Endowed funds at The Hill Center provide permanence and support for our future programs.  You can create a named fund with a gift of at least $10,000. Current and former parents, grandparents, alumni, corporations, foundations and friends have established named endowment funds to provide long-term support for student financial aid, faculty training scholarships, program development, and other needs of The Hill Center.

The Hill Center endowment portfolio is managed by SunTrust Banks and Commonfund under the direction of the Finance Committee of The Hill Center’s Board of Directors.  "Endowment funds" are permanently protected in terms of the principal, with only the interest used to sustain the operating budget. The school's current endowment spending policy is to draw 4.5% of the trailing three-year rolling average of the endowment's market value to be spent each year, and the remaining earnings are added to the principal.  The endowments generate approximately $235,000 annually – 5% of the total budget.

The Hill Center’s endowment is a combination of restricted and unrestricted funds. As an aggregate, the funds generate income for The Hill Center on an annual basis supporting operating expenses and providing crucial dollars for faculty development, student financial aid, outreach programs, and much more.

Established Endowment Funds

George Watts Hill Foundation
George Watts Hill established this foundation for the ongoing benefit of three organizations, including Durham Academy and The Hill Center.  Upon his death in 1993, approximately $2 million was added to the Foundation.  The annual income from the George Watts Hill Foundation is used for unrestricted operating expenses.  The foundation is an irrevocable charitable trust.

The Hill Center Endowment
George Watts Hill established The Hill Center Endowment with a bequest of approximately $2 million.  Income generated from this fund supports Hill Center operations.

The Margaret Holt McLean Fund
Created in 2004 through a gift from the estate of Margaret Holt Brown in honor of Margaret Holt McLean, her granddaughter and former Hill student, and Margaret Holt’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas I. McLean.  Income generated from this fund provides general operating support.

Student Financial Aid Funds

• Glaxo Student Scholarship Fund, est. 1989
  
• Kirby-Horton Scholarship Fund, est. 2004
  
• Timothy N. Whiting Student Scholarship Fund, est. 2000
  This fund was established by Tim’s parents, Trish and Holt Whiting, upon his untimely death in November 2000.  Tim attended The Hill Center from 1991 to 1993 and remained an enthusiastic advocate for the program.  Contributions in Tim’s memory to this scholarship endowment enable other students to attend The Hill Center. 
  
• The Buck Family Scholarship Fund, est. 2002 in honor of Rebecca and Jonathan Buck
  
• Anonymous Fund, est. 2002 in support of students of color
  
• Anonymous Fund, est. 2005 in support of student financial aid
  
• The Hill Center Student Financial Aid Endowment, est. 2005 by The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation
  
• The Bruce J. Heim Financial Aid Endowment, est. 2005
  
• Peyton Brooks Strickland Memorial Scholarship Fund, est. 2006
  This fund was established by Peyton’s parents, Don and Kathy Strickland, to create an ongoing recognition of Peyton's life and his experiences here at The Hill Center. Contributions to this scholarship endowment enable other students to attend The Hill Center. 

Faculty Development Funds
Kirby-Horton Faculty Development Fund
In December 2001, the F.M. Kirby Foundation challenged The Hill Center to raise $400,000 in order to claim a $100,000 gift from the Foundation.  Upon the completion of this catalytic challenge in June 2003, this fund was established.  The interest income from this fund is used to support long-term growth of faculty salaries, curriculum development grants, professional development opportunities and incentives for faculty.  The following funds were established in response to The Hill Center’s Kirby Challenge:

• Adcock Family Fund, in honor of all Hill Center students
  
• Phillips & Huskins Fund, in honor of Lee’s family
  
• W. Hutchins and Katherine M. Johnson Family Fund
  
• The Sam Maslansky Fund, in honor of their son, Sam Maslansky
  
• Peters Family Fund
  
• Russell Family Fund
  
• The Helen Croom Yongue/Martin Crosby Yongue Endowment Fund
  
• Thomas Family Fund, est. 2003
  

Professional Development and Outreach Program Funds
Lucy T. Davis Professional Development Fund
Lucy Tolbert Davis was a founding advisor, long-time administrative mentor and personal friend to The Hill Center.  After her death in February 2001, friends established this Fund to pay tribute to her legacy as a Hill Center leader and pioneering advocate for students, families, and educators.  Income is used to provide scholarships for public school teachers to attend Hill Center workshops.

Naming Opportunities
A donor can create a named fund or name a room within The Hill Center with a minimum gift of $10,000. If you are interested in establishing a named fund or naming a room, please contact the Development Office.

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