Fundraising Records Surpassed at Cranbrook Schools

Giving records were surpassed at Cranbrook Schools as philanthropic support hit an all-time high in the 2007-2008 year.

With the books closed on the financial year as of June 30, 2008, the total of all gifts to Cranbrook Schools (restricted and unrestricted) for the year reached $7,775,000, an all-time record, surpassing last year’s figure of $7,049,000. Figuring in that impressive number is the fact that the total number of all gifts to Schools surpassed 6,000 for the very first time, hitting 6,085.

The total combined giving to Schools operations through Annual Fund and other fundraising initiatives saw a new record of $3,647,000—up nearly 20 percent from last year’s previous high of $3,068,000. The total number of gifts to Schools operations likewise set a new record at 5,791, up from 5,368 last year. Unrestricted giving to the Annual Fund showed the second highest numbers in history at $1,931,000.

Said Rick Nahm, President of Cranbrook Educational Community, “These are extraordinary results in any year, but even more so in a year of significant economic challenge for donors nation wide, going against the current in the state and indeed most of the country.”
Impressively, the Cranbrook Schools faculty has now contributed to the Annual Fund at a 100 percent level for five consecutive years, a feat unparalleled in the independent school world.

“I've never heard in all my 38 years in the business of anything like this, especially for such a large, complex, and sophisticated organization as Cranbrook. It speaks so eloquently not only for the faculty's belief in and commitment to the school and the school's mission but also of its support of the leadership and direction of the institution. I couldn't be more impressed,” said National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) President Patrick F. Bassett.

In a surprise gesture during their commencement ceremony, the Kingswood Girls of class of 2008 became the first alumni group to participate in Annual Fund at 100 percent. As each young lady came forward to receiver her diploma, she handed Director of Schools Arlyce Seibert a donation to the fund.

“What these girls did exemplifies the fundraising year we have enjoyed,” says Seibert. “This inspiring showing of generosity by the entire Cranbrook Schools community is really the most resounding endorsement I think they can make.”

New fundraising records also include giving to the Horizons Upward Bound (HUB) program. In a year where government monies to the program were reduced, Annual Fund contributions to HUB smashed existing records, soaring to $534,000—well over last year’s total of $457,000.

This year’s outstanding results are the result of outstanding effort. In summing up the fundraising year, Development Committee Chair Sue Feiten says, “At the heart of these achievements is the dedication of our staff and our volunteers from all constituencies. The outreach to our community is done with such caring for Cranbrook; it is truly remarkable.”