 | Academic vitality depends on financial health.
In an independent school voluntary giving closes the gap between the actual annual operating expenses and the income provided by tuition and interest from the endowment. The annual budget provides operating funds for all aspects of school life, including (but not limited to) teachers’ salaries and benefits, financial aid, general maintenance and supplies, academic programs, extracurricular activities, afterschool sports, library acquisitions, routine repairs, and equipment.
Each year, the Annual Fund provides important and significant financial resources to the operating budget, thus supporting day-to-day operations. Contributions to the Annual Fund are nearly always unrestricted gifts; they are given and spent in the current fiscal year. The Annual Fund is Riverdale Country School’s on-going fundraising program.
The Alumni Fund supports both the operating budget and the endowment. This allocation of alumni contributions underwrites both current and future needs and reflects alumni commitment to financial aid and faculty development. Their contributions help to ensure Riverdale’s excellence for current and future students and to support faculty benefits.
Capital campaigns are special efforts to address needs that the operating budget cannot meet. Capital gifts are restricted to special uses. The Campaign for Riverdale, completed in June 2000, focused on 1) major plant renovations, 2) technology upgrades, and 3) increasing endowment. At this time, Riverdale Country School is directing capital and endowment funds to the completion of Upper School buildings and fields, refurbishment of Lower School spaces, and enhancing endowment.
A vigorous capital campaign articulates goals and creates a strategy for achieving them. This process energizes a school community and stimulates involvement at all levels, including participation in the Annual Fund. Donors to the capital campaign are encouraged to make their gift decisions with the intention of maintaining or increasing their support of the Annual Fund. Like any complex enterprise, we can best support our mission and accomplish our goals through thoughtful planning and careful stewardship. |
| | Melissa Antenucci Linden
Director of Alumni Relations
Phone: (718) 519-2722
Fax: (718) 519-2793
alumni@riverdale.edu |
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