Capital Gifts

The Masters School relies on the support of major donors to complete capital projects on campus. Over the last five years we have seen the completion of some major construction projects at 49 Clinton Avenue. As a result, many donors to these capital efforts took advantage of significant dedication opportunities available to those individuals and families providing major gifts to our building projects. Throughout the new science and technology center, Morris Hall, and in the new middle school building, you will see the names of the friends of the School who supported these projects. In addition to those donors that we recognize by prominently displaying their names on campus, we are also grateful to those anonymous donors who have so generously supported our efforts.

Capital gifts may be paid outright or pledged over two to five years. In addition to making your gift with cash or a credit card, you may use gifts of stock, a trust, an irrevocable bequest, insurance policy, or other assets.

The Importance of Endowment

Gifts to Endowment link past, present, and future generations by providing resources that will enable The Masters School to maintain and enhance an outstanding education in perpetuity.

Building the School’s Endowment is one of our highest strategic priorities. Like all independent schools we rely on income from Endowment funds to provide support for ongoing programs such as scholarships and faculty chairs. Endowment acts as the School’s savings account; funds are invested by the Business and Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees with the twin goals of producing yearly income and appreciation of the value of the original gift. Because gifts to Endowment are in perpetuity, donors directly impact the School now and for future generations, strengthen the institution, and inspire the entire community through their leadership.

Endowment Opportunities

Contributions to Endowment may be restricted or unrestricted, allowing donors to designate a purpose for their gifts. There are three main categories of Endowment:

• Unrestricted Endowment is an investment in the mission of The Masters School. It is the bedrock that allows the School to maintain and enhance its transformative educational program, even in periods of economic fluctuation. Gifts of $25,000 or more to unrestricted Endowment provide the School with an unparalleled level of financial security and flexibility. Gifts to Endowment send a strong message to the entire community that donors believe in the School and support its mission for future generations.
  
• Scholarships and Financial Aid are crucial to the School’s ability to recruit a talented and diverse student body. For 2008-09, approximately 25 percent of students received financial aid totaling $3.7 million. For a gift of $50,000, a scholarship may be named for the donor, a friend, or loved one. A gift of $500,000 would provide sufficient income for full financial aid for one student annually. Scholarships can also be tailored to meet the donor’s specifications.
  
• Endowed Chairs provide distinguished faculty members with recognition and support for their outstanding work in educating our children. Being named to a chair is one of the most important honors a faculty member can receive. The donor’s name is linked in perpetuity to the chair. A named chair may be endowed for a gift of $2 million or more. Income from this Endowment supports the chair holder’s salary and provides funds for program development.

For more information or to discuss making a gift to support the School’s Endowment or building projects, please call Tim Kane, Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement, at 914-479-6527, or send an email to tim.kane@mastersny.org