Frequently asked questions

Your financial contribution to The Gordon Fund supports the people and programs that make Gordon the great school that it is: talented teachers, small classes, library and instructional resources, technology advancements, enriching arts and athletics programs. Each year, a percentage of the operating budget comes from contributions that directly support every aspect of school life. Gordon relies on a combination of tuition income, charitable donations, income from auxiliary programs, and interest income to balance its annual budget.

Could Gordon operate on tuition alone? Not without looking significantly different. The School would be less innovative in our approach to education. Essentials like low student-to-teacher ratios, faculty and curriculum development, state-of-the-art technology, a rich arts program, and athletic equipment – all integral components to our rich and robust program would be compromised. Charitable gifts are a necessary part of every independent school’s healthy financial profile.

The Gordon School is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit institution. Unlike a for-profit business, which aims to make money, Gordon aims to provide our students with the very best education. By nature, high-quality schools are labor-intensive and people-oriented. In order to provide the best programs and competitive compensation to our outstanding faculty and staff, we continually evaluate and assess tuition increases, auxiliary programs like camp, and effective fundraising initiatives.

And unlike tuition, contributions to The Gordon Fund are fully tax-deductible and allow each family to give at a meaningful level to which they are able.

Ideally, our community members identify Gordon School as one of their top philanthropic priorities and recognize that their contributions make a significant impact. Gifts to The Gordon Fund range from $5 to over $25,000. We encourage families to consider giving at the Leadership Gift Level if they are able. Leadership gifts ensure that we raise the necessary additional funds for our students above and beyond what tuition covers to support our program, faculty, and facilities.

Our Nursery-8 school has fewer supporters than larger K-12 independent schools or universities, and therefore it is even more critical to have a higher percentage of supporters. Your contribution, when added to those of hundreds of other supporters, can have a large impact. Your participation encourages others to give and sends a message to our community that Gordon makes a difference. Every gift counts! Be counted!

The earlier we receive your gift, the earlier we can put it to work for all our students. We encourage all families to make their pledges by December 31, though payments are accepted until June 30.

Yes! Gordon is grateful to the many corporations that support the School through generous matching gift programs.This is a great way to double and sometimes triple your gift to Gordon.

The Gordon Fund enhances the current year’s operating budget, while a school’s endowment is its long-term savings account. A large endowment, well invested, can provide financial stability and a source of income beyond tuition and annual gifts. At present, Gordon has an endowment of approximately $11 million.