FAQs

1. Why does Gordonstoun need to fundraise?
   
   
2. How much is considered a worthwhile gift?
   
   
3. Why should I support Gordonstoun and what are the benefits to me and my family?
   
   
4. Can I chose how my donation will be allocated and how will my donation be spent?
   
   
5. Will I be recognised for my donation?
   
   
6. Can I choose to give anonymously?
   
   
7. What are Gordonstoun’s greatest needs at present?
   
   
8. How can I get invited to Campaign events?
   
   
9. Can I arrange to leave something to Gordonstoun in my Will?
   
   
10. How can I become a member of the Kurt Hahn Foundation?
    
    
11. Can I donate my services or items of value, rather than money, to the School?
    
    
12. What is meant by "designated gift" and "naming opportunity"?
    

      

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1. Why does Gordonstoun need to fund-raise? 
   There is a common misconception that Gordonstoun is a wealthy School. However, when operating costs are taken into consideration, the fee income only provides a small surplus from which to consider improving the facilities. This means that there is only enough to undertake minor refurbishments. Larger projects, such as Ogstoun Theatre and the new Sports Hall simply could not happen without the additional support of fundraising.
   
   
2. How much is considered a worthwhile gift? 
   All gifts are worthwhile, no matter their size. It is very important that we have as high a participation rate as possible in our fundraising Campaigns so that, when we approach those who are able to make larger gifts or to Trusts and Foundations, they can see that we have the support of the wider Gordonstoun community. 
   
   If you would like to give more than you are currently able, you may wish to consider spreading your gift over time by making a monthly or annual gift. That way the amount can really add up without such an impact on your finances.
   
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3. Why should I support Gordonstoun and what are the benefits to my family and me? 
   Without your support, Gordonstoun would not be able to develop and progress as it needs to. Throughout Gordonstoun’s history each generation has donated to support those who are to follow and it is important that this benefaction continues today. 
   
   Apart from knowing that your donation is making a difference to the lives of current and future Gordonstoun students, you as a donor would receive invitations to regular thank you events, openings and receptions. Whilst this is just a small token of our gratitude, it is nevertheless a nice way for donors to meet other supporters who share a common interest.
   
   
4. May I choose where my donation will be allocated and how it will be spent?
   Yes. Although we currently have two very clear aims – to complete the George Welsh Sports Centre and to increase the endowment for Scholarships and Bursaries, if you would rather support another area of Gordonstoun life, this can easily be arranged. Your donation will then go immediately to where it is dedicated and start benefiting today’s students.
   
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5. Will I be recognised for my donation?
   All donors are recognised in Gordonstoun literature and on display boards when facilities are opened. However if you would prefer your donation to remain anonymous we would be happy to respect your wish. 
   
   For donors at Benefactor level (£100,000 and above) the opportunity to name parts of facilities also exists. For further information on Naming Opportunities, please see Question 12. Please contact the Campaign Director if this is of interest.
   
   
6. Can I choose to give anonymously? 
   If you would prefer your donation to remain anonymous we would be happy to respect your wish and your donation will remain confidential. Please ensure that the anonymity box is ticked when completing your Gift or Legacy Form.
   
   
7. What are Gordonstoun’s greatest needs at present?
   At present, we need to replace our ageing Sports Centre and enhance the endowment to support our substantial Scholarship and Bursary Programme. 
   
   The Sports Centre was built in the late 1960s and is now badly in need of replacement. Plans are in place for a three-phased build of a new facility on the site of the old Sports Centre and will be named after the ex-Head of PE and Gordonstoun stalwart, George Welsh. 
   
   In August of 2009 we were delighted to complete Phase 1 of the new facility with the opening of the new Sports Hall. We are now working hard to secure the necessary funding to enable Phases 2 and 3 (the conversion of the existing facility in to classrooms, changing, fitness suite etc) to proceed as quickly as possible. 
   
   In terms of the endowment to support students, this is in need of significant further funding in order to enable us to continue to support the 35% + of students who currently receive some form of financial assistance.
   
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8. How do I arrange to leave something to Gordonstoun in my Will?
   Legacies are an increasingly important area of support for Gordonstoun. The Kurt Hahn Foundation was established in 2006 to enable us to thank those Living Legators who have expressed their desire to support Gordonstoun in their Will. 
   
   Annual Kurt Hahn Foundation functions take place to allow members to get together and be brought up-to-date on the School today. These are informal and well-attended gatherings in places of special interest or with a particular link to the School. Kurt Hahn Foundation gatherings have been held at Buckingham Palace, in Browns Hotel in Mayfair, the New Club in Edinburgh and on board Ocean Spirit when docked at St Katherine Docks in London.
   
   For more information on the Kurt Hahn Foundation and making a bequest to Gordonstoun, contact the Campaign Director.
   
   
9. How can I get invited to Campaign events?
   Regular Campaign events are held all around the country to encourage more people to get involved and also to provide updates on the progress we are making. Details of these events are published in School literature such as The Record as well as on-line. If you would like to attend one of the events advertised, please contact the Campaign Secretary. 
   
   If you are a donor you will be invited to regional Campaign events whenever they are in your area, as well as to larger thank you events and parties held from time to time in more central locations such as London or Edinburgh.
   
   
10. How can I become a member of the Kurt Hahn Foundation?
    You will automatically become a KHF member upon advising us that you have made a bequest to Gordonstoun in your Will and by completing a Legacy Form. See question 8 above,
    
    
11. Can I donate my services or items of value, rather than money, to the School?
    Yes. Such donations are known as Gifts in Kind and are equally as valid as monetary donations. If you feel that you have a service or valuable item that you would like to donate to Gordonstoun, please contact the Campaign Office to receive guidance on how best to go about this.
    
    
12. What is meant by "designated gift" and "naming opportunity"?
    Opportunities to name buildings, parts of a building or scholarships/bursaries are available to donors who are able to give at benefactor level (£100,000 and above). 
    
    As an example, a benefactor may choose to assign their own name, that of a loved one or a made-up name or acronym to a building or room (e.g. the John Smith Fitness Suite) or to a scholarship (e.g. the John Smith Scholarship). Please contact the Campaign Director if you would like to discuss giving at this level or to find out what gift designations are available.

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