Giving

Annual Fund

The Hammond Annual Fund

The Annual Fund allows us to think ahead to quality teachers and facilities, unique programs, and just about everything in between!

Hammond’s first giving priority, the Annual Fund directly supports students and teachers. Whether a student is in a learning lab, on a playing field, or on the stage, the Annual Fund impacts every area of the Hammond experience, keeping tuition affordable. The Hammond Annual Fund, combined with auxiliary program income, supports the difference between tuition and the true cost of a Hammond experience.

A tax-deductible gift to the Hammond Annual Fund is a vote of confidence for Hammond.

How Does the Annual Fund Impact Hammond?

List of 5 items.

  • Attracts and retains talented teachers

  • Helps develop Experiential Education Program

  • Supplements arts and athletic programs

  • Advances classroom technology

  • Maintains facilities

Ways to Give

List of 4 items.

  • Cash/Check/Online

    The majority of Annual Fund gifts come in the form of cash or check. Click HERE to pay by credit card or mail directly to Hammond at 854 Galway Lane, Columbia, SC 29209.

  • Gifts of Stock

    Hammond accept gifts of publicly traded securities. Gifts of appreciated securities held for more than one year is the most tax-wise way to make a donation. Receive immediate fair market value as a charitable deduction and avoid capital gains tax.

  • Matching Gifts

    Employer matching gift programs can double or even triple your gift. Check with your Human Resources department to see if this opportunity is available.

  • Pledge

    Make a pledge to the Annual Fund and pay by June 30, end of the school’s fiscal year.

Recognition Levels

Head of School Council
  • Platinum
 $10,000+
  • Gold
 $5,000-$9,999
  • Trustees' Council
 $2,500-$4,999
  • Founders' Club
 $1,000-$2,499
  • Hammond Patron
 $500-$999
  • Hammond Friend
 $1-$499
Lower School families who make a philanthropic gift of $1,000 or more during an academic year are recognized as members of the 854 Society. The goal of the 854 Society is to encourage leadership and philanthropic support early in the Hammond  experience.

FAQs

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • My family already pays tuition, why is a gift to the Hammond Annual Fund needed as well?

    It is a reality not just at Hammond but at all independent schools; tuition alone cannot fund the entire cost of a private education. Because tuition only covers 86% of the school's operating costs, Hammond is dependent upon unrestricted Annual Fund contributions to help close the gap between tuition and the true cost of a Hammond education each year. Your voluntary, tax-deductible support helps Hammond address it's highest priorities and immediate needs within the current school year's operating budget.

  • How does the Hammond Annual Fund benefit my child and my family?

    Every dollar contributed to the Hammond Annual Fund is used to provide for the outstanding faculty, programs and facilities that directly benefit your student every day.

    Specifically, gifts to the Annual Fund help Hammond:

    • Ensure that faculty salaries remain competitive so that we can retain the finest teachers, coaches, and staff. They also work to provide professional development opportunities so that faculty and staff gain new knowledge and skills in their area of expertise.
    • Integrate state-of-the-art technology and new curriculum materials into our classrooms and libraries.
    • Provide the resources needed to sustain and enhance our high quality academic, arts and athletic programs.

  • You stress the need for a high level of participation in the Hammond Annual Fund, especially among parents. Why is this so critical?

    High participation rates among members of the Hammond community are a vote of confidence - a sign that our parents and others invest in our students' future and support the school's mission. This percentage has a direct impact on gifts from outside sources such as grant-making foundations and capital donors. High rates of participation are required by foundations before they will consider our grant requests.

  • How much of a difference can my gift make, really?

    Hammond School has fewer supporters than a large university or charity. But our needs are just as great, so every gift counts more. That's why we ask every member of the Hammond community - including our Board of Trustees, parents, faculty and staff, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, and friends - to make a yearly gift to the Annual Fund.

    The culture of philanthropy at Hammond - both past and present - allows your child to benefit from an engaging educational experience within an intimately scaled, caring and diverse community where opportunities abound and meaningful relationships inspire transformative learning.

  • How much should my family contribute?

    We ask that everyone in our Hammond community give at the level that is right for their family. Gifts at all levels - from the Leadership Society to the Supporter Level - are greatly valued and deeply appreciated.
Questions? Contact Mahalie Moore in the Advancement Office (803) 695-4023.
854 Galway Lane
Columbia, South Carolina 29209
(803)-776-0295