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Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the priorities for the campaign?
Northfield Mount Hermon has enjoyed tremendous fundraising success during a time of dramatic change, putting us in an ideal position to make even more progress toward realizing the full potential of our mission. To strengthen the school for current and future students, our fundraising focus is on the NMH Annual Fund, the endowment, facilities, and special capital projects.

  • The NMH Annual Fund supports the day-to-day operations of the school.
  • The endowment ensures a strong financial foundation for the future.
  • New facilities enhance the academic, athletic, artistic, and residential life experience for students and faculty.
  • Support of special capital projects strengthen our distinctive programs.



What is the timeline for the campaign?
We have entered the final stretch of a campaign that began quietly in 2001. The public launch on May 7, 2008 of the $80 million NMH 130th Anniversary Campaign marks the largest and most ambitious campaign in the school's history. We expect to reach our goal by June 30, 2009, to coincide with the school's 130th anniversary and a gala opening of the Rhodes Arts Center.


How can I support the NMH 130th Anniversary Campaign?
Participating in and increasing gifts to the NMH Annual Fund is the best way to support the school, with all gifts counting toward the $80 million goal. Additional gifts to a capital project or an endowed fund further strengthens our ability to develop and provide exceptional academic and student life programs. You may make an Annual Fund online, or contact Kristin Kellom at 413-498-3694.


What if I want to make a special contribution beyond my NMH Annual Fund gift?
We welcome gifts of all sizes first and foremost to the NMH Annual Fund, which provides immediate and flexible funds for the school's most pressing needs each year. Many donors are interested in making gifts beyond their Annual Fund donation to support areas of the school program that are important to them. For more information about other giving opportunities, call your NMH contact in the NMH Advancement Office, or call:

Several significant naming opportunities are still available. Donors may also be interested in the opportunity to name a seat in one of the Rhodes Arts Center performance venues.



Do planned gifts and bequests count in the campaign?
Irrevocable planned gifts (e.g., life income gifts, charitable lead trusts, etc.) are counted in the campaign but with certain age minimums applicable to the donors/income beneficiaries. Generally, an irrevocable planned gift involves a transfer of assets by the donor to the school or to a trust that results in various tax benefits. This is a very special way to give to the campaign.
 
Revocable planned gifts (e.g., naming the school as beneficiary of a will, living trust, life insurance policy, IRA or other retirement plan) are not counted in the campaign.  Nevertheless, revocable planned gifts are encouraged, and we appreciate being informed about them.


What if I can't make a large gift?
NMH alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends are part of a school community that at present is nearly 35,000 strong. The loyal, continued support of thousands of donors is what keeps NMH strong and able to provide the excellent educational experience that has changed the lives of so many generations of young people. Your gift, of any size, demonstrates your support of our students and faculty and your faith in the distinctive NMH mission of an education for the head, heart, and hand now and in the future.


When was the last time NMH had a campaign?

Here are some historical facts:

This is the eighth campaign in the history of the school.

NMH’s first documented campaign was in 1928 in which $3 million was raised for what were called the Northfield schools. The next campaign was in 1953, which raised $1 million (not adjusted for inflation).

The most recent campaign, “Advancing the World of Education,” was completed in 1996 with a total of $38 million.

When the current campaign reaches $70 million, we will have matched the total of all prior seven campaigns held at the school since 1928 (not adjusted to inflation).