Frequently Asked Questions about Contributions to Breakthrough Manchester

Question:  How much of my donation to Breakthrough goes to support the program, rather than administrative and overhead expenses?

Answer:   100%.   Breakthrough Manchester (originally called Summerbridge Manchester) was founded in 1991, and the founders of the program had the wisdom to establish an endowment fund to provide some operating income for the program in perpetuity.  The income from that restricted endowment currently covers the annual salary and benefits for Breakthrough’s Executive Director and administrative and fundraising costs.  In addition, The Derryfield School provides very generous in-kind support for the program, including overhead costs such as the use of its beautiful facilities and campus, utilities, maintenance and custodial support, technology and record-keeping.   That means that 100% of your donation goes to support the participation of students and Teaching Fellows in the intensive summer program and school-year programming.  These expenses include the annual recruitment and admission process for both 6th grade students (the only entry point to the program); recruitment, selection and training for all summer staff; summer stipends for Teaching Fellows, non-teaching interns and professional Instructional Coaches; daily bus transportation and food service for students; books and curricula; supplies for programming and activities; all training and professional development; and a full-time Program Director who manages all of the above.

Question:  Is my donation tax-deductible?

Answer:   Yes.  Breakthrough Manchester is a community-supported program serving middle school students in the Manchester school district, and The Derryfield School continues to serve as the program’s fiscal agent.  All contributions to Breakthrough are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law, and the program operates under the 501[c]3 status of The Derryfield School (IRS tax exempt number 02-0265542).

Question:  How much of my contribution to Breakthrough goes to support The Derryfield School?

Answer:   None.  Your donation is used exclusively to support Breakthrough Manchester.  The Derryfield School founded Breakthrough (then Summerbridge) as part of its commitment to promote educational equity and in its role as a regional and state leader in educational excellence and innovation.  While Breakthrough operates under the auspices of Derryfield’s 501[c]3 status, all record-keeping and accounting of contributions to Breakthrough and the Breakthrough endowment are tracked, coded and used exclusively for this program which serves promising, under-served middle school students in the Manchester School District.

Question:   I have additional questions.  Who can I contact?

Answer:  For questions about Breakthrough Manchester, please contact Deb McLoud, Breakthrough’s Executive Director.  For questions about The Derryfield School and Derryfield’s commitment to Breakthrough, please contact Mary Halpin Carter, Head of School.