Frequently Asked Questions

How were the campaign objectives set?

The Board of Governors hired a development consultant to conduct a year-long feasibility study by interviewing some current Unquowa parents, alumni and faculty. The board, campaign steering committee and Head of School then used the information gathered in that process and the goals set forth in 2008 in the strategic plan to identify and prioritize the needs of the school. The objectives of this campaign address the most urgent of these needs.

Why now, if Unquowa has gone 90 years without an endowment?

An endowment will act as a financial cushion and source of investment income for the school. If Unquowa is going to continue to be innovative and bold in its programming and campus management, it needs such a cushion. A healthy endowment will allow the school to thrive even in times of economic difficulty by supporting faculty salaries and professional development, financial aid and new program development.

Will Unquowa still have an Annual Fund during the campaign?

Yes. The Annual Fund provides vital support to the school’s operating budget. Money raised through the campaign is for specific objectives that are outside the operating budget - in this case, endowment and carefully identified campus improvements. In fact, annual funds typically go up during a campaign!

How long do you think it will take to meet the total campaign funding goal?

Campaigns are unpredictable and fluid. It all depends on how quickly people pledge their support. Typically, campaigns raise the bulk of their money in the early phase because donors are eager to see the improvements and goals become reality. We hope to meet our goal of $3 million within three years.

How soon will we see any changes to facilities or programs?

Whenever possible, we will begin work on the campus improvement projects as soon as the entire amount of money needed to complete each project has been raised and allocations have been made to the endowment portion of the campaign. The board has determined that it is fiscally prudent to only begin work on any of the campus improvement projects we have identified when we are certain that the funding is there in full to support their completion.

Who do you expect to have as donors to the campaign?

All alumni, current families, past families, some grandparents and many interested community partners will be invited to support the campaign.

What if my personal ability to give is small compared to Unquowa’s goal?

Every donation, no matter how big or small, adds up and makes a huge difference in our ability to reach our goal. It is important to remember that you have three years to fulfill your pledge – this sometimes helps set donors’ sights a little higher.

How will the money be managed or invested?

The campaign funds are kept separate from the other assets of the school and conservatively invested. An investment committee with representation from both the Unquowa Board of Governors and other advisors has been formed to manage campaign funds.