Understanding the Heronfield Fund

What is the Heronfield Fund?

The Heronfield Fund is the school’s annual giving program. It provides flexible, immediate support for the current school year. Tuition provides approximately 92% of the resources needed to deliver a Heronfield education. Philanthropy helps make the rest possible.

Of the funds raised, approximately 75% supports faculty salaries, 15% supports student financial assistance, and 10% helps care for our campus.

Gifts to the Heronfield Fund are voluntary and tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Every family is invited to participate with a gift that is meaningful to them.

What does the Heronfield Fund make possible?

The Heronfield Fund supports the people, programs and experiences that shape everyday life at Heronfield.

It helps us invest in excellent teachers, maintain small classes, provide meaningful academic and extracurricular opportunities, care for our campus, offer financial assistance and respond to needs and opportunities as they arise.

Why does philanthropy matter at Heronfield?

Philanthropy gives Heronfield the ability to do more than tuition alone can provide.

It allows us to invest in the things that have an immediate impact on students while also giving the school the flexibility to respond to new ideas, opportunities and priorities. It strengthens what happens in our classrooms today and helps ensure that Heronfield remains strong for the students who will come after them.

At a small school, the collective support of our community has a meaningful and visible impact.

Doesn’t tuition cover the cost of a Heronfield education?

Tuition provides the majority of Heronfield’s operating revenue, but it does not cover the full cost of educating each student.

Like many independent schools, Heronfield relies on both tuition and philanthropy. The Heronfield Fund is part of that model, providing annual support for the people, programs and experiences that tuition alone does not fully fund.

Why doesn’t Heronfield just charge the full cost through tuition?

Charging the full cost of a Heronfield education through tuition would make the school more expensive for every family.

Instead, Heronfield uses a combination of tuition and philanthropy. This allows families and other members of our community who are able and interested to provide additional support voluntarily rather than placing the entire cost on tuition.

This approach helps Heronfield keep tuition as accessible as possible while continuing to invest in the quality of the student experience.

How is Heronfield funded?

Tuition is Heronfield’s primary source of revenue. Philanthropy, including gifts to the Heronfield Fund and other financial supports, provide an important additional source of funding, closing the gap between our tuition income and operating expenses.

Why does Heronfield ask every year?

The Heronfield Fund supports the school’s annual operating needs, so the Fund begins again each school year.

Annual giving provides resources that can be put to work for the students and teachers who are here today. Consistent support, like pledges and recurring gifts also helps Heronfield plan responsibly and make thoughtful investments in the future.

Is participation important?

Yes, but participation does not mean every family should give the same amount.

Every family’s circumstances are different. We hope families who are able to participate will make a gift that is meaningful to them. Gifts at every level collectively strengthen Heronfield and reflect a community invested in the school and its students. We strive for 100% participation across our current families, faculty and staff and Board of Trustees annually.

Participation matters. The amount is personal.

How should our family think about giving to Heronfield?

We hope families will consider making Heronfield a philanthropic priority during the years their child is a student here.

What that looks like will be different for every family. We encourage families who are able to participate to choose an annual gift that feels meaningful and sustainable, and to consider how their support might grow over the course of their time at school.

There is no single right amount. Our goal is to build a culture of consistent generosity in which families give in a way that is appropriate for them and, together, help sustain the Heronfield experience for all of our students.

Who gives to the Heronfield Fund?

The Heronfield Fund is supported by people throughout our community, including current parents, trustees, grandparents and special friends, alumni, alumni families, faculty, staff and friends of Heronfield.

Some donors make leadership gifts. Others give more modest amounts. What matters is that members of our community participate in a way that is meaningful and appropriate for them.

Why do pledges help?

A pledge lets Heronfield know that you intend to make a gift during the school year, even if you plan to give later. 

Knowing about anticipated gifts helps the school plan more accurately and gives families flexibility in deciding when and how to fulfill their commitment. A pledge can be fulfilled with one gift or through installments during the year.

When should I make my gift?

Whenever it works best for you.

Some families give at the beginning of the school year, some around Giving Tuesday or the end of the calendar year, and others later in the spring. Families may also make a pledge to be fulfilled later or choose a recurring gift to spread their giving throughout the year.

All gifts and pledge payments should be completed by the end of Heronfield’s fiscal year (June 2027).

Can my employer match my gift?

Possibly. Many employers match charitable contributions made by employees, and some also match gifts from spouses or retirees.

A matching gift can increase the impact of your contribution at no additional cost to you. We encourage families to check with their employers to see whether Heronfield Academy is eligible for their matching gift program.

Can I give through a donor advised fund?

Yes. Families and friends may recommend a grant to Heronfield Academy through a donor advised fund and designate their gift for the Heronfield Fund.

If you plan to give this way, please let us know so we can watch for your gift and make sure it is properly acknowledged and credited.

Why do grandparents receive appeals?

Grandparents and special friends are an important part of the Heronfield community, and many want the opportunity to support a school that is meaningful to someone they love.

We share information about the Heronfield Fund with grandparents so they have that opportunity. Giving is always optional, and families are welcome to contact the Development Office with questions about communications to grandparents or special friends.

 

You are always welcome to call, email or meet with Meghan Zipin, Director of Development with questions or to explore new ways for your family to engage with Heronfield Academy.