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There is not a single independent school or private college/university in the nation that operates without annual fundraising. Calhoun is not unique. Tuition covers 90% of our annual operating costs, and fundraising covers about 6% (or approximately $2.3 million). Gifts to The Calhoun Annual Fund have an immediate impact this school year on academics, the arts, athletics, technology, faculty/staff benefits and professional development and financial aid.

While your tuition payments support or fully cover the cost of your child’s experience at Calhoun, gifts to The Calhoun Annual Fund ensure that all students have access to the programs and experiences available at school.

Our annual fund campaign has two goals: a financial goal and a participation goal. Each year, a number of generous leadership gifts ($2,500+) help us reach our financial goal. Our hope is that every family in the community will help us reach the participation goal - with a gift of $25, $100, $500 or anywhere in between. The rate of participation (or percentage of people within our community who give to Calhoun) is an internal and external indicator of our school’s sense of community pride. It impacts current and prospective family enrollment by helping to make the case for a strong sense of satisfaction with our programs. It shows that we believe in the power of a Calhoun education. It ensures that we have the resources needed to pay our faculty and staff competitively, retaining top educators.

Last school year, 55% of current families contributed to the fund, but we believe more of us feel strongly about what Calhoun makes possible for our children. We have an opportunity: by focusing on participation in addition to total dollars raised, the annual fund becomes one of very few things that our entire community can participate in together. What may feel like a “small” gift has a big impact when it is one of many - small gifts add up quickly. Think about how you have seen that play out in other ways, with crowdfunding campaigns or grassroots political movements!

Calhoun is a school that values the rich diversity of the human experience. We strive to build a community representative of this diversity, one that is accepting and inclusive. Our diverse contributions and backgrounds to this community of families and professionals come together to form One Calhoun. Here, we are a part of something powerful that is comprised of our unique experiences, from which we can learn and grow. The Calhoun Annual Fund supports our efforts around diversity and inclusion both directly and indirectly by directing funds to financial aid, powerful professional development and salaries and benefits that are on par with other independent schools.

Many members of the Calhoun community contribute to the CAF. 96% of our faculty and staff made a gift last year. Trustees, grandparents, alumni families, former faculty and staff and friends also support the fund.

All donors may choose to direct their gift to “where Calhoun needs it most” or in specific support of financial aid. This year, Calhoun will award over $6.3 million in need-based financial aid.