Annual Giving
What are all the funding sources for Orchard?
As an independent, private school, Orchard does not receive federal or state funding. Orchard’s operating budget relies on three main sources of revenue: tuition and fees, its endowment and Annual Giving.
What does Annual Giving support?
Seventy percent of the operating budget pays for faculty and staff salaries and benefits. In addition to teachers, gifts to the Annual Giving Campaign support things that make Orchard unique such as team-teaching and programs like Outdoor Education, fine arts, support services, technology and physical education.
Why is Annual Giving important?
Orchard’s Annual Giving campaign runs from July 1 until June 30 every school year. The funds raised through the campaign fulfill 6% of the operating budget for that year—nearly $700,000.
Why not just raise tuition?
Tuition only covers about 64% of the cost of educating a student at Orchard. If the institution relied solely on tuition income, it would price itself well beyond the means of most families. Annual Giving is a tax-deductible way to ensure educational excellence at Orchard.
Why not rely on the endowment?
A generous bequest of stock from Eli Lilly’s estate in the 1957 was the primary impetus for Orchard’s endowment. Much like a personal stock portfolio, this gift, along with many others since that time, have been invested in order to provide long-term financial stability, as well as an annual income stream—commonly referred to as a “draw.” In order to preserve and grow principle, the endowment draw is 5 percent.
Who supports Annual Giving?
Parents play an active role in the Annual Giving Campaign—the Parents’ Association is the single largest donor to the Campaign. Orchard’s dynamic community includes governors, trustees, grandparents, alumni/ae, parents of alumni/ae, faculty, staff and many corporations and foundations, all of whom come together to support Annual Giving and ensure the financial health of the institution.
What are the levels of giving?
Those who make Annual Giving gifts are recognized at the follow levels:
| Founders’ Circle | $25,000 and up |
| Governors’ Circle | $20,000 - $24,999 |
| Heritage Circle | $15,000 - $19,999 |
| 1922 Circle | $10,000 - $14,999 |
| Harvest Circle | $5,000 - $9,999 |
| Golden Apple | $1,200 - $4,999 |
| Tower Circle | $500 - $1,199 |
| Cornerstone | $250 - $499 |
| Friends of Orchard | $1 - $249 |
How much should I give?
Participation is critical to the success of Annual Giving. While the average gift from all constituents is about $1,200, every gift of every size makes a difference. Only you can determine the amount that’s appropriate for your situation. Please consider making Orchard one of your top philanthropic choices. An investment in Orchard is one of the best investments you can make—it’s an investment in our students and Orchard’s future.
What are the methods of giving?
Cash, credit card and gifts of securities are the main ways donors choose. Many contributors take advantage of their companies matching gift program, doubling or tripling their gifts to Orchard. Contact the Institutional Advancement office at (317) 251-9253 for more information.