"We prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be."
Every Friends student and teacher benefits from the generosity of our Annual Giving contributors. High community participation is a testament to our strength as an institution. It reflects the loyalty and support of our constituents to Friends Seminary.

Supporting Every Student and Teacher

The Fund for Friends (the School's annual fund) is the most important fundraising initiative for our School, as it ensures we can carry out the mission-driven work that we commit to every year. The Fund touches every corner of our community and is the heart of our school’s financial health, allowing us to bridge the gap between tuition and the full cost of a Friends Seminary education. Nearly seven percent of the operating budget is not covered by tuition and fees, and this is where the Fund for Friends comes to the rescue.

Your gift directly enhances:

  • FINANCIAL AID which enables us to provide equitable access to a Friends education. Currently, 20% of our students receive assistance for tuition and related expenses.
  • ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING that is ever striving to meet the changing needs of our students and their teachers.
  • MISSION DRIVEN PROGRAMS by strengthening the teaching of our Quaker values, and supporting the Center for Peace, Equity & Justice.
  • PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS, including more than a dozen annual productions, concerts and gallery shows.
  • FACULTY COMPENSATION AND ENRICHMENT to support our dedicated teachers and ensure they continue to grow and learn.
  • ATHLETICS comprised of 33 school teams (15 Varsity, 4 JV, 14 MS) for a total of 320 student athletes.

The Fund for Friends: FAQ

List of 7 frequently asked questions.

  • What Is the Fund for Friends?

    The Fund for Friends is a collaborative effort that brings together our entire school community. Led by a committee of Friends parents, in collaboration with the Office of Institutional Advancement, the Fund for Friends touches every corner of our institution and is the heart of our school’s financial health, allowing us to bridge the gap between tuition and the full cost of a Friends Seminary education.

  • What Does the Fund for Friends Support?

    Every year the Fund for Friends supports every teacher and every student. The Fund directly impacts every aspect of school life—helping us attract and retain inspiring teachers, enhance our academic, arts, and athletics programs, and provide crucial financial aid that keeps our community accessible and inclusive. By contributing to the Fund for Friends, you are directly supporting our commitment to a Quaker education and ensuring every student and teacher can thrive.

  • Why Is Annual Giving Important?

    Every Friends student and teacher benefits from the generosity of those who support the Fund for Friends. Tuition only covers 84% of the operating budget, and this is where the Fund for Friends comes to the rescue.

  • Why Is Participation Important?

    High donor participation is a testament to our strength as an institution. It reflects the loyalty and support of our constituents and serves to provide a sustained pool of donors for the operating budget of the School. High parent, faculty and alumnae participation is an important factor that foundations and corporations consider when deciding to invest in Friends Seminary.

  • How Much Should I Give?

    All members of the community are asked to contribute to the Fund for Friends as their means allow. Gifts range from $5 to $100,000. Through Annual Giving, all alumni, parents, grandparents and friends can express their philanthropic commitment to Friends and make a personally meaningful gift.

  • Can I Make a Pledge?

    Yes, please click here to make a pledge or contact the Advancement Office.

  • Do You Accept Matching Gifts?

    Yes! Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions or volunteer hours made by their employees. To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, please click here, scroll to the bottom of the page, and enter your employer's name. If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your employer, and send it completed and signed with your gift.


Leadership Circles

Robert Murray Founders Circle
$50,000 and up

Third Century  Circle
$25,000-$49,999

Mariana Wright Chapman Circle
$10,000-$24,999

Earle Hunter Circle
$6,000-$9,999

Principals Circle
$3,000-$5,999

1786 Circle
$1,786-$2,999

Schoolhouse Sustainers

Rutherford Circle
$1,000-$1,785

Meetinghouse Associates
$500-$999

Family of Friends
up to $499
Friends Seminary actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all its programs and operations, including admissions, financial aid, hiring, and all facets of the educational experience. To form a community which strives to reflect the world’s diversity, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, physical ability, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Friends Seminary is an equal opportunity employer.
FRIENDS SEMINARY
222 East 16th Street
New York, NY 10003
P: 212-979-5030
F: 212.979.5034
Friends Seminary — the oldest continuously operated, coeducational school in NYC — serves college-bound day students in Kindergarten-Grade 12.