Endowment

Every year, Seniors at Friends Seminary are asked to participate in a Senior Gift project. Unlike other gifts to the School, this Senior Gift is led by students—they choose the gift they would like to dedicate the funds to, they solicit their friends, family members, and loved ones to give, and they work together to reach 100% participation. Every year, the purpose of the Senior Gift changes to reflect the interests of each unique class. Existing funds include endowed funds to support financial aid, funding to pay guest speakers, support for library programming, sustainability initiatives, performing arts, and more. Gifts can continue to be made to any senior fund to further grow the corpus or in honor of one of more of the graduates.


Class of 1975 Scholarship Fund
In honor of the graduating Class of 1975 by family members, this fund supports financial aid.

Class of 1990 Scholarship Fund
Established by the families of the Class of 1990 to provide financial aid to deserving students.

Class of 2004 Scholarship Fund
The Class of 2004 Scholarship was established by the families of the graduating Class of 2004 with the understanding of Friends Seminary's deep commitment to serving a diverse student population-one that mirrors the city we serve. The School's mission includes valuing "the Inner Light" in every person-a metaphor for the School's commitment to and appreciation of the uniqueness of each individual in the community.

Endowment for Financial Aid for Students of Color - Class of 2022
The Class of 2022 Fund is designated towards the Financial Aid Endowment for students of color.

Class of 1987 Speaker Series Fund
This endowed fund was established by family members of the Class of 1987 to pay for guest speakers.

Class of 1988 Extra-Curricular Activities Fund
Established by senior parents in honor of their children, this fund supports student initiatives.

Class of 1997 Art Fund
In honor of the graduation of their children, parents of the Class of 1997 established this fund for the performing arts. 

Class of 2003 Fund for Student Initiatives
The Class of 2003 Fund for Student Initiatives was established by the families of the graduating class of 2003 to support student driven programs. This endowed fund will ensure the continuation of initiatives, such as the Day of Concern - programs that focus on deeper understanding of issues and ideas that concern students and contribute to the greater community and the overall Friends mission. The fund encourages student activism in bringing about "the world that ought to be."

Class of 2006 Endowment Fund for Student Enrichment
The Class of 2006 Fund for Student Enrichment was established by the families of the graduating class to offset the costs of a Friends Seminary education beyond what tuition covers.
Class of 2007 Fund for Innovative Library Experiences
The Class of 2007 Fund for Innovative Library Experiences was established by the families of the graduating class as an endowed fund to support programming in the Library for Middle and Upper School students. The goal of The Class of 2007 Fund for Innovative Library Experiences is to provide funding that will enhance the students' total school experience at Friends Seminary by giving them a library that functions as a community center for creative approaches to sharing information. The Fund will be used for author visits, art installations, writers' residencies, film programs, distance learning opportunities, and innovative print formats making the Library a place where students can gain and share knowledge in all its dimensions.

Class of 2009 Fund for a Greener School
Established by the families of the graduating Class of 2009 as a partially restricted fund and a partially endowed fund, the fund will allow the School to advance an ongoing culture of sustainability.
Class of 2011 The 225th Anniversary Multimedia Lab
The 225th Anniversary Multimedia Lab, made possible by the class of 2011, enhances exploration and creative inquiry into the arts, technology, and culture through multimedia-driven work using images, videos, movies, slide shows, music and soundtracks.Funds for immediate start-up costs of building the lab and outfitting it with the appropriate technology; an endowed fund to provide ongoing resources to update the space with the latest equipment and software each year; and funding for professional development to train and help inspire our faculty in the use of the technology.

Class of 2012 Faculty Grants for Graduate and Quaker Studies Fund
This endowed fund was created as a visible and lasting legacy of the Class of 2012 to provide grants to faculty for graduate and Quaker studies. The fund strengthens Friends Seminary’s deep commitment to the Quaker testimonies and helps ensure that innovative, talented teachers have the resources to inspire and motivate students. 
Irina Hon ’13 Memorial Financial Aid Fund at Friends Seminary
The Irina Hon ’13 Memorial Financial Aid Fund was established by the students of the Class of 2013 and their families to honor the memory of their classmate Irina Hon (1995-2010), who wished to be remembered for her smile and laughter. A financial aid award is made annually to an immigrant or first generation student with demonstrated financial need.

Class of 2013 Endowed Fund for Supplemental Financial Aid
The Class of 2013 Endowed Fund for Supplemental Financial Aid provides financial support to Friends Seminary students to ensure that all are able to participate in the School's full and rich program. This fund helps students and their families with expenses such as textbooks, athletic equipment and extracurricular activities that are not covered by tuition and fall outside the scope of financial aid.

Class of 2014 Fund for Financial Aid for Children of Faculty and Staff
One of Friends Seminary's greatest commitments is to its greatest resource-the dedicated teachers and staff. The Class of 2014 Endowed Fund for Financial Aid for the Children of Faculty and Staff will strengthen support for faculty and staff by helping to ensure that their children have the opportunity to experience the extraordinary Friends Seminary education.

Class of 2015 Endowed Fund for the "Greenscaping" of the Peace Terrace
The Class of 2015 Fund for Greenscaping will provide funding for the landscaping and furnishing of the Peace Terrace and create an endowed fund that ensures continuing resources for the gardens and plantings in Friends Seminary’s outdoor spaces.

Class of 2021 Financial Aid Endowment
This fund, created by the students in Class of 2021, provides tuition assistance for students in need.

Endowment for Financial Aid for Students of Color - Class of 2022
The Class of 2022 Fund is designated towards the Financial Aid Endowment for students of color.

Class of 2023 Endowment for Financial Aid
Friends Seminary is committed to ensuring that its community is enhanced by students who bring to it a rich blend of cultures, talents and interests. Many of the families of the most academically talented Friends students do not have sufficient resources to cover the cost of tuition. This fund, created by the students in Class of 2023, provides tuition assistance for students in need.

The Class of 2024 Endowment for Extracurricular Activities 
The Class of 2024 Endowment for Extracurricular Activities will support special opportunities outside the traditional academic setting or programs. This endowment will provide funding specifically for athletics, visual arts and the performing arts extracurricular activities, as needed. This endowment will be administered by the Head of Upper School or by another relevant administrator appointed by the Head of School.

Curricular development and innovation benefits students and ensures that Friends Seminary continues to provide an exemplary learning experience for all. Many named endowed funds aim to strengthen K-12 curriculum by providing essential resources and opportunities for teachers, their classrooms, and their sylabi.
 

Auction 2011 Curricular Fund for Innovation

The generosity of the Friends community during Auction 2011: For the Benefit of Friends provided the initial resources for this endowed fund which supports curricular innovation at the School.

Endowed Fund for Curricular Innovation

This fund was established to explore new approaches to and ideas for enhancing the School’s curriculum and programs. 

Endowment for Teaching of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

This endowed fund supports the teaching of civil rights and civil liberties in courses at Friends. 

Fund for Scientific Innovation

Established by Martha Ehrenfeld ’83 and Emily Ehrenfeld ’85 in honor of their teachers at Friends, namely science faculty Arthur Moore, Harold Perry, Ron Salyk and Fran Wald, this endowed fund provides resources for innovation and experimentation in the sciences and is meant to encourage students’ discovery of the scientific world. Supporting Friends’ commitment to scientific exploration, this Fund can be applied many ways and is inspired by the belief that students learn by “doing” science.

Jerome Evans Holocaust Memorial Fund
Established by Ina R. Evans in memory of her husband, Jerome, and his long involvement with Holocaust education, this fund is used by the library to purchase materials and to present programs dealing with the Holocaust.

Marge Gonzalez Fund for the Teaching of Foreign Languages

Established at the time of her retirement in 2003, this fund honors Marge's 34 years at Friends wherein she instilled, in generations of students, a love of foreign languages. The fund supports the teaching of foreign languages - used for materials, faculty salary and support, and program development.

Marjorie Brown Fund

Established in memory of Marjorie Brown, Lower School drama teacher, to sponsor an annual Lower School Assembly. 

Philip E. Schwartz Endowment for Teaching of Classics

This fund, established in 1995 and renamed in 2014 for Philip E. Schwartz upon his retirement, supports the teaching of classical languages at Friends Seminary.

Teaching of Math Fund

This fund supports the teaching of mathematics with resources to provide materials, faculty salary and support, and program development.

The Deborah Baltzly Aliber '48 Endowment
Established by the family of Deborah Baltzly Aliber ’48 in her memory, this fund supports the study of the history and culture of the Middle East.
 

Tisch Family Fund for the Performing Arts

This endowed fund was established in 2011 to expand the Performing Arts curriculum and offer additional performance opportunities.

Tuft Music Fund

Established by Diane and Thomas Tuft, parents of Jennifer ’97, to endow the teaching of music.

Ann Sullivan Fund for the Teaching of English Language and Literature
Established to honor Ann Sullivan’s 26 years at Friends Seminary, the fund supports faculty, special projects, initiatives and programs proposed by faculty in the English Department.

Christie Rinehart Basham '49 Fund
This fund, created by the estate of Christine Rinehart Basham '49, a professional journalist and commentator, may be used for salaries and stipends related to coursework in writing, literary journals or newspapers, writers-in-residence, or guest writers for workshops or presentations. Unse of the fund need not be reserved only for the English Language.

E.E. Ford Endowment for Upper School Professional Development
Endowment to support special projects in the Upper School

Edes Gilbert '49 Fund
Established by Edes Powell Gilbert ’49, this fund enables faculty to pursue professional growth opportunities.

Endowment for Faculty
Established in honor of Friends Seminary’s dedicated teachers, this fund secures faculty salaries.

Joe Gosler Faculty Enrichment Fund
Established upon his retirement after 24 years as Business Manager at Friends, this fund reflects Joe’s broad influence in the School community. Ever a compassionate colleague, and intuitive advocate for faculty and staff, Joe leaves as his legacy this fund to support conferences and educational opportunities for teaching.

John S. Estey '43 Fund for Teacher Enhancement
This endowed fund was established in memory of Rowse B. Wilcox, Roland K. Reede, Hermine Ehlers, Harry W. Nordstrom and Beatrice Louise Ecks 1920, honoring former faculty whose extraordinary teaching skills helped fashion a Friends education. This fund is directed towards professional development for teachers, as well as stipends for travel and study, and for refreshment and renewal.

Richard Eldridge Lifetime Learners Fund
This fund was established in honor of Richard Eldridge's 13 years as principal of Friends Seminary. Born of Rich's conviction that everyone who works at Friends is ever a teacher and a learner, this fund supports continuing education opportunities for faculty and staff.

Sabbatical for Leadership Growth
This fund was established to allow a member of the administrative committee to take a sabbatical for up to eight weeks, for purposes of personal rejuvenation and intellectual growth.

The Karen L. Bradley Fund for Excellence
Established in memory of Karen Bradley, parent of Ellen ’98 and Joanna ’03, by her husband, this endowment provides funds to be used at the discretion of the Principal for curricular innovation and special initiatives, including stipends and support for faculty development.

The Michael Rubin Art Department Fund
The Michael Rubin Art Fund funds opportunities that inspire the artistic lives of visual and performing arts teachers and thereby teaching. The Fund was established in 1990 by Michael Rubin upon his retirement as Head of the Art Department.

The Teri Hassid Art of Teaching Fund
This endowed fund was established in 2006 by the members of Friends Seminary's Administrative Team to support, each year, a faculty member who best exhibits the art of teaching. In 2022, this fund was renamed the Teri Hassid Art of Teaching Fund in honor of former teacher and Head of Lower School Teri Hassid, who has always been dedicated to service, mentorship, and community development at Friends Seminary.

Abraham and Sarah Bell Scholarship Fund
Established by Eleanor and Stanley Hochman, parents of David Hochman ’74 and grandparents of Daniel ’07 and Joel ’09, this endowed fund supports a deserving student at Friends Seminary, in any grade, with an annual grant of financial aid.

Adrienne Owen Family Endowed Scholarship Fund
During her life, Adrienne Owen was passionate about the arts, first as a sculptor, later as an art therapist and lastly as a board member and patron to performing arts institutions. In keeping with this spirit, The Adrienne Owen Family Endowed Scholarship Fund provides financial aid for a Friends Seminary student who is interested in and/or gifted in the performing or visual arts.

Anna Green Fund
This fund was established in memory of Anna Green, Lower School Learning Specialist, to help children who need learning support.

Avery Arts Endowed Scholarship Fund
This endowed fund was established by Milton and Sally Avery, grandparents of Sean Cavanaugh ’87, to provide financial aid for students talented in the arts.

Ayrev Davis Harshbarger Fund
This endowed fund was established in memory of Ayrev Davis Harshbarger '89 to provide tuition aid to a Friends student who excels in areas that mattered most to Ayrev including: painting, photography, filmmaking, playwriting, scriptwriting, poetry and architecture.

Benefit Auction Endowment for Financial Aid (2019)
This fund was created during the Benefit Auction in 2019 to provide financial aid assistance to a Friends Seminary student.

Bertram Gibson III '87 Scholarship Fund
The Gibson family established this fund in memory of their son, Bertram, for a student in financial need who aspires to be a writer.

Bo Lauder Artists for Artists Scholarship Fund
Friends Seminary's unique history connects it to the art culture of New York City. The School has educated the children of renowned artists, many of whom lived in the surrounding neighborhoods. A robust arts program has always been a part of a Friends education and parents in the creative community are encouraged to apply. Proceeds from this fund contribute to financial aid packages for the children of practicing artists. While prioritizing these students, the fund will also provide tuition assistance to a broader range of students, allowing the school to respond flexibly to demonstrated financial need. This fund is named in honor of former Head of School Bo Lauder who actively promoted the arts during his tenure from 2002-25. 

C.V. Starr Scholarship Fund
Established at Friends Seminary in 2007 as a permanent scholarship endowment by The Starr Foundation as a memorial to their founder, the late Cornelius Vander Starr. This fund provides scholarship assistance to students on the basis of merit and need.

Cella Irvine ’75 Memorial Fund
For 47 years, Cella Irvine ’75 was an integral and vital member of the Friends Seminary community as an alumna, parent of two “lifers,” and member of the Board of Trustees. Upon Cella’s passing in 2016, her family established the Cella Irvine ’75 Memorial Fund to provide financial aid to young women of color. The Fund celebrates her legacy both as a champion of women’s leadership and as a dedicated member of the Friends community.

Davis Family Scholarship Fund
Established by Jo Anne and Malcolm Davis, parents of Stephanie B. Davis ’94 and Brian Davis ’97, this fund supports a Friends Seminary student in good academic standing with demonstrated financial need.

Dolores M. Hoelle Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established in memory of Dolores M. Hoelle, a neighbor of Friends Seminary, to be used to provide financial aid to a Friends Seminary student.

Donald Bender Memorial Fund
Established in memory of Donald Bender, beloved member of Friends Seminary's Music Department, to benefit financial aid.

Donna Franca Ottolenghi '68 Scholarship Fund
This endowed fund was established to honor the memory of Donna, whose passion for learning and compassion for humanity will continue to inspire all those whose lives she touched.  The fund supports a Friends Seminary student in good academic standing with demonstrated financial need.  

Earle L. Hunter Scholarship Fund
The Earle L. Hunter Scholarship Fund was established in 1972 by the Friends Seminary Alumni Association in honor of Dr. Hunter, who retired that year as Head of the Upper School. The income from this fund would provide financial aid to students requiring financial assistance with a preference for children of Friends Seminary alumni. 

Elaine Wingate Conway ’52 Scholarship Fund
This fund was established by Elaine Wingate Conway ’52 for tuition aid for Kindergarten through Grade 12 students.

Endowment for Financial Aid

Endowment for Financial Aid - Light the Future Campaign
This fund, created during the Light the Future campaign, provides tuition aid to deserving students. 

Ernst Scholarship for Students of the Americas
Established by Margot and John L. Ernst, parents of Jessica Ernst '00 and grandparents of Jonah Ernest '13 and Odessa Ernst '17, to provide financial aid for a student whose ethnic heritage includes indigenous people from the Americas.

Gibbs Family Scholarship Fund
Established by Janet, Howard, Nancy ’78 and Christopher ’76 Gibbs, this endowed fund supports financial aid to a deserving Friends Seminary student.

Gilmore Fund for Quakers
This fund provides financial aid for Quaker students.

Gordon A. Rich ’75 Scholarship Fund
Established in Gordon’s memory by his family, friends, teachers and colleagues, this fund provides financial aid for a student of color enrolled at Friends Seminary in Grades 7-12.

Helena Rubinstein Endowed Scholarship Fund
This endowed fund provides financial assistance for female students of color.

Helene L. and Mark N. Kaplan Endowed Scholarship Fund
Established by their daughters, Marjorie Kaplan ’72 and Sue Kaplan ’74 to honor and recognize the influence and legacy of their parents, Helene L. and Mark N. Kaplan, for their lifelong commitment to education and to service.

Henry Lee ’43 Memorial Scholarship Fund
This endowment was created by his children on the occasion of his 70th birthday in 1994. Since his death in 1995, this scholarship fund has grown into the largest named endowed fund at Friends Seminary; it provides financial assistance to Asian-American students

Irina Hon ’13 Memorial Financial Aid Fund at Friends Seminary
The Irina Hon ’13 Memorial Financial Aid Fund was established by the students of the Class of 2013 and their families to honor the memory of their classmate Irina Hon (1995-2010), who wished to be remembered for her smile and laughter. A financial aid award is made annually to an immigrant or first generation student with demonstrated financial need.

The Judy Anderson '66 and Jane Suntken Fund for Financial Aid

The Judy Anderson ’66 and Jane Suntken Fund for Financial Aid provides financial aid for qualified Lower School students. This Fund memorializes their legendary teaching partnership. The Jane Suntken Scholarship Fund, established in 2001, was renamed in honor of Judy's retirement in 2024.

Jeanne McAlister Griffiths ’75 Endowed Fund for Financial Aid
The Jeanne McAlister Griffiths ’75 Endowed Fund for Financial Aid was established by Irma Hilton, Deborah McAlister Jones ’78 and Elizabeth Hilton Segel ’88 to honor the memory of their daughter and sister Jeanne McAlister Griffiths ’75 (1963-2013), who brought light and life to her classmates, family and friends. A financial aid award will be made annually to a student with demonstrated financial need.

John Paul “Pablo” Jakobson ’81 Memorial Scholarship Fund
Established by Pablo’s father, other members of his family, and friends to honor and memorialize his short life, this fund provides financial assistance to a student with demonstrated need who has interest and talent in music or the performing arts.

Jonathan L Cohen Goldman Sachs Gives Endowment for Financial Aid
Established by Nathalie and Pablo Salame to honor Jonathan Cohen who served as a trustee of Friends Seminary, this fund provides financial aid for a qualified student.

Joyce G. McCray Fund
This endowed fund was created to honor Joyce G. McCray, who served as Friends Seminary Principal 1977-1989. The income from this fund is used for financial aid.

Lower Eastside E.E. Ford Scholarship Fund
This endowed fund provides financial assistance for Upper School students in grades 9-12.

Marga and Samuel P. Hirst Scholarship Fund at Friends Seminary
Established in honor of Marga and Samuel Hirst, parents of David ’75 and Michael ’76, this fund provides tuition assistance for a qualified student demonstrating financial need.

Morris and Alma Schapiro Endowed Scholarship Fund
This endowed scholarship provides financial aid for an Upper School student with interest and talent in the arts.

Opening Way Fund
This endowed fund provides financial aid for a student who might not otherwise be able to attend Friends.

Plitt Loan Fund
This fund provides tuition assistance to students in need. 

Reader's Digest Scholarship Fund
This endowment provides partial scholarships to academically qualified students from middle-income families.

Richard Wong Family Education Fund
This endowed fund was established in 2005 by Richard and Mae Wong, parents of Boji Wong ’92 and Richard T. Wong ’98 to attract a greater number of students of Chinese ancestry to the School, which will provide outstanding educational experiences, access to enriching opportunities and a foundation to achieve lifelong success. The fund was later renamed the Richard Wong Family Education Fund in honor of their father who dedicated his life to advancing the lives and rights of Chinese Americans and recognized the power and importance of education.

Robin Hoffmann Fund for Equitable Education
This endowed Fund will provide ancillary aid for needs beyond tuition, such as tutoring and Extended Programs that families could not otherwise afford. Enabling financial aid students to engage fully in all aspects of school life is critical to instilling a sense of belonging.

Salame Family Goldman Sachs Gives Endowment for Financial Aid at Friends Seminary
Established by Nathalie and Pablo Salame, the purpose of this Fund is to provide financial aid for a qualified student who would enrich the Friends community.

Sandra Jelin Plouffe '93 Memorial Fund for Financial Aid
This fund was established in 2019 in memory of Friends alumna and parent Sandra Jelin Plouffe '93 by her family and friends. This fund will provide financial aid to students with a preference for recipients who join the School in Grade 7 and who come to Friends Seminary through a program such as Prep for Prep that identifies promising students who would benefit from an independent school.

Sheri Powers ’79 Scholarship Fund for African-American Students at Friends Seminary
This endowed fund was established by Sheri Powers ’79 to recognize and support African-American students of promise.

Sidney D. Weisner Scholarship Fund
Established in Sidney’s memory by his family, this Fund supports a promising Upper School student, who by making the most of their educational opportunities, enriches the values and culture of Friends Seminary — Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality. 
 

The Benny Caiola Memorial Scholarship Fund
An endowed fund to supplement tuition for the gifted children of families who otherwise could not afford an education at Friends.

The Healey Endowed Financial Aid Fund
Established in 2009 by Joseph P. Healey, this fund provides financial resources to students who would not otherwise be able to benefit from the outstanding education at Friends Seminary.

The Integrity, Peace and Community Financial Aid Endowed Fund
The Integrity, Peace and Community Financial Aid Endowed Fund was established by a Friends Seminary Quaker family to honor Pamela Wood (el-Okdah), upon her retirement after 30 years of service to the School, not only for her vision and wisdom as Middle School Head but also as a prominent member of the Morningside Meeting who taught and lived Quaker values at Friends. The Integrity, Peace and Community Financial Aid Endowed Fund provides a financial aid award to a student at Friends Seminary who is a Middle or Upper School student for whom the Principal deems there is a financial need and one who demonstrates the Quaker values of Peace, Integrity and Community through his/her studies, activities and general conduct.

The Larry Carter Legacy Fund
The Larry Carter Legacy Fund was created by the Alumni Council's Diversity Equity & Belonging Committee in honor of beloved Math teacher Larry Carter, who in teaching and mentorship inspired a sense of belonging for students of color. This fund will be used to attract, enroll, and provide financial aid to Friends Seminary's students of color, therefore echoing the school’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and belonging.

The Paluszek Family Financial Aid Fund
This endowed fund provides financial aid for a student who might not otherwise be able to attend Friends.

William Randolph Hearst Scholarship Fund
This fund provides tuition assistance to students of color in Grades K-6 from the Lower East Side in search of excellence and intellectual pursuit.