Giving

The Gunn community consistently impresses. During this past extraordinary year, alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty and friends kept our school and our students strong with their generous support. In fact, for the third year in a row, the extended Gunn family helped us close the most successful annual fund cycle in the school’s history. 

On June 30, 2021, The 1850 Fund successfully surpassed our fundraising goal for Fiscal Year 2021, and broke last year’s records, by raising $1,660,047 in unrestricted gifts. My heartfelt thanks to each of the 1,202 donors who took part in this history-making effort. Leadership gifts to the fund — those exceeding $1,850 from alumni and current parents — accounted for $934,475 (56% of the total). Most donors (987 donors, or 82%) gave $500 or less, totaling $146,852. This incredible end to the year is a promising sign for the future of our school.

Worthy of note, and equally as promising, are the numbers of donors who made annual gifts for at least the second consecutive year: 783; those who gave for the first time since fiscal year 2018 or earlier: 172; and those who gave for the first time ever: 121. Numbers like these are crucial to grow a healthy, sustainable annual fund. 

The 1850 Fund’s continued success would not be possible without the committed and thoughtful group of Alumni Class Agents, Reunion Committee Members, and Parents Fund Volunteers who energetically engaged the extended school community throughout the year. Thank you for your strategic part in this success and for leading by example!

For Fiscal Year 2022, we aim to continue the upward trajectory to a sustainable $2 million annual fund by 2025 with a goal of $1,700,000. Yes, it’s again a lofty goal. But, if anyone can do it, we can. Time and time again, you have demonstrated that you are a community who accomplishes extraordinary things. Please join us this year in continuing to build the future of The Frederick Gunn School. Nothing is greater than your support and dedication. 

Onward,
Sean Brown P’22
Chief Development Officer