initiatives to which you could direct a gift of any size.
We give a few hundred dollars to the Annual Fund each year. Should I stop doing that for the next five years and instead commit those funds to the campaign?
No. A gift to the campaign should be in addition to your yearly support of the Annual Fund. We would be thrilled if you could commit additional funds to the campaign in the coming year or years. However, only faithful support of the Annual Fund will permit us to meet our expenses on the new campus. If you can only contribute to one effort, please choose the Annual Fund.
Are there opportunities for donors to name gifts in honor or memory of a family member of friend?
Yes! There are many naming opportunities, starting at $5,000, on the new campus. In addition, gifts of $100,000 can establish a named endowment fund.
How will I be recognized for my gift?
All naming opportunities will have plaques associated with them that can bear your family name. Gifts of $5,000 or more will also be recognized on the “donor wall” in the Campus Center, where your name will appear on our list of campaign donors. Gifts at all levels will be recognized in a printed report at the end of the campaign.
Will the School accept planned gifts as campaign contributions?
Yes. A number of planned gifts, providing outright or deferred campaign support, may offer donors tax benefits and help them achieve personal financial goals. Please contact Carolyn Jaeger, Director of Planned Giving, at 484-424-1780 for more information on planned gifts.
How can I get out to see the new campus?
The Development Office runs tours about once per month on Sundays. The next tour is March 2nd, and tours will run at 12:00pm and 1:30pm. To RSVP, e-mail tmcelhone@episcopalacademy.org. Donors to the campaign will also be invited to a private dedication of the campus on the weekend of September 26th and 27th, 2008.
• Sept 26 – afternoon tours followed by cocktail party for all donors
• Sept 27 – dedication of individual buildings throughout the day, starting with the Chapel at 9am
If I have questions, who should I contact?
Sarah Baker Perkins ’01, Campaign Coordinator, and Bruce Konopka, Associate Director of Development, can answer your questions regarding the public phase.
Sarah: 484-424-1782
Bruce: 484-424-1771
