capital
giving
Deerfield’s endowment began in 1939, with a bequest from Jennie Maria Arms Sheldon, whose gifts included the George Albert Arms Science Building, given in memory of her father. Over the years, such gifts of generosity and vision have helped the endowment grow to its current value of over $500 million, providing a crucial portion of the school’s operating budget each year, and ensuring the best possible experience for Deerfield students of the future.
Supporting Traditions
For food, for friendship, for the blessings of the day— a campaign for the Deerfield Academy Dining Hall. The Dining Hall, perhaps more than any other campus setting, embodies our commitment to community and shared experiences, and it is vital to our culture, traditions, and identity.
Endowment Gifts
The school invests gifts that are designated to endowment with the income directed toward the purpose the donor selects. Only the income from the principal is spent, ensuring that the gift continues in perpetuity, helping to safeguard Deerfield’s finances through changing economic times. There are a number of endowment opportunities available. View our current endowed funds.
The earnings on endowed funds are used in perpetuity to support the academy’s programs and goals. Because the principal of the fund is never spent, it can generate greater earnings over time. Income from endowed funds provides thirty-two percent of the operating budget of the school. Annual giving income, by contrast, is spent the same year it is given and is used entirely in support of the operating budget of the school.
Donors may set up a restricted endowed fund in which they designate endowment income for a certain purpose. Donors may also opt to create an unrestricted endowed fund, which leaves the spending of income at the discretion of the school. This is most beneficial, because it allows the Head of School and the Board of Trustees the flexibility to direct the income to the area of greatest need at Deerfield.
Donors may set up a restricted endowed fund in which they designate endowment income for a certain purpose. Donors may also opt to create an unrestricted endowed fund, which leaves the spending of income at the discretion of the school. This is most beneficial, because it allows the Head of School and the Board of Trustees the flexibility to direct the income to the area of greatest need at Deerfield.
The Trustees of Deerfield Academy actively manage over 400 endowed funds, protecting the desires of donors and ensuring healthy growth of these assets. Deerfield’s investment policy creates a growing stream of revenue, while protecting and producing funds for reinvestment. Donors receive yearly updates in the ‘Summary of Endowed Funds’ section of the Deerfield Annual Report, and in appropriate individual reports as well.
Endowed funds can be established with outright gifts of cash or stock, through pledges to complete funding over several years, or through planned gifts (with a direct bequest, a charitable gift annuity, or a pooled income fund). Families can also join resources to create an endowed fund, allowing their gifts to have a greater impact and creating unique multi-generational ties to the school. Various naming opportunities and gift levels for establishing an endowed fund are illustrated here, with suggested options that may appeal to you. These are provided as a general guide towards further thought and discussion specific to your individual wishes and resources.
We honor your trust in us and protect the intent of every gift. For gifting purposes and official documents, Deerfield should be referred to as “Trustees of Deerfield Academy.”
For more information, please contact Rachel Moore, Director of Development, at 413-774-1872 or rmoore@deerfield.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Upon graduating from Deerfield, alumni enter a diverse network of former Deerfield students. Deerfield alumni have ventured into almost every area of employment, and many are at the top of their respective fields. The advantages of this vast network are numerous and significant, as every member of the Deerfield family receives the following:
- Automatic subscription to Deerfield Magazine
- Online subscription to the Deerfield Scroll
- Access to the Deerfield Mobile App and directory
- Invitations to special events both on and off campus
- Eligibility for membership in a number of recognition societies
Alumni are also eligible for alumni awards, such as the Ashley Award, Heritage Award, and the Mimi Morsman Award.
There are no membership fees or dues for members of the Deerfield family, but Deerfield does ask for assistance in a few areas. First of all, in order for Deerfield to have the most up-to-date records possible, we encourage members to keep us apprised of their current contact info. Alumni are also urged to direct all concerns and suggestions regarding Deerfield’s operations through the Executive Committee, the governing body of the Alumni Association. The committee acts as the voice of the alumni body, and works closely with the school administration. In order to keep tuition affordable and the quality of a Deerfield education at its highest, the Academy depends upon the continuing support of alumni and their families. This support can take the form of annual or capital gifts, or time spent volunteering on behalf of Deerfield.
There are Deerfield Clubs in many major American cities. Please visit here for more information on specific clubs and their sponsored events.
Of course! Be sure to read the latest issue of From Albany Road in your email’s in-box for current news of what is happening on campus. As we also send out periodic invitations, it’s always best to make sure we have your current physical address. And if you do plan on visiting campus, why not tell us ahead of time?
Contact the Office of Advancement
alumni@deerfield.edu
413-774-1474
7 Boyden Lane, PO Box 306
Deerfield, MA 01342