The Harbor Fund
Harbor Country Day School has been providing Long Island’s children with challenging, innovative, child-centered educational experiences since the school was founded in 1958. Our mission underscores every child’s experience at Harbor and ensures that all of our graduates are prepared to lead fulfilling lives filled with intellectual curiosity and confidence. The Harbor Fund enables us to honor our mission and ensures that our students are receiving the most stimulating, well-rounded education available anywhere on Long Island.
What is The Harbor Fund?
It is an annual fundraising campaign that directly supports the school’s programs – and your children – this academic year.
Why is The Harbor Fund necessary?
It is necessary because tuition income is not enough to cover our annual expenses. In fact, nearly one-third of our expenses are not covered by tuition and must be funded through other means, such as the Harbor Fund. Annual funds like the Harbor Fund, are a financial model used by all independent schools to help keep tuition down which, in turn, helps to encourage greater diversity amongst the student population.
Who gives to The Harbor Fund?
Parents, alumni, trustees, faculty, staff, and friends are all asked to contribute. Historically, more than 90% of our parents and 100% of our faculty, staff, and trustees make gifts each year. Full parent, faculty, staff and board participation in the annual Harbor Fund campaign shows our community is fully behind our school. This becomes increasingly helpful when Harbor asks alumni or community members to support other fundraising initiatives!
How is The Harbor Fund used?
It supports tuition assistance, professional development of our faculty, classroom programs, the performing arts, athletics, and maintenance of the school’s building and grounds. To give you a sense of where donations may be used:
Standard School Costs
- $25 goes toward a contingency fund for library books
- $50 goes toward recess and playground equipment
- $100 buys books for our Teachers College Reading program
- $250 buys science lab supplies
- $500 buys a homeroom teacher’s classroom supplies for a full school year
- $1,000 buys supplies for Harbor’s STEAM program
- $6,000 pays for the maintenance of Miller Field for one school year
COVID-19 Reopening Costs
- $20 pays for one gallon of hand sanitizer
- $50 pays for 50 disposable face masks
- $100 pays for one portable hand-washing station
- $150 pays for one air purifier with HEPA filters
- $250 pays for one 10’x20’ canopy tent
- $500 pays for fourteen infrared thermometers
- $1,100 pays for one disinfecting atomizer gun
- $3,500 pays for desktop sneeze guards for all students
- $6,000 pays for the new bathroom
What is our goal this year?
Our goal this year is for 100% of our families, as well as 100% of our faculty, staff, and trustees, to make their own gift by December 31st with a total goal of raising $250,000.
How much should I give?
We simply ask that you do your best within your financial means. Every gift, of every amount, is appreciated and valued.
How do I make my gift?
We accept gifts in the form of personal checks (made payable to Harbor Country Day School), credit cards, and stock. You may mail your gift to the school office, make a gift online or send funds via electronic wire from a bank or brokerage account. If you need assistance, please contact our advancement office at (631) 584-5555.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes, because Harbor Country Day School is a qualified 501(c)(3) organization, all contributions to The Harbor Fund are fully tax-deductible