What is the Acorn Endowment? The Acorn Endowment is an investment fund that will give off an annual dividend to help offset some of Acorn’s yearly expenditures. Why does Acorn Need an Endowment Fund? Acorn is trying to reach a level of security -- so we're not having to live tuition payment to tuition payment – and instead can lean on the endowment cushion to help reduce (somewhat) the need for fundraising. It will also allow us to keep tuition costs reasonable, provide compensation for our amazing staff, cover operating costs and capital expenditures to make sure the building stays lit, warm, and safe and to help with long-term planning for the future of the school. Why doesn’t tuition cover all of Acorn’s expenses? Acorn School is a non-profit school, meaning we operate on what we take in through tuition. We do not make a profit off of tuition. Operating costs are variable as is enrollment, leaving us vulnerable when we have short falls or costly unplanned expenditures. The Endowment would provide yearly income that could be used, if needed, to pay for budget shortfalls otherwise the dividend could be rolled back into the Fund to continue to make more money for the school. How close is Acorn to realizing its Endowment goals? As of January of 2014, we have invested our initial capital goal of $200,000. It has started working for the school, but the initial $200,000 raised can not be touched just the yearly dividend. In years where the extra is not needed it will be rolled back into the fund to build the Endowment. In the future we will plan a second capital campaign goal of $50,000. What Does the Acorn Endowment mean to you? Your gift to the Endowment Fund will work for the school forever. It is a gift that you know will have a lasting benefit, helping future children to grow from their Acorn educational experience. Children that generate a love of learning that will last a lifetime. Please consider making Acorn Endowment part of your annual giving plan. For more information go to: http://acornschoolnh.com/give-to-acorn-endowment/