Since the School first started participating in GivingTuesday in 2021, families, faculty, staff, alumni, grandparents, parents of graduates, and friends have repeatedly demonstrated that when our community comes together, remarkable things happen.
This past GivingTuesday, more than 500 donors stepped forward and helped raise a record-breaking $1.4 million for the Orange Fund in less than 24 hours (representing a 354% increase in giving and a 118% rise in parent/guardian participation since 2021). The day started off strong, sparked by a $500,000 matching challenge from a group of anonymous donors, and that carried through the evening as each gift built momentum across the entire community. This underscores what we continue to see year after year: giving days work, and donors are energized by shared excitement and friendly competition.
At the center of it all is the Orange Fund, ECFS’s annual fund, which plays a pivotal role in shaping our students’ daily lives. Whether you know it or not, the impact is felt everywhere.
“As the backbone of our philanthropic program, the Orange Fund makes so much possible,” shared Chief Advancement Officer Rose Turshen. “When donors direct their gifts to areas like Financial Aid or STEM, they are shaping the everyday moments that allow our students to thrive. Giving to the Orange Fund is one of the most equitable ways to support all of our programs.”
Turshen added, “GivingTuesday was our most powerful day of collective generosity to date. In my nine years with the School, our community has proven over and over again that they care and want to give with purpose.” Director of Development, Kavita Bordia, echoed that sentiment, “What stands out each year is that our donors believe in our mission. It is really exciting to see the influence our community has on our students and beyond; their commitment will fuel the future of ECFS.”
Throughout the day, donors shared thoughtful messages explaining why they make ECFS a philanthropic priority. A new family with a 2nd and 3rd Grader expressed how “the welcome from the community has been incredible,” while longtime supporters reflected on ECFS as “a second home” or a place where “[our] granddaughter is thriving and blooming in ways we’d always hoped for.”
Others highlighted what makes ECFS unique. One Ethical Culture Pre-K and 2nd Grade parent shared that supporting the School feels like “investing in the future of empathy, curiosity, and independent thinking,” while a 10th Grade family celebrated ECFS for “building the kind of educational community every child deserves.” Many shared that giving feels like a joyful responsibility rooted in a strong sense of belonging, and one donor said it best: “We’re grateful to be part of such a wonderful and supportive community.”
As we celebrate this incredible milestone, the Advancement Office is anticipating the upcoming ECFS Family Party on Tuesday 1/20, the ECFS Benefit on Wednesday 3/4, and Giving Day on Thursday 4/30. These events will mark another moment for our community to commit to ambitious initiatives, from campaign priorities to continued investment in financial aid and future-ready teaching and learning.
“Thank you for being a critical part of this journey and for making a difference in the lives of every student and teacher,” shared Turshen. “Our community’s generosity is the force that propels us forward. And we’re just getting started.” If you are interested in learning more or making a gift to ECFS, please visit our support page or contact orangefund@ecfs.org at any time.
