Give to Annual Fund, Improve the School

Northwest Academy has kicked off its Annual Fund, a fundraiser that benefits the school in many ways.

“The Annual Fund is a critical piece of the school’s budget in which we raise money to support school enhancements in our academic and arts programs,” Laurel Keppy, Development Director and organizer of the fund, said. “Contributions will also help fund critical school-wide improvements in technology.”

Northwest Academy will be asking for donations from families and friends of students. Teachers and staff will also be involved in donations, as well as Northwest Academy’s Board of Trustees, alumni and other friends of the school.

The Annual Fund raised $75,000 last year, but Keppy thinks that it is possible to do even better.

“I am optimistic about reaching our goal of $90,000, but it will be a stretch and we need everyone to participate to reach it,” Keppy said.

Keppy encourages students to inform their family and friends about the Annual Fund because it will be essential to have everyone contributing.

There is a big reason why it will be important to have a successful fundraiser this year.

“The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is offering a generous grant of $35,000 toward science classroom improvements if we are successful during our Annual Fund Campaign this fall,” Keppy said.

To make a contribution to the school, however, most people would want to know why donating is so important and where their money is actually going.

“The money coming from the annual fund will enable us to purchase important equipment for our science and technology programs,” Mary Folberg, Head of School, said. “If we are successful, the money raised will be matched by the Murdock Foundation, so it will provide us with even more upgrades.”

Donations will affect many major aspects of the school. Not only will Northwest Academy be able to purchase a significant amount of new supplies for English, math and science classes, but also new band instruments, an upgraded sound system and other theatre equipment.

“The Annual Fund is important because every student will benefit from these critical school-wide improvements and the school relies on donations to the Annual Fund to make them possible,” Keppy said.

Gifts to the Annual Fund will also help Northwest Academy add additional Wi-Fi access points, purchase new laptops and help the Systems Administrator keep everything working.

Other benefits of reaching the fundraising goal may include a 3D printer, new digital and film cameras, a new oscilloscope and robotics supplies.

“A hundred percent of the school’s administrative staff have already given to the Annual Fund, as well as 96 percent of the core faculty,” Keppy said.

Donations can be made by going to the Northwest Academy website, by mail or by dropping off checks at the front desk.

The Annual Fund is planned to begin by early November and be wrapped up by the end of December.