What is the Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is a yearly
campaign, and is the foundation of UNIS’s fundraising effort. Contributions to the Annual Fund provide
unrestricted support and are a key component of the school’s operating budget.
These gifts enable UNIS to provide challenging and innovative academic
programs, attract and retain superb teachers, and support exceptional programs
in languages, athletics, technology and the arts.
Who contributes?
Each year, many
parents, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, faculty and staff – and even
a few current students! -- and other friends of UNIS contribute to the Annual
Fund. In addition, the Annual Fund
receives institutional support from governments, foundations, and
corporations.
Some donors choose to support
the Annual Fund with a gift in memory of or in honor of an individual, a
touching tribute to their special relationship with UNIS.
Why should I make a gift?
Each one of us
plays a role in making UNIS the dynamic environment that it is.Your gift to the Annual Fund is an investment
in our school’s ability to define itself, to improve, and to grow.
But most of all,
participation in the Annual Fund sends the message that we all support UNIS
together.
When we seek funding from
foundations and corporations, it is important that we be able to demonstrate
the support of our community.
How
much should I contribute?
Every contribution
is important! We ask all members of
our community to support the Annual Fund at a level commensurate with their
ability to give and their belief in the school's mission. Dedication to
excellence carries a high price, so UNIS urges its families to make the school
their top philanthropic priority.
What is the difference between the Annual Fund and a Capital
Campaign?
The Annual Fund is every year, and it supports the annual
operating budget. Annual Fund gifts support all aspects of the school,
from faculty salaries and academic programs to facilities renewal and
upkeep. The whole community participates in the Annual Fund year to
year.
A capital campaign is a
separate fundraising initiative for specific capital improvements, such as new
and renovated facilities and/or increased endowment for faculty compensation
and financial aid.
UNIS would never want someone's consideration of a capital campaign gift to
diminish their support of the Annual Fund.
Can I choose where my gift goes?
The Annual Fund directly
supports the School's operating budget, which touches all aspects of life at UNIS. There are opportunities for designated
giving, but we ask everyone to make their unrestricted gift to the Annual Fund
first.
How else can I help?
You can get involved!
We welcome volunteers who would like to get involved to help UNIS reach its Annual Fund goal. Stop by the development office and say hello!
Alumni can volunteer to engage
and encourage their fellow classmates to support their alma mater.
Additionally, if your
employer has a Matching Gift program, your gift to UNIS can be doubled or
tripled by simply filling out a few forms. Many corporations, large and small, match their employees’ gifts to
schools.If your employer, or your
spouse’s, participates, please obtain a form from your personnel office.Call your personnel office or UNIS if you
have questions. Bank of America Merrill Lynch, BlackRock, Coach, Disney, Goldman Sachs, ING,
JPMorgan Chase, Macy’s, The New York Times,Time Warner, Wells Fargo and more than 500 other companies participate.
I still have some questions…
Great! We’d love to help you. Please contact Polly Lyman, Director of
Annual Giving, at 212-584-3052 or plyman@unis.org.