Many of us look at the charities we believe in and dream of what we might do. In the words of the song, ". . . if I were a rich man." The truth is that though most of us may never be "rich" in the sense in which that word is typically used, each of us can be a philanthropist. We are all familiar with the saying, "Where there's a will, there's a way." When it comes to charitable giving, when you prepare a will, you have a way to leave a legacy. Stating a charitable gift in a will is a way that just about anyone can leave his or her mark on the future. Nonprofit organizations, including independent schools like Davidson Academy, are made stronger and more financially stable when loyal supporters take the step of remembering those organizations in their estate planning. We hope that some of you will be interested in learning how you can take that step in the coming year.

The Davidson Academy Legacy Society has been formed to recognize gifts to our endowment fund. All gifts received for the endowment fund are permanently invested, with only a portion of the interest income to be spent on designated school programs each year. As the fund grows, the interest income grows as well. The support power of an endowment fund can reach a point of providing a significant percentage of a school's budget, or providing substantial funding for specific faculty or facility needs.

Traditionally, most gifts to an endowment fund are planned gifts - through wills, life insurance policies, charitable annuities, or a variety of trust arrangements. However, endowment funds may also receive gifts of cash, stock, personal property, or real estate. Davidson Academy's endowment fund was established a number of years ago through a gift from one of our families. Last year, another faithful family made a gift that effectively doubled the fund. Our school leaders recognize the importance of encouraging more Davidson Academy supporters to leave a legacy through endowment gifts.

Please use the reply form below to let us know that you would like to discuss how you may leave a legacy at Davidson Academy. All conversations will be treated confidentially. We have copies of sample language that may be used to add a gift to Davidson Academy in your will. We are also pleased to discuss other gift forms and to assist with referrals for professional consultations. The listing below names members of the Davidson Academy Legacy Society. Each of these supporters made a major cash gift to the endowment fund. You will note that we are currently unaware of any member names for the Legacy Leaders category. That category is to include names of all those who make us aware that they have included a gift to Davidson Academy in their will or other form of estate planning. The Legacy Society plaque currently hangs in the reception area of the Lower School Building. It would be a wonderful thing if we were to fill it up and need more space for another plaque by the end of this year! As you contemplate the new school year, consider what Davidson Academy means to your family and to future generations of students seeking an independent, Christian, college preparatory education.

Remember, if you will, there's a way you can leave a legacy
to ensure a strong and stable future for our school.

Davidson Academy Legacy Society
Endowment Gifts

Founder's Circle
Donna and Richard Sterban
Anita and Bill Vallett

Heritage Club
Almagene and C. Edwin Graves

Horizon Club
Shannon and Michael Price

Legacy Leaders
Lois Jones