Endowment & Capital Giving
Country Day offers a variety of ways to significantly support the school. Substantial gifts ensure funding of strategic priorities, such as endowment and capital giving.
Endowment
With an endowment of over $60 million, Country Day has one of the healthiest endowments of independent schools in the Southeast, providing long-term financial stability for our school. An endowment fund can be compared to a long-term investment or savings plan. It is a “permanent” fund in which the principal is invested and the earnings are spent. A strong endowment ensures our long-term strength and relieves pressure on tuition and annual giving, playing a critical role in ensuring the affordability of a Country Day education.
Capital Giving
Gifts to capital projects ensure funding of other strategic priorities and special projects. In 2021, Country Day completed the largest capital campaign in the school's history, raising over $90 million for the construction of five new buildings and facility improvements, and the fulfillment of our strategic plan established in 2011.
Endowment Funds and Scholarships
Unrestricted/Special
Believe & Achieve General Endowment Fund (2000)
Established in 2000 during the Believe & Achieve Capital Campaign.
Byron Family Endowment Fund (2013)
This fund was established by William D. Byron ’85, Christina N. Byron, and their son, William Alexander (Alex) Byron ’18, to assist Country Day in developing tomorrow’s leaders and to encourage unrestricted giving to Charlotte Country Day School.
Campaign for Students Endowment Fund (2005)
Established in 2005 during the Campaign for Students Capital Campaign.
Diversity Endowment Fund (1999)
In 1999, a major gift was given anonymously to the Believe and Achieve Capital Campaign to enhance the diversity of the school’s community.
General Endowment Fund (1961)
This unrestricted fund was established in 1961 to provide the school with significant unrestricted income to allow financial discretion and flexibility in building a quality academic experience for all students.
- Includes the Jason Walls Memorial Fund (1991)
James G. Cannon Endowment Fund (1990)
The James G. Cannon Endowment Fund was established by the Cannon family in 1990 to honor his commitment to creating and maintaining an environment to inspire learning and creativity.
Memorials Endowment Fund (2003)
This fund was established in 2003 for memorials to provide unrestricted support of the school.
New Parent Campaign General Endowment Fund (2002)
This fund was established in 2002 as part of the New Parent Campaign and supports the educational program of the school.
New Parents (GOFA) Endowment Fund (1992)
An unrestricted fund established in 1992 by the New Parents which supports the educational program of the school.
Curriculum and Programs
Walter F. Brown Jr. Athletic Endowment Fund (1968)
A fund established in 1968 to support the athletic program.
Mildred Dalton Cox Endowment for International Studies Fund (1977)
A fund established in October 1977 by Mr. and Mrs. Robert I. Dalton, Jr. to honor their daughter, Millie Dalton Cox ’66, for her work to expand the international program of Country Day to include additional foreign exchange experiences for our current students. This fund provides financial assistance to one or more qualified and deserving students who otherwise would be unable to participate in the program.
Gorelick Family Choir and Drama Endowment Fund (1991)
Established in 1991, this fund supports the performing arts at Country Day in the areas of drama and choral programming.
Paul John Kruesi Martin Memorial Visiting Scholars Program Endowment Fund (1966)
A fund established in 1966 by the family and friends of Paul John Kruesi Martin, a member of the class of 1971, to bring to campus a distinguished person whose contribution to art, literature, philosophic thought, education, religion, political life, or business is truly significant.
Faculty/Staff Support
Bissell Faculty Salary Endowment Fund (1989)
This fund, established in 1989 as a lead gift to the Expanding Future Opportunities Capital Campaign, supports the school’s primary interest in finding, employing, and maintaining the best available faculty for Country Day students.
Marjorie M. Bray Endowed Master Instructor/Fine Arts Fund (1983)
Established by a bequest in 1983, this fund was named in honor of Marjorie M. Bray to create a Master Instructorship for the Fine Arts Department with some relationship to drama.
Richard V. Bray Endowed Master Instructor/History/Social Sciences Fund (1984)
Established in 1984 by the bequest of Richard V. Bray, former member of the Board of Trustees and loyal supporter of the school, this fund supports a Master Instructorship in the area of History and Social Science.
Cannon Endowed Chair for Science (2019)
Established in 2019, the James G. Cannon family combined two endowment funds that historically supported science and library programming at Charlotte Country Day School into one endowment fund to support the Cannon Endowed Chair for Science. The Fund is used to support a named science faculty chair across all three divisions in science through salary as well as an annual, professional development grant.
Expanding Future Opportunities Capital Campaign Faculty Salary Endowment Fund (1990)
Established in 1990 as part of the Expanding Future Opportunities Capital Campaign, this fund supports the school’s long-standing objective to employ only the highest quality teachers to educate the school’s student body.
General Faculty Advancement Endowment Fund (2009):
A fund created to receive gifts to the school endowment that support faculty salaries and professional development.
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Includes the Edward E. Kelly Faculty Salary Fund (2001) and the Florence Radcliffe Clauss Chapman Faculty Appreciation Fund (2004)
Margaret E. Gragg Endowment for Faculty Professional Development Fund (2008)
This fund was established in 2008 by a group of trustees who served the school between 1975 and 2009 in honor of Head of School Margaret Gragg, who served as Head from 1992-2009, to honor her fierce commitment to professional excellence within/among the Country Day faculty.
William Randolph Hearst Endowed Teaching Fellowship Fund (1993)
Established by the Hearst Foundation in 1993 as a grant to the school, this fund enables the school to initiate a teaching fellowship for a minority graduate of Davidson College.
Hunter Sabbatical Endowment Fund (2009)
Established by Mr. and Mrs. G. Patrick Hunter Jr. and family in the name of Helena T. Hunter and G. Patrick Hunter Sr. Funds from this endowment will be used to support the personal and professional renewal of faculty and staff members with service of eight or more years of full-time service to Country Day.
Master Instructorship Endowment Fund (1985)
Established in 1985, this supports the school’s desire to have sufficient resources to employ teachers of the highest caliber.
O’Herron Endowment in Support of Teaching Excellence Fund (1991)
A fund established in 1991 to provide a monetary stipend to recognize teachers who exemplify love of learning, are engaging and enthusiastic mentors, demonstrate the highest regard for student scholarship, and respect both success and failure as integral parts of the learning process.
Sandra Graham Shelton Professional Development Endowment Fund (2008)
This fund was established by the Shelton family to provide funding for faculty professional development in honor of Mrs. Shelton, a former teacher.
Wallace Family Endowed Faculty Salary Fund (1968):
Established in 1968, this fund is used to fund above-budget faculty salaries to make possible the employment of teachers of greater excellence and experience than otherwise might be possible.
J. R. Williams Fellowship Endowment Fund (1997)
Established in 1997 by the Tom and Wendy Beasley Family in memory of Wendy's brother and long-time Country Day teacher/administrator, J. R. Williams. This fund is intended to support international travel and education for a faculty member after five years of teaching at Country Day.
Scholarships
Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund (1976)
A fund created in 1983 by the late John F. Ladley, a former trustee and supporter of the school, to provide financial assistance to a qualified and deserving sophomore, junior, or senior.
Aulebach Family Endowed Service Scholarship Fund (2019)
A fund created in 2019 to celebrate and promote civic and community service at Country Day. Awarded annually to a rising Junior or Senior who has demonstrated continuous service to others both in our CCDS and/or global communities.
The Scott Benson Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund (2013)
Established in memory of Scott Benson as a thoughtful tribute that celebrates all that he meant to Country Day. The Scott Benson Scholarship Fund will provide four years of financial aid for an Upper School Student who excels in both academics and athletics. It will allow qualified students who could otherwise not afford a Country Day education, a chance for a life-shaping opportunity.
BLLJ Scholarship Outreach Endowment Fund (2008)
Established by Jim and Josie Shuford to provide financial assistance to a student who will enhance our efforts to increase diversity and inclusion on campus.
Boyd Family Endowed Scholarship Fund (1996)
Established in 1996 by Robert C. and Louise (Beth) Brown '63 Boyd (former trustee) and their children R. Carr Boyd Jr. '92, Brantley Boyd Siegel '94, and Caroline Boyd Foto '99, this fund provides financial assistance to a deserving and qualified student entering grade eight or above who otherwise would be unable to attend Country Day.
Sammy Brody Endowed Scholarship Fund (2001)
Established in 2001 by David L. Hood, Jr. and Katherine H. Covington, this fund will be used to provide financial assistance to a freshman or sophomore who otherwise would be unable to attend Country Day.
Louise Jones Brown Endowed Scholarship Fund (1992)
Established in 1992 by a bequest, this fund provides financial assistance to a qualified and deserving student.
Wayland Cato Jr. Family Endowed Scholarship Fund (2001)
Established in 2001 by Wayland Cato Jr. for an Upper School student with financial need.
John R. Cook Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund (1986)
A fund established in 1986 in honor of a teacher and coach whose Country Day career spanned 26 years. This scholarship recognizes one or more students who best represent the high ideals and standards of excellence that were an integral part of John Cook’s life.
The Gladys Tillett Coddington Endowed Scholarship Fund (2021)
This fund was established to honor the legacy of Gladys Tillett Coddington, a former member of the Board of Trustees, past Parents Association President and Honorary Alumna at Country Day. This scholarship will provide financial assistance to a qualified and deserving student entering the ninth grade and to be renewed annually through grade twelve, with consideration to students who make Country Day a more diverse and inclusive community.
The Country Day Ready Endowed Scholarship Fund (2019)
Established in 2019 as an endowed, financial aid fund established to provide full tuition plus $6,000 in ancillary expenses annually to a qualified student for their entire career at Charlotte Country Day School. Consideration will be given to a student who will enhance our efforts to increase diversity and inclusion on campus.
The Calvin Davis Endowed Scholarship Fund (2020)
This fund was established in 2020 by the Sherrill and Branstrom families as a thoughtful tribute that celebrates all that Coach Calvin Davis means to Country Day. This scholarship recognizes a qualified and deserving student who best represents the character and leadership skills of this legendary tennis coach and mentor, with consideration to students who excel in both academics and athletics.
R. T. Dooley Family Matthew 25 Endowed Scholarship Fund (1998)
Established in 1998 by a long-time Country Day family, the purpose of the scholarship is to award an Upper School student, or students, financial aid that otherwise would be unable to attend Country Day. The recipient(s) would need to bear individual leadership characteristics that focus on helping others through community service and possess a passion for an extracurricular activity that brings positive recognition to the school.
Faculty/Staff Student Endowed Scholarship Fund (1991)
A fund established in 1991 by the faculty and staff of the school to provide financial assistance to qualified and deserving students in all three school divisions who otherwise would be unable to attend Country Day.
- In 2006 a gift to this fund was established in memory of Charles H. Bodine Jr., dedicated, distinguished, and inspirational instructor of mathematics, by his peers and students.
Fonville Family Endowed Scholarship Fund (2005)
Established in 2005 by Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Fonville and their children, Amy Fonville Owen '81 and Charles L. Fonville Jr. '84, this fund provides financial assistance to the deserving child of a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who is an alumna or alumnus of Country Day.
E. E. Ford Endowed Alumni Scholarship Fund (1995)
Established in 1995 by the Country Day Alumni Association as part of a challenge grant from the E. E. Ford Foundation, this fund provides financial assistance to a qualified and deserving student who is the son or daughter of a Country Day alumna or alumnus.
E. E. Ford Endowed Minority Scholarship Fund (1988)
Established in 1988 as part of a challenge grant from the E. E. Ford Foundation, this fund helps to support one of the key values of the school’s mission statement: diversity. This fund provides financial assistance to a qualified and deserving student in grades 9-12 who will enhance our efforts to increase diversity and inclusion on campus.
General Endowed Scholarship Fund (1991)
A fund created to receive gifts to the school’s endowment that supports financial assistance to qualified and deserving students.
Rachel Giblin Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund (2006)
A fund established by an anonymous Country Day family as a challenge match to the Upper School students in loving memory of, Rachel Reynolds Giblin '10, who was killed while riding in the Multiple Sclerosis Bike-to-the-Beach fundraising event on September 16, 2006.
Suzanne Pardee Hynes Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund (1985)
A fund created by James E. S. Hynes, his family, and friends in memory of his daughter (class of 1985) to provide financial assistance to a qualified and deserving girl or boy entering the ninth or tenth grade and to be renewed annually through grade twelve.
John F. Ladley Endowed Scholarship Fund (1983)
A fund created in 1983 by the late John F. Ladley, a former trustee and supporter of the school, to provide financial assistance to a qualified and deserving sophomore, junior, or senior.
Leon Levine Endowed Scholarship Fund (1990)
Established in 1990, this fund provides financial assistance to a qualified and deserving student seeking admission to Country Day. In addition to the aforementioned criteria, consideration will be given to students who will enhance our efforts to increase diversity and inclusion on campus.
Lower School Endowed Scholarship Fund (1984)
A fund established to provide financial assistance to qualified Lower School students. One student per grade shall be designated as a special scholarship recipient. The creators of this fund are very loyal supporters of this school who choose to remain anonymous. Consideration will be given to a student who will enhance our efforts to increase diversity on campus and demonstrate financial need.
McElwee Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund (1970)
A fund established in 1970 by the McElwee family in honor of Doris McElwee and her son Robert Winston McElwee '71 to provide financial assistance to a qualified and deserving boy or girl entering grade nine or higher.
Perper Family Endowed Scholarship Fund (2001)
Established in 2001 by Scott and Anne Perper. Primary consideration will be given to students who will enhance our efforts to increase diversity and inclusion on campus and demonstrate financial need.
The Mary Claudia and Jeff Pilon Endowed Scholarship Fund (2019)
Established in 2019 as an endowed, financial aid fund established to provide full tuition plus ancillary expenses annually to a qualified student for their Upper School career at Charlotte Country Day School. Consideration will be given to a well-rounded student who will enhance our efforts to increase diversity and inclusion on campus.
W.R. Pitts Family Endowed Scholarship Fund (1991)
Established in 1991 as a successor to scholarship giving which began in 1976, the W. R. Pitts Family Endowed Scholarship Fund will fund the full tuition (100 percent) of an incoming kindergarten student who demonstrates at an early age the promise of being an asset to the school and who without financial assistance would be unable to attend Country Day. The scholarship will be renewed annually until the child completes the fourth grade.
Horton C. Reed Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund (2012)
Established in 2012 in memory of Horton Reed, Headmaster Emeritus, in honor of his legacy at Country Day. Horton served as Headmaster from 1978 to 1986. This scholarship fund will provide financial assistance for students who exhibit high character and strong academic achievement.
Retired Faculty Endowment Fund (2013)
In May 2013, Country Day established a fund allowing our community to honor any retired teacher in a way that celebrates their remarkable contributions in perpetuity. This fund will provide financial assistance for students who otherwise would be unable to attend Country Day.
Vernon H. and Helen R. Scarborough College Scholarship Endowment Fund (2004)
A fund established in 2004 by Helen R. Scarborough, Paul R. Scarborough '68, and Sallie F. Scarborough '71 to be awarded annually to one Country Day senior, son or daughter of a Lower, Middle, or Upper School full-time faculty member (with a minimum of five year’s tenure), most in need of financial assistance to attend the college of his/her choice.
Tabor Engel Endowed Scholarship Fund (2014)
A fund established in 2014 by Mr. Robert A. Engel and Mrs. Mary Tabor Engel to enrich the lives of qualified students who would not otherwise receive the exceptional educational experience that Charlotte Country Day School provides. This scholarship will benefit up to as many as three qualified students who are in good academic standing and participate fully in the life of the school.
Teter Family Endowed Scholarship Fund (2008)
Established by Chris and Fran Teter to provide financial assistance to a student who would otherwise not be able to attend Country Day.
James R. Tice Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund (1999)
This fund was established in 1999 by Tillie Tice and daughters, Cynthia Tice '87, and Mary Tice McIntyre '90, to honor their husband/father’s memory, James Richard Tice, Country Day parent, and Honorary Alumnae of the School, who served as a member of the Country Day Board of Trustees, 1983-1992. The purpose of the fund is to produce interest that may be used to fund need-based tuition supplements for students at Country Day who, because of family financial circumstances, would not otherwise be able to matriculate at the school.
Bradley C. Touma Endowed Scholarship Fund (2012)
In May 2003, Country Day's varsity lacrosse team established a contribution to the General Endowed Scholarship Fund in honor of Coach Brad Touma. In 2012, donations were made in honor of Coach Touma’s 25th anniversary of teaching and coaching at Country Day, and the Bradley C. Touma Endowed Scholarship Fund was established. This scholarship fund will provide financial assistance for students who otherwise would be unable to attend Country Day.
Charles R. Willard Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund (1971)
A fund created by parents and friends in memory of Charles R. Willard, Jr. ’66 to provide financial assistance to a qualified and deserving student entering grade seven or above who has demonstrated excellence in academic life, has earned the respect and affection of friends, and participates in extracurricular activities.
In This Section
Endowment Facts
- Endowment funds 5% of the operating budget, providing scholarship funds, enhancing academic programming, and supporting faculty professional development while sustaining the school's long-term stability.
- Our endowment is the largest among independent schools in North Carolina—signaling our leadership and our ambition.
- 77 restricted and unrestricted endowment and scholarship funds valued at $65 million (as of 6/30/23).
- While endowments are established through sizable initial gifts, they may grow through smaller, ongoing gifts from other supporters of the school.