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The Cardinal Annual Fund

 
cardinal buddies working together
The Cardinal Annual Fund is designed to offset annual operating expenses. Gifts to the Cardinal Annual Fund support our school’s resources and programs such as academics, athletics, technology, faculty salaries, classroom supplies and equipment, financial aid, and building upkeep. With tuition accounting for 85% of the school’s operating revenue, we need to bridge the gap between the cost of educating each child and the expenses not covered by tuition. The Cardinal Annual Fund is crucial to the school’s operation and helps us continue the highest educational standards for our students.
Click the play button below to see and hear about James River's Cardinal Annual Fund and the 4th annual Day of Gratitude from Head of School Jenn Lindsay.
 

If you have questions about making a gift, need assistance with making a matching gift, or would like to make a gift of securities, please contact Michelle Davis, Director of Development, for assistance at [email protected] or 434-384-7385.

We appreciate your support of the Cardinal Annual Fund. Gifts and pledges made online are acknowledged with a confirmation message online and with an acknowledgement letter from our Development office. Gifts and pledges made by mail, or in person, are acknowledged with a letter from our Development office. Whether it further enhances our classroom resources, technology or academic programs, every gift made to the school makes a difference in the lives of our students and faculty. 

 

FAQs

The Cardinal Annual Fund provides essential support to our school allowing us to maintain academic excellence, encourage diversity of families in our school, and make the school accessible to a greater number of mission-appropriate students. A gift to the Cardinal Annual Fund allows us to attract and retain exceptional faculty and staff and to provide an unparalleled academic experience for our students.
 
Most importantly, a gift, at any level, means that you believe in our mission, care about our students, and value the education provided by James River Day School.
We do not make a recommended donation amount, but we do actively encourage all families to contribute to the Cardinal Annual Fund. Parent participation in a school’s annual fund is a strong indicator of happiness and satisfaction with the education their child is receiving. We anticipate that parents will make James River Day School one of their philanthropic priorities while their children are students here. All donations are valued and appreciated and greatly enhance the ability of the school to fulfill its mission.
While tuition revenue provides the bulk of operating revenue, donations to the Cardinal Annual Fund comprise approximately 8% of James River’s operating budget and help bridge the approximately $1,500 gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating each student. 
 
In a way, every student at James River Day School receives financial support through the generosity of parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty and staff, members of our Board of Trustees, and friends of the Cardinal Annual Fund.
  • Professional development for faculty and staff
  • New Chromebooks for lower school students
  • Building and grounds maintenance
  • Library books and art supplies
  • New band and orchestra equipment
  • Fitness equipment for PE
The Cardinal Annual Fund will continue to provide unrestricted support to the overall operating budget. This contributed support will be even more important and necessary this year as James River has absorbed many additional expenses enabling us to reopen -- safely and on time. Some of these expenses are:
  • Newly hired faculty and staff to help ease the workload of classroom teachers.
  • Professional cleaning staff who are on-site during the school day to ensure prompt cleaning and sanitizing.
  • Outdoor enhancements such as picnic tables and tents allowing students more fresh air and outside play throughout the day.

 

Leadership Societies
Legacy Society $10,000 & up
Founders' Society $7,000 - $9,999
Trustees' Society $4,500 - $6,999
Directors' Society $3,000 - $4,499
1971 Society $1,500 - $2,999
Donors contributing $1,500 or more each year to the Cardinal Annual Fund are recognized as members of the James River Society.
 
Gift Clubs
Cardinal Club $900 - $1,499
River Club $450 - $899
Red & White Club $150 - $449
Friends Gifts up to $149
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