Annual Fund

Online Giving | Online Pledge Form

What is the Annual Fund?

  • Gifts to the Annual Fund are the foundation of our philanthropic program at Bullis School. Like all leading independent schools, Bullis sets its operating budget in anticipation of the generosity of our current parents, alumni, grandparents, alumni parents, faculty, staff and friends. Every member of the Bullis family has the opportunity to have a dynamic and positive impact on our students and our faculty.
  • For every student, there is an approximate cost of $4,000 that is not covered by tuition revenue. The Annual Fund helps to provide the critical difference that is needed to educate each Bullis student while balancing the budget. We count on each member of the Bullis family to participate in the Annual Fund. This year, the Board of Trustees has set the goal at $1.1 million and has pledged 100% support for the Annual Fund. The Board is confident we can meet this year’s goal with your help. Gifts from grandparents, alumni, alumni parents, faculty, staff and friends are the keys to our success.
  • It is important to recognize that the Annual Fund is different from a capital campaign, but that both are vital to the health and success of our school. It is often said that Annual Fund giving is viewed as a contribution from your operating funds to our operating funds, while capital gifts come from your assets to our assets.
  • Unrestricted gifts of cash or securities make an immediate impact and help to meet the school’s operating costs. For your convenience, you can make a pledge now and fulfill it in installments that work for you. Our fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30, but for tax reasons, you may wish to make your gift prior to December 31.
  • When Bullis approaches foundations and corporations for financial support, these outside groups are interested in the percentage of participation from our community. In order to maintain the highest quality educational experience, voluntary participation in the Annual Fund must thrive as the lifeblood of Bullis. Any gift, no matter the size, is an important demonstration of support for Bullis. Our goal is 100 percent participation.

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Where does the money go?

Professional development opportunities for faculty, staff and students

  • Faculty, staff and students are able to attend a number of professional conferences and programs including the National Association of Independent Schools Annual People of Color conference, National Conference for Teachers of English, the American Library Association conference, the Teacher Institute at Phillips Andover and Bread Loaf School graduate programs.

Support of exciting and varied co-curricular programs

  • Annual Fund dollars support so many enriching opportunities for our students. Here are a few examples: experiential education, theatrical productions, Festival of Light, Multicultural Film Event, Curtains Up!, Middle School book award program, community service, choral groups like Counterpoints and Trouveres, Senior Citizens Theater Event, athletics, Global Studies and Service, a mentor program for teachers and the science fair.

Financial aid

  • We offer financial aid at Bullis because we believe that economic diversity is part of Bullis’s strength and definition. Financial assistance is awarded to those families whose resources are not sufficient to accommodate their child’s educational expenses at Bullis. Financial aid is awarded solely on the basis of need and is one way to make a great education more affordable for families who otherwise would not be able to be a part of the Bullis community.

Upgrading of our campus-wide technology program

  • With one of the area’s best technological infrastructures, we continue to add new computers, printers and software to our resources, including a state-of-the-art language lab in North Hall. Most of the new computers are now in classrooms, such as our computer writing stations in English classes. Classes are trying out our new writing tablets and projectors. Technological enhancements continue to be a school priority each year.

Classroom materials, equipment and furniture

  • Funding for classroom materials and furniture are included in the school’s operating budget. However, each year there are items that are above and beyond the budget. The Annual Fund provides support for these purchases. Also, unanticipated material needs arise and your support ensures that these needs can be met quickly.

Campus maintenance and facility renovations

  • With 80 beautiful acres of playgrounds, playing fields and numerous buildings, including the Blair Family Center for the Arts and the Marriott Family Library, the campus physical plant plays a vital role in our educational mission. However, weather and wear take their toll, so renovations, to the dining hall or stadium, for example, periodically become necessary. The Annual Fund helps cover these costs.

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What are the Gift Circles?

The Bullis Circle $50,000 and above
The Chairman’s Circle $25,000 to $49,999
The Founders’ Circle $10,000 to $24,999
The Commander’s Circle $5,000 to $9,999
The Head of School’s Circle $1,930 to $4,999
The Blue and Gold Circle $500 to $1,929
The Honor Circle $100 to $499

To honor the Bullis School’s founding year (1930), Annual Fund contributions of $1,930 or more are Leadership Gifts and will be honored and recognized in the spring at the Head of School’s Circle reception given at the head of school’s residence on May 13, 2008.

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How can I make my gift?

Check — Mail and make payable to Bullis School, 10601 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854, or drop by the Development Office in Founders’ Hall.

Online — Make your gift on-line at our secure site. It’s easy and saves time!

Call or E-mail — Call Moira Schoen, director of annual giving, at (301) 634-3697 or e-mail her. We gladly accept Visa and MasterCard.

Stock Transfer — Contact Jim Ledyard, director of development, at (301) 983-5707 for useful information about making gifts of stocks.

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