Why Are We Still Raising Money?
One of the questions we hear most often is:
“If the Foundation already has a large endowment fund, why do you continue to ask for donations?”
It’s a fair question, and one we appreciate the opportunity to answer.
The Paxton-Buckley-Loda Education Foundation is proud to have built a strong Endowment Fund through the generosity of alumni, parents, businesses, educators, and community members. This fund serves as a long-term investment in the future of our schools and students.
Understanding the Endowment Fund
It is important to understand that the Endowment Fund is not the same as our annual operating funds.
The Endowment Fund was established with a specific purpose: to provide a permanent and growing source of support for PBL schools for generations to come.
The Endowment Fund operates under policies designed to protect its long-term value:
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The principal — the original value of gifts contributed to the fund — is preserved and cannot be spent.
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Only a portion of the investment earnings may be distributed each year.
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Distribution amounts are carefully calculated to ensure the fund continues to grow and provide support well into the future.
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If market conditions cause the fund’s value to decline below the principal amount, distributions may be reduced or suspended until the fund recovers.
These policies help ensure that gifts made today continue to benefit students many years from now.
Why Continued Giving Matters
While the Endowment Fund provides an important source of annual income, it does not meet every need.
Programs, grants, scholarships, classroom projects, educational resources, and student opportunities often require support beyond what the annual endowment distribution can provide.
That is why your continued generosity remains so important.
Every new contribution strengthens the Endowment Fund. As the fund grows, so does its earning potential. Increased earnings mean increased support for students, teachers, and schools year after year — without reducing the principal.
In other words, every gift creates both an immediate impact and a lasting legacy.
Investing in Excellence
We believe that investing in education is one of the best investments a community can make.
When students have access to quality educational opportunities, communities become places where families want to live, businesses want to invest, and future leaders are developed.
Through your support, we can continue providing resources that help our students and staff reach their fullest potential.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping ensure that PBL students today, and for generations to come, have the tools they need to succeed.
Together, We Are Building a Stronger Future.
Investing in Excellence.
Sincerely,
Justin Swan, Chairman
Paxton-Buckley-Loda Education Foundation