The Annual Fund

List of 7 frequently asked questions.

• What is the Annual Fund?

  The Annual Fund is a yearly campaign that seeks philanthropic support for the school.

• What does the Annual Fund support?

  Here at US, the Annual Fund supports faculty compensation and professional development, allowing US to offer nationally competitive salaries and provide significant professional development opportunities for faculty.  Research shows there is no greater influence on student outcomes than teacher quality.*  As masters of their discipline, our faculty and staff mentor our students with integrity and compassion.  US boys know excellence when they see it and build the strength to achieve it themselves.
  
  

  *Glenn Whitman and Ian Kelleher, Neuroteach Brain Science and the Future of Education (Lanham, MD: Rowmann & Littlefield, 2016).

• Who contributes to the Annual Fund?

  We receive gifts from parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, grandparents of alumni, current and former faculty and staff, students, friends, corporations, and foundations. All members of the US community are encouraged to participate.

• Why does it matter?

  The Annual Fund has a significant impact on the school’s ability to attract, develop and retain outstanding teachers.  A decade ago, we were in the bottom quartile for faculty salaries among our peer schools in the region.  Thanks to Annual Fund growth, we are currently the regional compensation leaders.  The financial support provided to the school by the Annual Fund allows US to continue to increase faculty salaries while keeping tuition increases low. In addition, Annual Fund support allows US to provide robust and meaningful professional development opportunities.  These experiences enrich and strengthen US faculty.  US boys are the ultimate beneficiaries of your support as they learn from teachers, mentors and coaches who are experts in their field and who show extraordinary care for student learning. Participation in the Annual Fund is a powerful demonstration of your confidence in the school and commitment to ensuring its continued strength.  
  
  

• How much should one give?

  The entire US community is asked to contribute to the best of their ability.  We hope parents will make US a philanthropic priority while their son(s) attends the school.  We hope alumni recognize the critical importance US played in their development and success and will support the school’s ability to provide a similar opportunity for those who follow. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated.  Each brings us closer to reaching our goal in support of faculty.

• When can one make a gift?

  Any time before the close of the fiscal year on June 30. Check out the Ways to Give section to learn how about how to make your gift.

• What are the Annual Fund Recognition Levels?

  Tower Society
  Founders Circle	$50,000+
  Anderson Circle	$25,000-$49,999
  Peters Circle	$18,900-$24,999
  McKinley Circle	$10,000-$18,899
  Maroon & Black Circle	$5,000-$9,999
  Main Circle	$2,500-$4,999
  Goodwillie Society	$500-$2,499
  Young Alumni Tower Society
  Class Years 2006-2010	$1,000
  Class Years 2011-2015	$500
  Class Years 2016-2020	$250
  Class Year 2021	$100
  Class Year 2022	$75
  Class Year 2023	$50
  Class Year 2024	$25

  
  
  Sandy Mills Society
  The Sandy Mills Society is a recognition club acknowledging consecutive years of alumni giving to the Annual Fund. Sandy, a member of the Class of ’34, passed away on February 6, 2012. He gave a gift to the Annual Fund every year since its inception in 1946 and was one of our most loyal donors.
  
  Introduced with the graduating Class of 2012, alumni retain their membership in the Sandy Mills Society by making a gift, of any amount, to the Annual Fund every year.