Annual Fund
2020-2021 Annual Fund goal: $415,000
The Annual Fund ensures our financial sustainability as a school, helping us bridge the gap between tuition revenues and operating costs. All gifts to BUA’s Annual Fund are spent the year they are made, thereby making a direct and immediate impact on BUA’s students and faculty.
Gifts to the Annual Fund support current initiatives for:
Your participation in the Annual Fund demonstrates your belief in Boston University Academy’s students, faculty, and mission. Thank you!
Annual Giving Circles
The Annual Giving Circles comprise the top tier of donors who give annually to BUA – alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends who contribute $1,000 or more each year. Gifts from this highly committed and engaged group lead the charge in helping to advance our goals of access and excellence.
Academy Circle* | $250,000 +
One University Road Circle* | $100,000 – $249,999
Commonwealth Avenue Circle* | $50,000 – $99,999
Head of School’s Circle* | $25,000 – $49,999
Stewards* | $10,000 – $24,999
Benefactors | $5,000 – $9,999
Patrons | $2,500 – $4,999
Friends | $1,000 – $2,499
Stone’s Circle | $250+ (graduates in the past 10 years)
*Leadership Giving Circle
The 1993 Society recognizes donors with five or more years of consecutive giving to BUA, as well as graduates who have given every single fiscal year since graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Annual Fund support?
The Annual Fund is BUA’s most critical fundraising initiative. It supports the school’s annual operating budget and helps BUA meet its most pressing strategic priorities, such as providing a robust financial aid program. The Annual Fund also supports academics, faculty professional development, student support, visual and performing arts, athletics, student activities, and more.
We encourage you to stop by BUA or check out the BUA Facebook page, BUA Instagram page, Report of Annual Giving, or BUA website to see your investment at work.
Why is participation so important?
Our goal is 100% participation by current parents. Strong participation in the Annual Fund from parents, alumni, and faculty is an important way for BUA to demonstrate commitment to the school and its students.
Additionally, when independent schools apply for foundation or corporate grants, participation rates in the Annual Fund are the most important measure used to evaluate community-wide support for the school.
Who participates in the Annual Fund?
All members of the BUA community, including parents, alumni, parents of graduates, grandparents, faculty and staff, and friends are asked to participate in the Annual Fund.
BUA parents have a strong tradition of supporting the school, and support from alumni grows each year. In 2019-2020, 100% of BUA faculty and staff contributed to the Annual Fund.
How much am I expected to give?
We understand that tuition is a significant investment and that each family’s capacity for additional support of BUA varies. We hope that BUA becomes or remains a philanthropic priority for your family and that you give at a level appropriate for your family. Annual Fund gifts range from $25-$50,000, and we are grateful for every gift.
Visit our Annual Leadership Giving Circles page to learn more about how we recognize donors who contribute leadership-level support to BUA.
Will my gift really make a difference?
YES! A gift of any size can have a direct and profound impact on the life of a student at BUA. We receive gifts from $25-$50,000: no matter the amount, your gift matters and has an individual and collective impact.
Doesn’t tuition cover the cost of my child’s education?
Tuition only covers a portion of the cost of the BUA experience for each student. As is the case in most independent schools, unrestricted gifts to the Annual Fund help to fill the gap between what we receive in tuition and the real cost of educating each BUA student.
We believe that a diverse student body enriches the lives of all BUA students. Increasing the cost of tuition would put BUA out of reach for many families. Additionally, donations to the Annual Fund are fully tax-deductible, and tuition is not. Some consider their Annual Fund gift as the tax-deductible portion of their tuition.
Doesn’t the University support the school?
Boston University provides innumerable facilities and resources for BUA and its students. BUA effectively pairs philanthropic support from its community with direct support from Boston University through the annual budgeting process.
The University’s commitment to BUA is that we keep every dollar we raise, which means that increased philanthropic support can significantly enhance the student experience. A continued and sustained demonstration of philanthropic support from the BUA community is important to the University.
I gave to a restricted or endowed fund. Why should I also support the Annual Fund?
Restricted and endowed funds are an important component of BUA’s annual fundraising. Contributions to these funds accelerate our progress and extend our capacity to support the efforts of our students and faculty. The Annual Fund is BUA’s only fund that covers the school’s operating budget, which includes financial aid, faculty salaries, technology, arts, athletics, and more. We ask that you consider giving to the Annual Fund first and then supporting restricted or endowed funds as you are able.
When should I make my gift?
The Annual Fund runs from July 1 to June 30 each year. Gifts must be received by June 30 to be counted for that fiscal year. You may want to consider making your tax-deductible gift before December 31 in order to claim your tax deduction for that calendar year.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes, all gifts to Boston University Academy are fully tax-deductible. Once we receive your gift, you will receive a receipt verifying that your gift has been deposited into the BUA Annual Fund. Boston University’s tax id number is 04-210-3547.
In addition, gifts made as bequests or other forms of planned gifts can yield considerable tax benefits for donors. Please reach out to Margo Cox to learn more about these opportunities.