When you support the Annual Fund you support values that enable GCDS to discover and develop what is finest in each student. GCDS students are the next generation who will meet tomorrow’s challenges.
As an independent school, GCDS relies on annual giving to help fund the projects and programs that make it an exceptional institution. The ‘We Are GCDS’ Annual Fund is a significant 9% of our operating budget. This 9% impacts every corner of the school, from financial aid to faculty professional development, academics to athletics, technology to the arts.
When requesting foundation support, grant applications often ask for GCDS’ parent participation numbers. High parent participation increases our ability to secure important grant funding. Toward this end, we aim for 100% parent participation across all grades. Your participation reflects our shared commitment to GCDS today and in the future. Together we are making a difference!
2021-2022 Total Voluntary Support: $25.9 Million
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Designate Your Gift
These gifts support GCDS daily operations as well as offering us the freedom and flexibility to respond quickly to pressing needs and promising initiatives.
Gifts to the Class of 2024 Parent Gift Fund support the class endowment. The Class of 2024 Parent Gift Fund is part of the Annual Fund.
From communities in Fairfield and Westchester counties, our students represent a broad range of perspectives and family resources. 23.4% of GCDS students receive financial aid in some form.
GCDS teachers are our "secret sauce." Investing in their professional development to keep them at the forefront of knowledge in their disciplines and current with the best practices in teaching.
A GCDS education is a robust and rigorous journey, preparing students to be innovative leaders, creative citizens, and thoughtful stewards of their world and society.
Fostering creative problem solving, building confidence, deepening our understanding of what it means to be human – these make the arts an essential element of a GCDS education.
The exhilaration of competing, the discipline needed for a healthy life, the satisfaction of being part of something bigger than oneself – GCDS athletics offer something for everyone.
These funds support a broad range of efforts, including student-led programming, that directly promote equity and inclusion, which then fosters a more inclusive school community and well adjusted global citizens.
Annual Fund Giving Levels
| Founder's Circle | $75,000 + |
|---|---|
| Orange & Black | $50,000-$74,999 |
| American Elm Society | $25,000-$49,999 |
| Stanwich Bell | $15,000-$24,999 |
| Warner Guild | $10,000-$14,999 |
| Stone Cottage Society | $7,500-$9,999 |
| Head of School Circle | $5,000-$7,499 |
| J.L. Miner Circle | $2,500-$4,999 |
| Tiger Pride | Up to $2,499 |
| Tiger Cub* | $30 and above |
*Alumni 30 years old or younger
Annual Fund FAQ’s
Every gift, no matter what size, makes a difference to GCDS. Your gift helps build a robust learning environment in the classroom and beyond that advances the GCDS mission. All students, faculty, and staff benefit from GCDS Annual Fund because it offers us flexibility to respond quickly to operational needs small and large as they arise.
Our fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30, and gifts go to work in the next fiscal year. Gifts contributed early help build momentum, inspiring others to contribute.
GCDS Annual Fund contributions go toward supporting the programs and activities central to a GCDS education. These include programs such as faculty professional development, athletics, technology, financial aid, and performing and fine arts.
Contributing to the Annual Fund goes directly to big and small initiatives each year that deliver exceptional opportunities for students to learn, staff to perform, and alumni to succeed.
Your gift, of any amount, is deeply appreciated and very important. We ask you to consider giving as generously as you are able, but whatever the amount, it is your participation that GCDS values the most.
A gift to the Annual Fund is put to work immediately, providing funding and support to programs and enhancements in the following fiscal year. A capital gift is typically a major gift that goes toward specific building projects or multi year capital projects. A gift to endowment provides for long-term investments, creating a reliable source of future income for the school.
If you have an interest in making a restricted gift to capital, endowment, or specific program, please contact Director of Advancement, Anabel Perez Wills at 203-863-5641 or by email at [email protected] for more information.
All gifts to GCDS are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Gifts of stock and other appreciated assets may offer additional tax benefits.
Every gift to the Annual Fund counts and is recognized. All gifts are gratefully welcomed and acknowledged in GCDS Impact Report. Donors giving $7,500 or more (leadership levels) are invited to a reception held each June to honor and recognize leadership donors in the current school year.
100% participation is a vote of confidence - a sign that our current parent community is committed to our students, faculty and to the mission. High Annual Fund participation is a benchmark used by foundations and outside funders when deciding whether or not to provide us with additional funding.
Each year, even with the most prudent spending, annual operating expenses increase. Faculty salaries and benefits must remain competitive, the physical plant must remain up to date, and program support strong. Increasing your support will help GCDS continue to meet its basic needs using today’s dollars.
