Philanthropy Sustains The Mission of The Church Farm School

Philanthropic support is key to CFS’s success in providing an excellent education to boys “of ability and promise” from diverse circumstances.  For ninety-four years, thousands of individuals have applauded and sustained the School’s mission of education and service.  A mission driven program challenges us every day, but all of these great young men—our 190 students—are well worth the investment.

Strong scholarship support

Attending CFS is a transformational opportunity for many students.  And CFS is uniquely affordable.  Tuition accounts as much as ninety percent of the operating budget at other independent schools but covers only ten percent of the CFS operating budget!  For nearly a century, the School has provided deserving students with the chance of a lifetime.

According to CVS Admissions Director Bart Bronk, “The Founder’s mission, so eloquently and indelibly framed 93 years ago, remains relevant, vibrant, and powerful today.  In 2012, CFS students will be the recipients of a record $3.9 million in financial aid.  90% of students will receive a grant, which on average will cover nearly 75% of their costs.  There are few schools that can avow that no student was prevented from attending because of financial circumstances.”

Our sliding scale tuition program insures that every family contributes to the best of its ability.  In reality, many of our students pay tuition at the lower end of the sliding scale.  CFS works hard to keep finances from being an obstacle to a boy’s matriculation.

Fortunately our School’s founder, The Rev. Charles Shreiner, and his successors had the foresight to plan for the future.  A large parcel of farm land surrounding the campus was acquired after World War II, with the intention it would provide a significant endowment to help offset the enormous discrepancy between tuition income and expenses.  Today, the Board of Directors and professional managers carefully steward the endowment.  However, in the prevailing economic climate, endowment income cannot cover all of CFS’s needs. Consequently, annual and planned giving becomes more critical every year. 

An invitation to visit CFS

Annual giving, EITC and OSTC contributions, capital gifts, planned gifts and bequests are part of the CFS equation.  Seldom does a donor have the opportunity to directly impact the lives of such excellent young men.  Coming to CFS will provide compelling evidence that this School is worthy of your philanthropy.  Please consider a visit to see The Church Farm School and our students first hand—Call (610) 363-5363 to make an appointment. 

CFS ANNUAL REPORT 2011-12