The Educational Foundation

A gift to the endowment fund is a gift that lasts forever.  Endowment gifts are not spent but are invested and the school benefits from a regular distribution of the return.

From time to time, TSS family members choose to support a particular need or project.  The foundation is happy to help make that a reality.

The foundation’s Evergreen Society celebrates those who have remembered TSS in their estate plan.

The foundation currently administers three restricted funds:

• The James and Kristine Landi Scholarship Fund supports academic excellence and access through its funding of the school’s Merit Scholarship Program.

• The Booth Grier Project Fund was established in memory of past board chairman and passionate TSS supporter and parent Booth Grier.

• The Traci Himes-Parker Fund for the Performing Arts honors the memory of early TSS student and alumni parent Traci Himes-Parker and her passion for the arts as a pillar of whole child education.

 

• What is the Evergreen Society?

  The Evergreen Society recognizes those who have thoughtfully included The Salisbury School in their estate plan.  Whether a straightforward bequest or complex trust arrangement, an estate gift is a meaningful way to ensure the strength of the institution for the next generation of students.

 

• What Types of Gifts can the Foundation Accept?

  In addition to cash donations, the foundation accepts gifts of real estate, securities, matching funds, tangible personal property, and cryptocurrency.  Planned giving vehicles such as bequests, annuities, IRA and life insurance beneficiary designations, and charitable remainder, and charitable lead trusts are also welcome.

 

• How does the Foundation Manage its Funds?

  Endowment gifts to the foundation are invested in perpetuity with a portion of the interest providing restricted and unrestricted support for the school.  The foundation board's investment committee oversees the management of the endowment funds.

  The foundation also holds three named funds, the James and Kristine Landi Scholarship Fund, the W. Booth Grier Project Fund, and the Traci Himes-Parker Fund for the Performing Arts.  For more information on these funds, please contact the foundation.

 

• Is the Foundation a Part of the School?

  The Salisbury School Educational Foundation is a separate tax-exempt 501(c) (3) organization and is governed by its own board of directors.  However, the foundation’s mission is to raise funds in support of the school so it has no other independent agenda and works hand in hand with the school to achieve its goals.

 

• Where does the Annual Fund Fit in?

  TSS supports three main fundraising efforts.  The annual fund raises important general operating support on a yearly basis.  The Gala provides the community with a chance to come together socially in support of the school.  The foundation focuses on long term giving in the form of endowment and other restricted major gifts.  Each of these efforts is crucial to the financial health of the school and complement one another.  These three efforts are centrally coordinated in order to provide donors with giving opportunities that best suit their interests and intentions.

 

• What are the Funds Used For?

  The proceeds from unrestricted endowment funds can be used by the school as it sees fit.  Gifts to the foundation can also be restricted for a specific purpose – scholarships, teacher training, science education, etc.  These proceeds are used by the school according to the donor wishes, though donors are not involved in the direct disposition of the funds i.e. choosing scholarship recipients.

 

• How are the Foundation Board Members Chosen?

  New board members are elected by the voting members of the foundation board. An ad hoc nominating committee appointed by the board president recommends potential candidates for consideration.  Prospective board members should share a committed belief in the mission, goals, and objectives of the school and a willingness to assist in securing financial support from others.

 

• Doesn't TSS Already have an Endowment at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES)?

  Yes, CFES does manage an endowment fund that benefits the school.  CFES is a respected institution and funds currently invested there are a great asset to TSS.   Given the positive financial and organizational trajectory of the school in recent years, TSS is now in a position to solicit and manage endowment funds internally through the establishment of The Salisbury School Educational Foundation.

“What can I do today to make a difference for The Salisbury School students of the future?”

The answer is simple.  The Evergreen Society recognizes those who have thoughtfully included The Salisbury School in their estate plan.  Whether a straightforward bequest or complex trust arrangement, an estate gift is a meaningful way to ensure the strength of the institution for generations to come.

Becoming an Evergreen Society member is not complicated.  If TSS is already a part of your estate plan, simply fill out the Evergreen Society Enrollment Form.  If not, including a gift to the school can be as simple as making TSS a beneficiary of an IRA or insurance policy, or using the sample language below to include a bequest in your will. 

We are grateful to those who consider taking steps to ensure the future of The Salisbury School.  Please feel free to contact the foundation for more information.

Sample bequest language:

I hereby give, devise, and bequeath (the sum of ___$) or (___ percent of my estate) or (specific items of property) or (the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate) to The Salisbury School Educational Foundation, 6279 Hobbs Road, Salisbury, Maryland, to be used at the discretion of its governing board.