Town has a strong culture of giving.
People contribute in many ways, whether that’s volunteering, organizing community events, participating in classroom activities, or donating to the school. Town families understand that tuition does not cover every cost associated with running a school, especially in a city like New York. Recognizing that there is a socioeconomic spectrum within our community, we encourage all families to give annually in a way that is meaningful to them as a symbol of their support for the school. Gifts may be directed into everyday operating expenses to deliver the school’s mission, or to specific funds, as you’ll see below. Philanthropy also supports our strategic efforts, so that our curriculum and facilities are always evolving to best prepare students for the future.
You can choose how you would like to have an impact. Learn more below.
Unrestricted Annual Giving
Gifts to Annual Giving are the most important to the school, and they directly fund many aspects of the Town experience for the current school year:
- Attracting and retaining skilled educators who are passionate about their subject matter, their students, and their own professional growth.
- An innovative program designed to develop students’ academic and social-emotional skills.
- Significant financial aid funds to help as many families as possible access a Town education.
- 1:1 technology tools for every students’ learning process and engagement.
- Ongoing equity work that aims to cultivate multiple perspectives, a balance of voices, and anti-racist consciousnesses and actions.
Because Annual Giving is strong, Town is able to use a smaller percentage of income earned on the endowment, solidifying our financial foundation and making us resilient in the face of unexpected challenges, such as the pandemic.
The Endowment
Town's endowment of $40,700,000 is a permanent, self-sustaining source of funding. Endowment assets are invested, and each year a portion of the earnings, "endowment draw," is paid out for operating expenses while the rest is used to build the fund’s market value. In this way, an endowment fund can grow and can provide support to Town's budget in perpetuity.
Directed Giving
Each year, we ask all families to donate to Annual Giving. These gifts allow school leaders to flexibly fund various exciting curricular plans, field trips, and other needs to arise over the course of the year. Should you wish to make additional contributions, there are several designated funds:
Parents' Association Fundraisers
During the school year, the Parents' Association offers services and events that generate funds. The Parent Community Party is the PA's largest fundraiser and offers opportunities to volunteer, purchase goods and services, as well as contribute to designated funds.
The Esther Kramer Fund
The Board of Trustees enacted this fund in 1997 upon the retirement of Lower School Head Esther Kramer. It provides financial support to families whose children may need additional academic support, such as testing, tutoring or therapy.
Claudie Tanenbaum Fund for Auxiliary Programs
The Claudie Tanenbaum Fund was established to honor Claudie Tanenbaum whose distinguished tenure as a member of the Town community spans five decades. The Fund provides financial assistance for children to participate in extracurricular activities such as SummerSault, Postscript, and Clubhouse.
Verna Bloom Fund for Sustainability Education
The Verna Bloom Fund for Sustainability Education is named in memory of actor and former Town parent Verna Bloom (Sam Cocks ‘95). This fund honors Verna’s passionate commitment to the environment and social justice. It will support our mission to educate students for a sustainable future, informing and empowering them to face the challenges of a changing planet.
Eighth Grade Class Gift
Every year, parents of the graduating class raise money for a special class gift to the school. Recent gifts have included solar panels on the school roof, renovations to the cafeteria, new gym lockers, a wind turbine, and a wheelchair lift.
Gifts to Town are tax deductible as allowable by law.
Town's EIN is 13-1393610.
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