The Annual Fund of The Elon School To Support and Enrich Each Student's Education.

A Risk Free Investment.
The Elon School exists to educate the whole student by instilling personal integrity, stimulating intellectual curiosity, and developing social responsibility.

Q and A With Mrs. Janie Sellers, Parent of Whitt Sellers, Class of 2011
The Annual Fund Committee

What is The Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is the means by whichThe Elon School collects charitable gifts on an annual basis that are used in support of the annual operating budget. The Annual Fund is an essential component in strengthening and maintaining program excellence for students at The Elon School. The Annual Fund is not used for capital and building projects.

Who gives to The Annual Fund?
All school families, administrators, faculty, Board of Governors and other interested friends are asked to consider giving to The Annual Fund each year. The Elon School is looking forward to alumni participation also.

Why is The Annual Fund for The Elon School necessary?
The Elon School, like all independent schools, is responsible for its own funding. This is because the school does not receive local, state or federal funds. The typical financial model for independent schools beyond that, assumes that it will cost more to operate the school than tuition revenues provide. The balance comes from non-tuition sources. The Annual Fund is an important way to cover the difference.

Does The Annual Fund benefit every student?
Yes, a gift to The Annual Fund supports every programmatic aspect of the school and consequently, every student. The Annual Fund helps bridge the gap between each student's tuition and the true cost of an education at The Elon School. The Annual Fund also provides financial assistance for students that enhance the school community with their presence but otherwise might not be able to join the school family.

Gifts from individuals, companies, and organizations for The Annual Fund provide resources that will be used to:
	Recruit the most talented faculty and staff both locally and nationally and retain them.
	Strengthen scholarship and financial assistance programs.
	Maintain visionary programs and curricula.
	Keep pace with advancements in technology and secure an update information resources.
	Offer outstanding music and art programs.
	Enrich campus life through athletics and special programs and activities.

When should my family make its gift to The Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund year runs from July 1 to June 30. You can make your gift anytime before June 30 depending upon what works best for your own circumstances. A pledge to The Annual Fund can be paid through weekly, monthly or quarterly gifts if desired.

Q and A with Rev. Dr. Frederick G. Grosse
President of Elon Homes and Schools for Children which owns and operates The Elon School and President, Elon Children's Foundation

What is the history of The Elon School?
The Elon School is a continuation of something special that started over a hundred years ago. We are the beneficiaries of a century of hard work, sacrifice and dedication from so many people – many of whom we do not even know. Elon Homes and Schools for Children, which owns and operates The Elon School, began serving children in 1907 as an orphanage. Over the years as the needs of children changed so did the services of Elon Homes and Schools for Children. We would not be here today without the generous contributors who have invested in the lives of children for over a hundred years.

How was the founding of The Elon School different from that of other independent schools?
When an independent school is founded, in typical independent school tradition, it is through the efforts of interested families and community leaders who see a need to provide an alternative educational opportunity. Because there is no government money available to start an independent school it is also typical for these founders to invest significant upfront capital because they are starting from nothing but a dream and a conviction that something new is needed. However, our school was created in an entirely different way!

The existing Elon Homes and Schools for Children administration and board had the vision for The Elon School and the Foundation committed up to $7 million to this project. The intention of this capital is to:

	Prudently spend from the allocated principal (the "savings account") to fund the start up of the new school.
	Replenish the expended principal over time through philanthropic gifts and investment growth so that it will be available for future needs and to provide income to augment future operating revenues.
	Seek to partner with school families and additional community and regional individuals, businesses and foundations that have an interest in investing charitable dollars into the community resource and helping build the school.

How are philanthropic gifts needed today?
The most critical need is consistent giving to The Annual Fund which helps to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of an education at The Elon School.

Faculty and Administration Suport The Annual Fund
This year as last, The Elon School's faculty and administration are conducting a campaign among themselves in support of The Annual Fund. They are committed to supporting this essential component which strengthens and maintains excellence for all students at The Elon School. 100% of the faculty and administrative staff contributed the Annual Fund in the 2008 / 2009 academic year.

"The Annual Fund gives the faculty an opportunity to directly support The Elon School financially. How remarkable it is to enter the classroom and teach students who have been afforded opportunities to learn and grow directly from faculty gifts to The Annual Fund."

Marshall M. Qualls
Director of Community Relations

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