40 & Forever | The Dunham School | Private PreK-12 | Baton Rouge, LA

40 & Forever

Dunham lower school students playing during recess on playground equipment.

40 & FOREVER CAMPAIGN

The Dunham School was founded in 1981 with one mission–to educate the mind and the heart for Christ. 40 years later, that mission continues to guide us as we plan for the future.

We are excited to announce the launch of the 40 & Forever Campaign, a comprehensive $16,000,000 campaign that honors our past and helps secure our future. For more information or to get involved with the campaign, please contact Kelly DeRossette.

CURRENTLY FUNDED:

68%

 

we're ready. are you?

Every contribution to the 40 & Forever Campaign will honor our past and secure the future of the Dunham School. Your participation in this campaign will ensure that we can serve students and their families for the next 40 years—and forever.

 

Campaign Funds
Cornerstone Fund: $5,500,000

The Cornerstone Fund has been established to assist in the elimination of debt to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of The Dunham School.
Donations Benefit:

  • a $5.5 million in debt reduction, which cuts the school's debt liability by half
  • an increased pace to pay off debt
  • a reduction of annual debt payments, resulting in $700,000 in freed yearly revenue
  • a plan to eliminate debt within 10 years
  • an alleviation of pressure on the current operating budget
  • additional resources to be used to advance the school's mission
  • a competitive tuition structure.
Capital Building & Campus Improvements: $4,500,000

The Capital Building and Campus Improvement Fund will help ensure that our facilities reflect the excellence of our academic program and assist in the implementation of Phase I of the 15-year campus master plan.
Donations benefit:

  • upgrades to the Lower School Playground **Construction Completed**
  • the installation of lighting and artificial turf on the PE and athletic practice field
  • an expansion of the Rollins Family Dining Hall and exterior enhancements to Chapel Hall
  • the completion of Phase II of the Carpenter-Randall Science Center **Funding Completed**
  • renovations to the Dunham Stadium, including entrance, concessions, restrooms, and lighting
The Dunham Fund: $4,000,000

The Dunham Fund provides annual support for the school's operational needs as well as increased funding for faculty support and development, program enhancements, scholarships and tuition assistance, and campus improvements.
Donations benefit:

  • faculty salary increases
  • professional development opportunities
  • merit-based scholarships and tuition assistance awards
  • technology and communication upgrades
  • the expansion of the Dunham Virtual Academy
  • small campus improvements, including landscaping, drainage, and covered walkways
  • funding for unforeseen expenses that occur during the school year

Learn More
Scholarship Endowment Fund: $500,000

The Scholarship Endowment Fund will allow the school to offer more merit-based scholarships and tuition assistance awards to qualifying students.
Donations benefit:

  • current and future students
  • financial assistance and scholarship funds

Learn More
Dunham Legacy Society: $1,000,000

The Dunham Legacy Society was established in 2020 to provide opportunities for donors to make a planned gift that will have a lasting impact on future generations of students and help secure the school's fiscal sustainability.
Planned gift options include:

  • Bequests
  • Charitable lead or Charitable Remainder Trust
  • IRA or other retirement plans
  • Life insurance
  • Real estate or tangible property
  • Gift annuities

Learn More

40 & forever

Campaign

PE & Athletic Improvements

Dining Hall & Chapel Hall

Science Center

Lower School Playground

 

Middle School and Upper School PE & Athletic Improvements

Fundraising Goal: $1,000,000
Currently Pledged: $196,935

The Middle School and Upper School Athletic improvements include installation of all-weather turf, new lighting, drainage, and landscaping on the practice field and permanent restrooms, concession stand, and ticket booth at the Dunham Stadium. The practice field is used daily by our Middle and Upper School Physical Education departments and multiple sports teams. This upgrade will allow for a faster drying surface, flexibility in athletic practices and PE schedules, and the ability to rent out the facility for additional revenue.

 

Expansion of the Rollins Family Dining Hall & Exterior Refurbishment to Chapel Hall

Fundraising Goal: $2,500,000
Dollars Pledged: $601,800

Expansion of the Rollins Family Dining hall would nearly double the current seating capacity. Upgrades would include updates to the HVAC system, kitchen and service lines, paint and flooring, bricking of the metal facade of Chapel Hall, and improvements made to landscaping and exterior lighting to provide a more inviting entrance. Project Benefits: Benefits all students, faculty and staff at The Dunham School Provides for more students to be served at one time, creating better lunch room scheduling and less reliance on outdoor eating spaces Allows for greater opportunities to host events, creating additional revenue opportunities Enhances the appeal of our lunch program to prospective students and families Creates a more cohesive look to all of the buildings on campus and a more welcoming front entrance.

 

Science Center Phase II

*FULLY FUNDED*
Fundraising Goal: $500,000
Currently Pledged: $535,000

Phase II renovations to the Carpenter-Randall Science Center include upgrading to the remaining five science classrooms with new tables, equipment, lightning, paint, and flooring.

 

Lower School Playground
*COMPLETED*

Project includes new playground and sensory equipment, artificial turf, refurbished sports courts, a new sportsplex area, and updated fencing.

Support Dunham

Give to 40 & Forever

Become a Corporate Sponsor

Contact Development

Preparing students to step forward as the next generation of leaders, scholars, and compassionate Christians.

As an independent school without financial support from any church or denomination, Dunham relies on tuition and the generous support of our donors and volunteers to transform a great education into an extraordinary one. 
 
We invite you to connect with our Director of Development to discuss opportunities to support our school.