Q:  Why does Goshen Friends School need a Capital Campaign?
A:  Since Goshen Friends School's inception, its facilities and operations have consistently reflected the Quaker tenet of simplicity and its commitment to making tuition accessible to the broad community. Investment in Goshen Friends School is critical at this time. In order to fully support the strong academic and social endeavors of a Goshen Friends education, a multipurpose building (cafegymatheatorium) is greatly needed. To complement the long-term capital expansion plan, the General Committee also envisioned an endowment to ensure
                                                                   financial stability for Goshen Friends School.

Q:  How will the Capital Campaign be funded?
A:  Goshen Friends School's Capital Campaign will be funded through both charitable donations and private gifts from every member of the school community: parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, faculty and businesses in the vicinity. We also intend to seek assistance from foundations. Over the next eighteen months, every member of the community, past and present, will be asked for a pledge. For independent schools like Goshen Friends, capital campaigns are standard practice in fundraising for infrastructure improvements. We believe that families who receive so much from our school will want to invest in the future of Goshen Friends. We want to begin construction in late Spring 2014, so the more we raise now the easier it will be to stay within our time frame.

Q:  What is the goal of the Capital Campaign?
A:  We are committed to raising $1.25 million.

Q:  How is the campaign being run?
A:  The Campaign Committee, chaired by Joe Stratton with Tom Woodward as Honorary Chair, involves volunteers coordinating campaign activities along with administrative support from GFS.

Q:  Is an establishment of an Endowment Included in the Campaign?
A:  The final goal of the Long Range Plan is to establish a permanent endowment, beginning with $250,000. This will provide Goshen Friends with the financial security to weather fluctuations in enrollment and fundraising, helping ensure its strength for future generations. The endowment will reduce the school's dependence on tuition, donations and annual fundraising events to bridge operating gaps.

Q:  Will GFS families be asked to give to the Capital Campaign even if we support the Annual Fund?
A:  Yes, the Annual Fund and the Capital Campaign are separate fundraising endeavors. The Capital Campaign is a one-time fundraising opportunity that seeks to enhance our facilities. The Annual Fund is used to support our daily operating expenses.
Therefore, we ask that you contribute to both.
In January 2013, we will launch "Completing the Circle". From January through the end of year, Campaign Ambassadors will reach out and ask every Goshen Friends Family to become a part of the Capital Campaign for the cafegymatheatorium and permanent endowment.
We ask families to support GFS in a way that is meaningful both to the school and to their family. Every gift, no matter how big or small, will contribute to the success of our project.

Q:  Will tuition be increased to help pay for the buildings?
A:  Tuition increases will address only the educational needs of the students and the cost to operate the school. The present budget does include expenses to maintain improvements already made to the campus. It is likely tuition will be increased to maintain the new building if an Endowment is not established.

Q:  Are there naming opportunities?
A:  There are naming opportunities for some gifts to the Campaign. At the time a gift is made, you will be invited to discuss the best way we can recognize your generosity if you so desire.

Q:  I am ready to contribute now.  Whom should I contact?
A:  Thank you for your support! Because this is such an important initiative, and we want to make sure you understand the various options and opportunities for giving, we believe an in-person meeting is an important part of the capital campaign process. If you would like to pledge over a defined time frame, please contact Stephanie Lantz, Director of Development, at (610) 696-8192 or via her email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  If you would like to make a donation, please download the pledge form by clicking here.

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