The endowment at Charleston Day was established in the 1970’s with a seed gift of $1,200. Over the years, the endowment has steadily grown through Board-approved allocations, donor philanthropy, and careful investment strategy. Today, there are several funds that make up the CDS endowment, all of which are managed to support annual objectives and long-term growth. The Board governs the endowment through an Investment Oversight Committee which sets and monitors the investment goals, distribution policies, and overall performance.
Donors can support the endowment with gifts to the general fund, existing specific funds, or by creating a new fund. Newly established funds can be designated to address specific priorities and/or be named. To learn more about how to support Charleston Day’s endowment, please contact the Advancement Office at 843-266-9798.
Investment income from the general endowment is used to support the School’s top operational and strategic priorities every year.
Gifts to CDS can be given in honor of a friend or in memory of a deceased loved one. Each year, we receive gifts honoring the lives, accomplishments and memories of students, alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff and friends of the CDS community.
A donation to support CDS is a lasting way to honor friends and family on special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or holidays. Memorial donations can be a thoughtful and caring way to express sympathy while impacting the lives of students both now and in the future.
When you give to the Spirit Fund, you will receive a tax-deduction receipt, and the honored person, the person’s family or the individual you specify will be notified of your thoughtfulness – unless you request otherwise. The amount of your gift will not be mentioned. We will list your address on the card so that the recipient may contact you to acknowledge the gift if they wish.
The Audrey E. Grice Art Memorial Fund was established in 2002 by the Grice family in memory of Audrey Grice, an exceptional art student of the class of 2006, whose energetic spirit and love for life were reflected in her work. The Audrey Elizabeth Grice Art Award is given at graduation to a student who exhibits a particular excellence in art.
Established in 1996 by Henry and Nancy Miller in memory of their granddaughter, Julia Simonds, the permanent endowment supports the teaching and learning of the French language and culture at Charleston Day School.
A permanent endowment to support the math program. Established in 2014 by an anonymous donor seeking an opportunity to honor Ms. Justine Finch, a math teacher at CDS for 26 years.
A permanent endowment to support the math program. Established in 2014 by an anonymous donor seeking an opportunity to honor Ms. Justine Finch, a math teacher at CDS for 26 years.
The Excellence in Teaching Fund was established in 2016 with an initial gift from a family who wanted to recognize and show appreciation for Charleston Day School faculty members who are devoted to the students’ personal development, wellbeing and education. They were grateful for the amazing faculty members and staff who made a tremendous impact on their children. The intention of the Excellence in Teaching Fund is to award one faculty member annually with a monetary award. The candidate must have five years of service at Charleston Day School.
Bequests and other estate gifts have a lasting impact on Charleston Day and can serve as a continuing source of support. Proper estate planning allows a donor to balance personal and family objectives in addition to charitable interests.
To learn more about planned giving strategies to support Charleston Day School, please call our advancement office at 843.266.9798.
The Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Fund was established by an initial pledge gift of $75,000 in April 2016 by an anonymous CDS family, who wanted to enable students from diverse backgrounds to pursue academic excellence and realize their potential at CDS. This fund allows Charleston Day School to provide need-based financial assistance to qualified applicants who fall within the diversity categories outlined by NAIS — age, ethnicity, family make-up, gender identity and expression, learning ability, physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation and socio-economic status. Scholarships from this fund will be awarded to qualified and highly motivated students, who, along with their families, will be additive members of the overall CDS community.
Established in 2007 in memory of Carolyn Cochrane by her son, Matthew Cochrane-Logan.
The Barry D. Gumb Jr. Scholarship was established in memory of Beau Gumb in 2000. The recipient is a student who is strong in character and integrity, shows empathy and reflects the qualities embodied in Beau — a love of learning and respect for education. Financial need must be demonstrated.
Established in 2013, this scholarship was made possible by the generosity of Mr. John Winthrop of Charleston, SC, who feels strongly that the study of history is an essential component in the academic program for all students. The scholarship is given each year to a a rising 8th grade student demonstrating a keen interest in historical studies.
Established in 2014 to honor Mr. Benjamin Huger Rutledge Moore, class of 1951. Proceeds from the fund provide financial aid and tuition support to students of Charleston Day School alumni and/or students of current faculty who demonstrate a need through the financial aid application process.
Established in 2015, an endowed fund for children of current faculty members to provide financial aid and tuition support to students of current Charleston Day School faculty members who demonstrate a need through the financial aid application process.