Giving
Capital and Endowment Giving
Gifts to capital projects and endowment funds have built every building on campus and provide essential revenue to help underwrite financial aid and faculty and academic development. The Henry H. Welles Endowment is the foundation of New Canaan Country School’s financial strength and flexibility. As of June 30, 2020, the endowment’s value was nearly $42 million, and falls into two categories: restricted and unrestricted.
Unrestricted funds are given to the school with the faith that the Administration of the school and the Board of Trustees will use the funds wisely and where needed most toward the operation of the school. Most recently, generous unrestricted funds allowed us to expand and refurbish the Upper School, upgrade the nurse's office, and make some improvements in the Middle School and Lower School buildings.
Restricted funds are used for the purpose agreed upon by the school and the donor, in accordance with our mission. Country School has a number of named restricted funds that are grouped into two categories: financial aid and faculty and academic development funds. These funds are held in perpetuity and take the pressure off the operating budget each year. Please see our Annual Report for a full listing of our restricted funds and their purpose.
For more information, please contact Ryan Smith, Senior Director of Advancement, (203) 801-5633.
Managing our Endowment
The Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees oversees investment of the school’s endowment. As of June 30, 2019, the endowment’s assets were allocated to a diversified portfolio of equities, bonds and alternative assets employing both active and passive strategies.
As has been the case for many years, the school maintained a 4% draw rate from the endowment to support operations during the fiscal year.
Building the Henry H. Welles Endowment to improve the school’s financial strength is a strategic goal. Endowment operational support advances key institutional priorities such as faculty professional development and tuition assistance.
Endowed Faculty Chairs
A great education begins with great educators.
An Endowed Faculty Chair is a vital tool to promote teaching excellence. An Endowed Chair honors and recognizes exceptional full-time faculty who demonstrate a commitment to engaging and inspiring students, creating curriculum to reach all learners, and seek ongoing professional development.
An Endowed Faculty Chair is a fund that provides financial support above and beyond salary for teaching growth in academic research, teaching or service.
Meet our Faculty Chairs
List of 1 news stories.
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Country School Recognizes Excellence in Teaching through Endowed Chairs
New Canaan Country School celebrated excellence in teaching by naming three faculty chairs at the school’s Annual Meeting & Dinner on Sept. 13. Middle School Spanish teacher Abby Cali, Kindergarten teacher Darby Webber and Upper School science teacher Scott Lilley were presented the awards by Head of School Aaron Cooper in front of a large gathering of parents, faculty and staff members.Read more
Awarded every two years, faculty chairs have been endowed by three former Country School families: the Holmes Family, the Laverack Family, and the Williams Family. The chairs recognize exceptional full-time faculty who demonstrate a commitment to engaging and inspiring students, creating curriculum to reach all learners, and seeking ongoing professional development. They also provide financial support for growth in academic research, teaching or service.
