 | Our Annual Fund is the number one fund raising priority and the foundation of Derryfield's fund raising efforts. It supports every facet of what happens at Derryfield – in the classroom, on the stage and athletic fields, and in the art studios. Participation in the Annual Fund at any level is a demonstration of the community's belief in the School's commitment to our mission – to provide opportunities for all students to pursue their passions.
Like other independent schools, tuition alone does not cover the full cost of the Derryfield experience.
Your gift to the Annual Fund provides direct, immediate support to the most important aspects of a Derryfield education:
- Teachers who engage deeply with their students providing support and challenge;
- Scholarships that bring students to Derryfield from all walks of life, creating a well-rounded student body;
- Unforgettable experiences in the arts, athletics, international exchange and a plethora of service opportunities.
This year Annual Fund volunteers are aiming high to raise and exceed a goal of $460,000 – nearly 5% of the School’s operating budget. The burden of bridging the difference between the cost of tuition and the actual cost of the Derryfield experience is shared between parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff, and Trustees as well as other friends of Derryfield. Last year 100% of our Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff made a gift to the Annual Fund – capturing a bold statement about their commitment to the community.
Your participation in the Annual Fund is the most important factor when considering a gift. Consider what you care about most in a Derryfield education and choose to participate at a level that is appropriate for you and your family. Every gift truly does make a difference. |
Derryfield's Annual Fund FAQ | Q. | Why does Derryfield need an Annual Fund? | | A. | Contributions to the Annual Fund are vital because they support the daily life of the School, funding 4.8% of our operating budget. Annual Fund gifts support:
- exceptional academic programs taught by extraordinary faculty;
- professional development for our incredibly talented faculty;
- 32 athletic offerings;
- a host of performing and fine arts opportunities;
- global and community service activities;
- student government initiatives.
|
|
| Q. | Doesn't tuition cover the cost of a student's education? | | A. | Like other independent schools, tuition does not cover the total annual cost of a student's Derryfield experience. Derryfield's Annual Fund supports what you value the most about a Derryfield education. High academic standards, individual attention, a diverse community of learners, and excellent facilities are expensive to maintain. Derryfield relies on tax-deductible contributions each and every year to bridge the difference between tuition and the total cost of a Derryfield education. |
|
| Q. | Who is asked to participate in the Annual Fund? | | A. | Early in the school year each fall we ask members of the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, current parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, corporations, foundations, and friends to support the Annual Fund. |
|
| Q. | How much should I give? | | A. | Gifts to the Annual Fund range from $5 to $25,000. We are hopeful that everyone will make a tax-deductible contribution to the Annual Fund that best represents their ability to give. |
|
| Q. | What do you mean, "tax-deductible"? | | A. | Gifts to non-profit educational institutions like The Derryfield School qualify as charitable contributions and can be deducted if you itemize your taxes. |
|
| Q. | Can I make my contribution on a credit card or with appreciated securities? | | A. | You may transfer appreciated securities to Derryfield or pay with a credit card. You may find more information on the ways of giving page under "how to make a gift."
|
|
Please know that each and every gift is important and received with gratitude.
Thank you for your consideration,
|
| |  E. Diane AllenAlumni Coordinator Ext. 6102 Diane oversees all aspects of The Derryfield School Alumni program, organizing and supporting local and regional alumni events including Reunion, athletic receptions, regional gatherings and other events as necessary. Diane supports The Derryfield School Alumni Association, serves as liaison to the senior class and conducts regular correspondence with alumni through telephone, email, meetings, events, and social media. She maintains the alumni section of the website and creates quarterly alumni e-newsletters and alumni news for Derryfield Today. Additionally, she is the advisor of the Advancement Ambassadors student activities group and serves on both the Marketing and Social Media Committees. Diane originally came to Derryfield from St. Paul’s School as the Assistant to the Head of Middle School in January 2002. After a brief hiatus, she returned to Derryfield in June 2006 as Alumni Coordinator. |
 Gail GordonAdvancement Office Coordinator Ext. 6101 Gail oversees the database management for the Advancement Office. This entails maintaining biographical information, processing all gifts made to the School, tracking appeals, events, and any other information that is useful to the office. She prepares acknowledgements for all gifts received, reconciles gift entry, produces a multitude of financial reports, and maintains donor files. She largely provides general support for all aspects of the Advancement program. Gail came to Derryfield in 2003 after working for twenty-six years in the Alumni/Development Office at St. Paul’s School. |
 Alice HandwerkDirector of Advancement Ext. 6104 Alice Handwerk serves as Derryfield's Director of Advancement and oversees the School's comprehensive giving programs including The Annual Fund, capital, major, and planned giving. She sits on the Advancement and Governance Committees of the Board of Trustees. Alice came to Derryfield in July 2003. Prior to her tenure at Derryfield, Alice worked at Sheridan School in Washington, DC where she was in the development office for six years, four as director. She began her development career at The League of Women Voters and also worked in the development office at The George Washington University. |
 Jennifer MelkonianAssociate Head of School Ext. 6103 Jennifer Melkonian oversees all aspects of the advancement office. She attends Board of Trustee meetings and sits on the Advancement Committee. Her focus is on office policies and strategies and she concentrates her efforts on the major and planned gifts programs. In the years ahead, her efforts will be devoted towards planning and implementing ongoing major gift, including endowment, campaigns. Active in fundraising and community relations, Jennifer has participated in several Derryfield Capital Campaigns, the two, five and ten year NEASC self studies and evaluations, a Long Range Planning initiative and was a member of the Strategic Planning committee. In her twenty-seventh year at Derryfield, Ms. Melkonian has previously served in the capacity Interium Head of School, of teacher, Visual and Performing Arts Chair, the Director of Counseling and Student Support Services for eight years and Head of the Upper School for six years. Jennifer holds a B.A in Music from Ithaca College and a Master of Education from the University of Vermont. A Founder and Trustee of the Concord Community Music School Jennifer served as Board Chair 1992-1995. Jennifer holds a B.A in Music from Ithaca College and a Master of Education from the University of Vermont. She is the parent of two Derryfield graduates, and resides in Hopkinton, New Hampshire. |
 Mary Ellen RedwayAdvancement Associate Ext. 3271 Mary Ellen is the liaison to Parent/Faculty Association (PFA), assisting them with programs, events and publications. She also supports all aspects of the Advancement Program, and organizes Advancement and school events including the New Parent Reception, PFA Spring Benefit, Grandparents' and Special Guests' Day, Founders' Day, and other events as necessary. Her alumni/development career includes time at Babson College, Simmons College and the Harvard School of Public Health. Mary Ellen joined The Derryfield School in 2012. |
| |