Giving - University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

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Ignite and nurture an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence

To secure Lab’s fiscal soundness and an appropriately resourced future, we steward our financial resources in ways that support our mission, and do so with the greatest care and sense of fiscal responsibility by:

Committing to financial policies and guidelines that promote efficient and transparent operations
Ensure fundraising supports annual budget needs unmet by tuition, and also supports the long-term health of the Schools
Continue to support a strong institutional advancement program, and to grow and strengthen the philanthropic culture of the school community, to facilitate annual long-term capital giving for the endowment
Launch a multiyear capital campaign to secure the financial resources required to implement some of the strategic and operational initiatives outlined in Lab’s Strategic Framework

Parents, alumni, and friends are all integral to our community of learners. We urge you to participate in every way that you can because, by doing so, you will ignite and nurture an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

2022 Report on Philanthropy and Volunteerism
A Community of Giving
Annual Report on Philanthropy 2022

Ways to Give

The Fund for Lab

The bedrock of Lab’s philanthropy efforts, the Fund for Lab provides the Schools with funds that allow us to continue to invest in the people and programs that are at the heart of the Lab experience. Every gift, no matter the size, makes an impact. The Fund for Lab supports all of Lab's core programs, making an immediate and real difference in the lives of students, families, and teachers.

Connections Gala and The Dewey Dance

Connections, Lab’s gala fundraiser, and the Dewey Dance, a casual, fun party, alternate each year. These events bring hundreds of parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends together for an evening of socializing, dancing, and dining all in support of student financial aid and other specific initiatives. With your support, these parent-chaired events will continue to generate significant dollars, all while building our community spirit at celebratory all-school events.

Senior Class Scholarship

Classroom Gift

A brief drive held during April allows parents to make gifts that will go directly to the teacher of their choice in nursery through grade 5. Room Parents lead this fundraising effort so families can show their appreciation to teachers. Teachers have the freedom to use the funds on whatever they require for the following school year—from a new set of building blocks to special classroom furnishings.