Giving FAQs

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

• What is the Fund for Denver Academy? Why is it important to give?

  The Fund for Denver Academy is a yearly fundraising campaign supported by parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, friends, and our faculty, staff, and board members. The Fund provides unrestricted dollars for DA’s current fiscal year operating expenses.

• Are parents required to give a certain amount to the Fund for Denver Academy?

  Gifts to the Fund are voluntary and appreciated at every giving level. Parent participation expresses a commitment to the transformative educational experience of each of our students. Every gift is important to reaching the Fund goal each year.

• Why is the percentage of participation important?

  Our school’s ability to attract outside funding from foundations and corporations is impacted by parent participation in the Fund. DA has a coordinated and strategic effort to acquire grants. We stand the best chance of receiving such support, today, and in the future, if funding organizations see a strong level of parent participation (75% and higher).

• Why don’t you increase tuition to cover operating expenses so you don’t have to worry about the Fund for Denver Academy?

  All independent schools, like Denver Academy, establish tuition on an annual basis and work hard to limit increases from year to year. Gifts to the Fund for Denver Academy help make tuition affordable to a wider range of students, bringing every student the many benefits of social and economic diversity. Gifts to the school are tax deductible and allow the school to keep tuition in line with the economy and costs.

• My family is already paying tuition. How does my child benefit from a donation?

  Gifts to the Fund for Denver Academy are applied across the budget, which means attracting and retaining talented teachers and staff, small classes, reading and math resources and exceptional offerings in everything from arts to athletics.

• When should l make my Fund for DA gift?

  The earlier you send your gift, the earlier we can put it to work for your student(s).

• Can I make a gift in honor or memory of someone special?

  Yes, gifts can be made in honor or memory of someone – for example, a gift in honor of a teacher who has made a difference in a student's education, in celebration of your student or in memory of a loved one. If you wish, a notification letter will be mailed to the individual or family.

• Does the Fund accept gifts of stocks or securities?

  Denver Academy gratefully accepts gifts of appreciated assets, such as securities. A gift of appreciated stock often offers tax benefits to the donor. Follow these easy steps to make a stock transfer.

• Are corporate matching gifts of value to DA?

  Yes, matching gifts add considerably to the Fund for Denver Academy. Check with your employer to find out if they provide matching gifts.

• How does Tuition Assistance fit into the fundraising picture?

  Every year, approximately one-third of our families rely on tuition assistance in order to afford a Denver Academy education. Funding for the DA Tuition Assistance Program comes from individual contributions, foundation grants, special events, endowment and the school’s operating budget.