The 1911 Fund: Annual Giving for Walker's
Thank you for your support of The Ethel Walker School!
Greatest Needs
Your unrestricted gift enables Walker’s to support all aspects of school life.
Academic and Faculty Support
The cornerstone of the Walker’s experience in support of our faculty and academic programming.
Financial Aid
Grant access to the Walker’s education experience for all students.
Student Life
Support the whole student in their health and wellness.
The Arts
Support student artists across all creative disciplines.
Athletics & Clubs
Foster Walker’s sports teams and student-run clubs.
Capabilities Approach
Walker’s signature program at the center of our student education experience.
Equestrian Program
Our premier riding experience for students who are at the beginning of their equine journey to high-level competition
Campaign ends Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, 11:58 pm EDT
What is the impact of my gift?
Your gift to The 1911 Fund helps underwrite many types of expenses throughout the year. It ensures that we can attract and retain exceptional faculty by helping to fund teacher salaries and professional development. Bus trips for student events and activities, staging for theater productions and sporting equipment are other examples of expenses that are offset in the School’s budget by support from The 1911 Fund. Your contribution also pays for things we forget to notice – such as light bulbs, hot water, campus maintenance and heating fuel.
Why are we asked every year to give to The 1911 Fund?
The 1911 Fund is an annual campaign that plays a vital role in the financial strength of our School by providing for expenses not covered by tuition or interest from our endowment. The operating budget of the School is supported in large part by gifts made to the Fund. As tuition dollars meet only part, or about 55%, of the actual cost of educating a student, we need to raise additional funds each year to support the gap between tuition and other income and the actual operating cost of the School. The Ethel Walker School is a non-profit, independent organization that operates without financial assistance from any public source.
Why can't Walker's increase tuition to cover the full cost of educating each student?
Large increases in tuition may prohibit a Walker’s education to many families, therefore altering our culture and distinctive learning environment. Because the School is committed to diversity in all its definitions, Walker’s strives to make its excellence in education available to students regardless of financial background. Close to 50% of our students currently receive financial aid. Tax-deductible donations to the Fund for Walker’s keep tuition costs more affordable and provide financial aid and scholarships to deserving students.
Why is my participation in The 1911 Fund important if I can only make a small gift?
Independent schools represent a unique form of education in our society and independence demands an above-average commitment on the part of its members. The participation level of our alumnae, employees, parents and students in fundraising efforts shows other potential donors our willingness to invest in the School’s overall success. Corporations, foundations and other friends of Walker’s look at voluntary support levels before deciding to make a gift to our School. Every gift makes a difference, no matter the amount.
How does a gift to The 1911 Fund differ from an endowment gift?
Gifts to The 1911 Fund and to Walker’s endowment are necessary to secure a strong financial future for the School.
All of the money raised through The 1911 Fund goes toward the School’s operating budget for that year. The Fund represents about 12% of the funding for the School’s operations, including support to academic programs, financial aid, extracurricular activities, athletic programs, faculty salaries, administrative costs, and plant operations.
Endowed funds are invested to provide additional annual support in perpetuity for programs, financial aid, faculty salaries, campus operations, and other designations.
How can I make my gift?
Donate online via credit or debit card, PayPal, or Venmo.
If you prefer to pay by check, a donor-advised fund, stock, or securities, please visit our Ways to Give page for instructions.
Making a pledge? Follow the Donate online link just as though you were making a gift, choose “pay by pledge” with the check icon in the payment bar. All pledges, are payable by June 30, 2026.
For any questions or additional support, please contact us at giving@ethelwalker.org or call +1-860-408-GIFT (4438)
