Support

Eighth-Grade Class Gift

In 2014, Burke's reinstated a tradition of creating a lasting tribute to their graduating class through a Class Endowment Fund. This year, the families of the class of 2023 will continue this important initiative by creating their own class-endowed fund in honor of this year's eighth graders: The Class of 2023 Friends Forever Endowment Fund, in honor of the lasting friendships made between the students and families. 
 
The Class of 2023 Endowment Fund will benefit future generations of learners and be recognized each year in Burke's annual report, honoring this exceptional class well after they have become alumnae.  We hope that they, in turn, might contribute to this fund, giving back to the school that helped lay the foundation for who they will become.
 
In this ever-changing economic environment, the endowment has never been more important. These last few years, in particular, have taught us that we cannot predict what the future will bring and that unforeseen challenges can change both school priorities and its funding streams. A strong endowment allows Burke’s to be innovative and adaptive to changing curricular and programmatic needs, to sustain the high quality of the educational experience, and to increase financial assistance. We are grateful to the families of this class who will leave this legacy, in honor of these students, the Class of 2023, and to a school that has meant so much to all of them.
 
Our participation goal for this fund is 100% participation from the class parents, and the families have set a financial goal of $230,000. Our deadline is Friday, February 17, before Mid-Winter Break. Contributions to the Eighth-Grade Class Gift are in lieu of gifts to the Annual Fund, even if a family has a younger student.
 
If you have questions about the Class of 2023 Endowment Fund or another Class Gift Endowment Fund in honor of a previous class, please contact Elena Pearse Hobden, Associate Director of Advancement at Elena.Hobden@burkes.org.

The 2023 Class Gift Committee Co-Chairs
Leith Barry Charmaine Curtis
Juliet Bergh Brian Davis
Ambi Bowo Kimberly Fullerton e’77








The 2023 Class Gift Committee
Ted Abraham
Michelle Gill
Newsha Ajami
Jen Horne
Stewart Barry
Jen Kim
Chip Bergh
Ken Lew
Thesia Bowo
Alex Monto
Kandi Brandreth
Justin Renaudin
Diane DallasKidd
Monica Yang

Class of 2023 Endowment Fund

  1. 100
  2. 90
  3. 80
  4. 70
  5. 60
  6. 50
  7. 40
  8. 30
  9. 20
  10. 10
  11. 0
Goal $230,000.00
Current $173,912.30
Remaining $56,087.70
Goal Participation 100%
Current Participation 41%
As of Date 1/10/2023
End Date 6/1/2023

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 3 items.

  • How Should I Think About My Own Gift To The Fund?

    We are asking families to stretch in their support of the Class Endowment Fund, ensuring a meaningful legacy in honor of our students. For eighth-grade parents, this gift will be in lieu of a gift to the Annual Fund and each parent will receive a suggested gift amount in a letter in mid-December. Many families find that their grandparents, or other family members, are also eager to participate in the fund. 

    To make a gift, you may give online, send a gift to the Advancement Office at the school, or call to arrange for a gift of securities. The Advancement Office can be reached at 7070 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94121; 415.666.3204; or elena.hobden@burkes.org.

  • How Is the Endowment Managed?

    The endowment at Burke's is invested under the supervision of an Investment Committee, a sub-committee of the Board of Trustees' Finance Committee. Its members consist of investment and financial professionals. The Burke's investment policy permits the school to withdraw 3-5% of the three-year rolling average of the endowment. The remaining gains are reinvested, allowing the endowment to grow each year. 

  • What Are Burke's Long-Term Goals?

    The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) recommends that schools have an endowment that is equal to two to three times its operating budget. Our 2022-23 operating budget is approximately $20.8 million. Therefore, the recommended endowment would be $40-60 million. Our current endowment, as of June 30, 2022, was $23.8 million. For more information about how Burke's endowment compares to those of our peer schools, please contact Elena Hobden in the Advancement Office.
     
Burke's mission is to educate, encourage and empower girls. Our school combines academic excellence with an appreciation for childhood so that students thrive as learners, develop a strong sense of self, contribute to community, and fulfill their potential, now and throughout life.

Burke’s

An independent K–8 school for girls
7070 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: 415.751.0177 Fax: 415.666.0535
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