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Annual Fund

Merchant Taylors' School to Launch Annual Fund.

Next autumn marks a new adventure for Merchant Taylors' School as we join the ranks of Eton, Harrow, Oxford and Cambridge with the first stirrings of an Annual Fund.  There is a long history of charitable giving at Merchant Taylors' School dating back to our founding and continuing every ten years since the 1960s. When we begin the Annual Fund, it will be done in the spirit of this history with parents and OMTs leading the way.

The Chairman of the Annual Fund is a versatile volunteer.  Dan Hassell is an Old Merchant Taylor from 1983 and father of current student, Ben Hassell.  In taking up the challenge of the annual appeal, Dan recognizes the opportunity before us, writing, “The time is right to move ahead with the annual fund, but in a lot of ways we are reaching back to the School’s founding mission.  Merchant Taylors' School was founded almost 450 years ago when a handful of men pooled their gifts to allow boys the opportunity for a great education.  We are picking up the tradition and reclaiming it for the 21st century.”

What is the Annual Fund?

Gifts to the Annual Fund are a vital part of ensuring high academic and sporting standards in a school where boys are free to grow and discover their own character.  We are especially mindful of the need to offer the opportunity for the best boys to attend Merchant Taylors' without regard to their economic abilities.  Annual Fund gifts go right to work because the School will use your gift in the same fiscal year.

Does this have something to do with the government looking at Charities?

Our history of giving predates the Charities Commission by four centuries and will, we hope, endure another 400.  That said, we know that we must do more.

When Merchant Taylors' School was founded, it was funded by charitable giving for the benefit of those who could not fully afford an education.  Subscriptions and fees were modest and the library was donated.  Over the years, Old Merchant Taylors (OMTs) and parents gave generously toward buildings, bursaries, school trips and more, most recently supporting renovations to the music rooms.

When does the 2008-2009 Annual Fund start and how long is the appeal?

The annual fund begins this autumn and we hope that most parents, OMTs and Friends will respond by Christmas with at least a pledge to contribute before the end of the school year.  We will continue the Annual Fund every year beginning anew each autumn.

Why doesn’t the school just raise fees?

School fees are important, but historically, they only fund a portion of the School’s budget.  Annual gifts offer greater flexibility than fees; annual gifts are entrepreneurial and allow the school to meet new and exciting opportunities as they arise, whether a special school trip, an unexpected bursary for a great applicant, or a replacement boat for the sailing team when one takes on water.

Doesn’t the Merchant Taylors’ Company give us lots of money?

The Merchant Taylors’ Company provides the land and buildings to the School; provides Governors who give generously of their time, talent and wealth; and opens opportunities for boys, but they do not, as a Company, provide significant additional funding in modern times.  They do, however, continue to make generous charitable gifts to the School.  The giving is steady, but not substantial.

What would the Annual Fund support?

Donors will be able to direct their gifts to Sport, Bursaries, the Arts, and for use at the Head Master’s discretion.  Existing support groups will work in partnership with teachers, coaches and the school’s leadership to identify areas of need and growth.

Will this money go to new buildings?

Annual gifts will support annual needs such as bursaries, sport, drama, music, and extraordinary academic enrichment.  Annual gifts can also be deployed for other exciting opportunities, but not for building new buildings.

Do I have to participate?

No, participation in the Annual Fund is completely voluntary.

Does the School have charitable status for tax purposes?

Yes, the School is a registered charity and thanks to Gift Aid, your donation can be greater just by filling in a form!

How do I participate?

During the months of September and October, volunteers will begin to canvas the School’s supporters for pledges and communications will continue throughout the school year.  Later, we will send out letters with Gift Aid forms.  You can also email cmassi@mtsn.org.uk.

We also welcome new volunteers – we need your help for next year!  You can sign letters, write thank-you notes, and ensure that we have established contact with our OMTs, parents and friends.  Again, please contact Christopher Massi, Director of Development, at cmassi@mtsn.org.uk  for more details.