While the Annual Fund at Far Brook supports the day-to-day activities of the School, capital gifts make possible new and renovated facilities and support special needs. Far Brook conducts capital campaigns as well as special fundraising efforts to raise funds for significant needs that fall outside the purview of the operating budget. Capital gifts and major gifts are often committed over a three-to-five-year period.
Capital Campaigns – A History of Giving
Far Brook's first Capital Campaign of $2.4 million, completed in 1996, made possible several new and renovated facilities and established a modest endowment. The second campaign, The Campaign for Far Brook – Preserving Tradition, Securing the Future, ended in June 2003 at over $4.8 million, and funded the total renovation of Winifred S. Moore Hall and a substantial increase in the School's growing endowment. By June 2006, an additional $1,000,000 had been raised for the endowment in honor of retiring Head of School, Mary Wearn Wiener. These gifts were made possible through the vision of current and former parents, alumni, businesses, and friends through direct commitments, a Former Trustees Matching Challenge, and generous proceeds from the Gala Tribute Journal.
Endowment fundraising continues for both general and restricted purposes. As of June 2010, the endowment total is $4,317,936.
Special Fundraising Events and Efforts – periodically, the School holds special fundraising events that have resonance with the Far Brook community.
Among Far Brook's special fundraising events were four "Tanglebrook" concerts which raised funds for the Edwin A. Finckel Scholarship for the Arts, named for Far Brook's late, long-time Artistic Director. These extraordinary events featured two members of the Grammy Award-winning Emerson String Quartet, violinist Philip Setzer, parent of a Far Brook alumna; and cellist David Finckel, Far Brook Class of 1966. Also featured was pianist Wu Han, wife of David. They are Artistic Directors of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. These concerts raised over $100,000 to benefit the Edwin A. Finckel Scholarship for the Arts.
Special fundraising efforts are approved by the Board of Trustees and are coordinated and produced by parent volunteers in conjunction with the Development Office.
Library, Laptops, and Wetlands - $300,600
This fundraising effort was completed in June of 2010, which funded the following:
- Restoration of the Schoolyard Wetlands Habitat - affectionately known as “the Swamp,” by Far Brook alumni, this incredible outdoor resource is now much more accessible to students and faculty. The Habitat area includes nature paths that curve around the Wetlands. Next to the paths are several learning circles made of tree cookies. Classes enjoy many outdoor studies that facilitate observing and enjoying nature; learning about the plants, animals, and the creatures that inhabit this marsh and woodland area.
- Purchase of first laptops for students, with a movable laptop cart.
- Renovation of the Old Library - 2007