Georgetown Day School (GDS) embarked on a campaign to unify its campus, bolster its financial aid program, and enhance programs through the Annual Fund. GDS engaged CCS to conduct a development assessment, planning study, and campaign. The campaign is on track to exceed the $50M goal.

Based in: Washington, DC, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast U.S., United States

Sector: Primary and Secondary Education

Reach: Local

Key Elements

  • $38.1 million (76% of goal) raised to date from 309 families, including 180 faculty/staff.
  • 8 gifts of $1 million or more, including 3 gifts of $3 million and one at $10 million.
  • Board of Trustees and Alumni Board have achieved 100% participation.
  • 56 families have pledged $100,000 or more.
  • Faculty and staff have pledged $450,000.

The Challenge

Since its founding in 1945, Georgetown Day School has grown into a PK-12 school with 1,075 students. Through its history, GDS has never had the opportunity to house all 13 grades on one campus. When a once-in-a-generation opportunity arose to purchase land adjacent to the High School, GDS stepped into action and is now poised to unify its school, its students, and its community.

The Solution

GDS engaged CCS, a partnership that provided the school with a development assessment, a campaign planning study, and campaign counsel. After extensive preparation, GDS launched its $50 million campaign in 2016, named One Campus. One Mission. One GDS. In addition to unifying the school, this campaign seeks to strengthen GDS’s financial aid program and enhance school programs through the annual fund.

The Impact

The campaign is on target to successfully exceed its goal. GDS, with the help of CCS, is now focused on broadening the base of support and inviting all families to participate in the campaign. The supportive community is thrilled to help transform the future of GDS and looks forward to a unified school, mission, and GDS in 2020.

Photo Credit: Jason Putsche Photography

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