What is the Harbor Fund?

By Stephen N. Howard, Director of Advancement

By now, every Harbor parent has received a letter from Larry Fine and Thuy Nguyen, parents of fourth grader Rachel, asking for your contribution to the Harbor Fund. They have kindly agreed to chair the 2009-2010 Harbor Fund.

Already we have heard questions, “What, exactly, IS the Harbor Fund? What is it all about?”

The Harbor Fund is the cornerstone of our school’s fundraising efforts. It is the annual giving fund, and a gift to the Harbor Fund shows your commitment to Harbor, to the education of your child, and to the continued growth and improvement of Harbor’s programs.

Every independent school and private college has an annual giving campaign. (See links below for some samples from our sister schools on Long Island.) Such campaigns exist for a simple reason: tuition alone does not cover the full costs of educating the students. Harbor is no different.

Why not just raise tuition? That seems like the obvious thing to do.

I have heard this question many times. The answer is that raising tuition to cover all of the school’s operating expenses would mean a very dramatic increase. We believe that in response, enrollment would drop equally dramatically as many parents found themselves unable to afford the higher costs.

So the Harbor Fund helps make up the difference?

Exactly. Your gift, whatever its size, helps bridge the gap between tuition revenues and the cost of Harbor’s programs.

Where does the school spend my money?

Harbor Fund donations support every aspect of the school’s programs. The gifts are spread throughout the school. They enhance technology, financial aid, faculty professional development, athletics, special events, community service and more – not to mention the salaries of our teachers.

You keep talking about participation. Why is it so important?

Participation in the Harbor Fund builds camaraderie. It builds commitment and teamwork. High participation from current parents helps make the case for Harbor to alumni and former parents, and to other potential donors outside the school family. High participation is also very important to those who are in a position to make very large gifts; they see that everyone is doing their part as they are able.

How is Harbor’s level of participation?

Three or four years ago, around 10% of all current parents participated. Last year it was 44%. That is huge progress! Alumni participation grew substantially, and both the board and the faculty and staff gave one hundred percent.

So far this year, every member of the Board of Trustees has given to the Harbor Fund, and every faculty and staff member has given. These gifts range from the very small to the rather large. They represent an extraordinary commitment to Harbor.

How do other schools do with participation?

Many have participation levels of well over 75%; a lucky few reach 100%.

Do I have to give?

No, of course not. Gifts to the Harbor Fund are completely voluntary.

If I give, how much should I give?

Give what you can afford. The average gift from current parents last year was $1,641; the highest was more than $20,000. Every donor gave relative to his or her own capacity. Every gift is welcome, and every gift helps bridge the gap. An old friend of mine use to say, “Don’t give ‘til it hurts, give ‘til it feels good.”

What is the difference between a gift to the Harbor Fund, a restricted gift, and an endowment gift?

The Harbor Fund is a yearly appeal for gifts to support current operations of the school. Restricted gifts are for special needs not contemplated in the current budget; examples this year include gifts to purchase the new trees in front of Tulip Knoll, or gifts to support marketing costs. Gifts to endowment, on the other hand, are invested, and only the earnings on the investment can be spent.

While all financial support to the School is important, strong support of the Annual Fund is critical and should be considered the first priority in giving to Harbor.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Absolutely, because Harbor is a non-profit organization. Unlike some other schools in our area, Harbor has no owners, and no one makes a profit on our operation. This status also means we rely almost completely on revenue from tuition and voluntary gifts to pay for operating expenses.

I understand that independent schools have annual giving campaigns. But I think that some schools in our neighborhood do not.

Some of the schools in our area are for-profit; they are owned by the directors and are run to earn money. As such, they are not charitable organizations and cannot receive tax-deductible gifts.

Can I make a matching gift?

Many employers, especially large corporations, are willing to match your gift to Harbor. Contact your human resources division for a form, send it in with your gift and double your contribution to the school.

I want to help, but this is not a good time. Can I make a gift in the spring?

Of course. You can fill out the reply envelope, indicating that you will pay later. Or you can phone in a pledge, or stop by the Advancement Office.

How do I make my gift?

Cash: Write a check to Harbor Country Day School, indicate in the memo “Harbor Fund” and mail it to the Advancement Office, using a reply envelope if you like.

Credit Cards: Use the spaces on the reply envelope, or call Steve Howard and make your payment over the phone. It’s quick and easy.

Securities: Giving appreciated stock to the School can allow a donor to avoid capital gains taxes. For information about the securities transfer process, call Steve Howard.

Compare and Contrast

Portledge School

Friends Academy

East Woods School

Greenvale School

Ross School