New Families

An annual fund is an initiative that raises money for a school's yearly operating budget. As with all independent schools, tuition alone does not cover the full cost of educating each student at ECFS. The gap between tuition and operating expenses is approximately $9,300 per student. The remaining costs are made up of income from our institutional investment portfolio and unrestricted donations to our annual fund, The Orange Fund.

Philanthropic support is an important part of every independent not-for-profit school’s business plan. Your gifts to the Orange Fund reduce the gap per student and help ECFS meet our annual operating budget. Achieving our Orange Fund goal is essential.

We hope that families will make ECFS a philanthropic priority, and that alumni will recognize the importance that ECFS made on their lives and donate to provide a similar opportunity for those who follow. Strong financial support of the Orange Fund demonstrates your commitment to the School and your belief in our students and their bright futures. Each and every gift is important.

We ask every member of the ECFS community — current parents, grandparents, employees, parents of graduates, and alumni — to participate in the Orange Fund, including families who receive financial aid. Your contribution, at any level, strengthens our community and demonstrates your support of the ECFS mission and your investment in its future.

Yes! ECFS is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization under the Federal Internal Revenue Code. Unlike tuition fees, all contributions to the Orange Fund are deductible pursuant to the prevailing tax laws. All donors will receive a letter noting their gift amount, the date of their gift, and a disclosure that no goods or services were provided.

Absolutely! If you are interested in volunteering with the Orange Fund, see the Orange Fund Volunteer Program. If you are interested in getting involved with the P + T, please email pandt@ecfs.org.

Read through a broader FAQ here, or email orangefund@ecfs.org.