Ways to Give

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

• Why doesn't our tuition cover all school expenses?

  Like all independent schools, FCDS relies on the charitable support of parents and alumni to help fund current programs and invest in our facilities. Tuition alone simply does not cover the full cost of educating a boy at FCDS; and it never has. Every year, our community is asked to contribute to annual giving to help us cover the gap between tuition and the true cost of educating each boy. These important gifts comprise 7% of our operating budget.

• What is the Annual Fund?

  The Annual Fund is our annual fundraiser which is launched in the fall and ends on June 30th every year. It accounts for approximately 7% of our operating budget, which tuition alone does not cover. The Fund supports learning opportunities, quality teaching, and financial aid. This resource allows us to maintain our commitment to the high standards we set for ourselves and to support the priorities and initiatives that help us prepare our boys for future success. We hope that parents will make FCDS one of their philanthropic priorities each year. Your gift demonstrates your deep commitment to our school and to our entire community, and your donation benefits every student this year.

• How are gifts reported? Will everyone in the school community know how much my family contributes?

  Each family is listed in our giving categories, which indicate the range in which you gave. The amount of your gift is not made public. If you prefer not to be listed in a giving category, please let us know and we will list your gift as anonymous.

• We can’t give as much as we’d like to, so will our gift really make a difference?

  Yes! Participation counts and we enthusiastically welcome gifts of any amount! Not only does your gift send the message that you support the school and believe in what we are providing for your son(s), but it also helps us provide funding for immediate needs and reduces our reliance on the endowment. Every gift helps and is appreciated.

• Are there other fundraising efforts during the year?

  Depending on the needs and priorities of FCDS, you may be asked to participate in another chartable effort, including the following:

  • Special events are another important way for the school to raise funds. Every other year, the Parents’ Association organizes a gala that brings together the entire community for a festive evening of fun and fundraising. The proceeds from this event support our operating budget.
  • A Capital Campaign is a fundraising effort for specific larger scale initiatives like building projects or growing the endowment. The campaign has a specific timeline that will often last from two to five years depending on the scale of the project. Also, unlike Annual Fund gifts which must be paid during the current fiscal year, Capital Campaign gifts may be paid over multiple years.
  • Our endowment is a permanent fund of which approximately 5% is spent each year to offset the demands on the operating budget. The remaining principal is preserved to provide support for future generations of FCDS boys. This fund is invested under the guidance of the Board of Trustees, and the value of our endowment as of June 30, 2016 was approximately $8.3 million.

• Can I make a gift through my will?

  Yes, planned giving offers a wonderful opportunity to invest in the future of Fairfield Country Day School. Past and current students have been the beneficiaries of planned gifts from previous benefactors, and future FCDS students will benefit from bequests made by current members of the FCDS family.