1850 Opportunity Fund
Announcing the 1850 Opportunity Fund
In 1850, the founders of San Domenico made a bold and forward-looking choice — one grounded in our core values of Study, Reflection, Community, and Service. They believed that young people, when given the opportunity, can shape the world for the better.
One hundred and seventy-five years later, that belief still defines San Domenico.
The 1850 Opportunity Fund was created in honor of this milestone anniversary to ensure that a San Domenico education remains accessible to talented, mission-aligned students — today and for generations to come.
Why the 1850 Opportunity Fund Matters
San Domenico’s commitment to access, affordability, and opportunity is not new. It has always been part of our story.
The 1850 Opportunity Fund strengthens that commitment by:
- Expanding SD’s ability to offer Indexed Tuition to families
- Sustaining socioeconomic diversity across our student body
- Ensuring that financial considerations never limit the transformational opportunity of an SD education
Access is not a side initiative at San Domenico — it is central to who we are.
A 175th Anniversary Commitment
This year’s 175th Anniversary Gala may celebrate our past, but it is equally focused on our future.
Gifts to the 1850 Opportunity Fund during this anniversary year reflect a shared belief: that the next 175 years of San Domenico must be even bolder and more inclusive than the first.
Launching this initiative at the Anniversary Gala represents a community-wide commitment to expanding opportunity. Each gift strengthens our ability to welcome, enroll, and retain extraordinary students.
A Special Thank-You to Our Supporters
We are proud to share more about the special ways donors to the 1850 Opportunity Fund will be recognized during this 175th anniversary year. These opportunities are designed to honor generosity in a way that feels lasting, visible, and deeply connected to this moment. They also reflect something central to who we are: that making a San Domenico education accessible to a wide range of students and families strengthens our community, enriches the school for everyone, and honors an important part of our history.
Commemorative Recognition | $1,850+
With a gift of $1,850 or more to the 1850 Opportunity Fund, donors will be recognized with a custom engraved brick that will become part of a new commemorative installation on campus. Bricks may be inscribed with a family name, an honoree, or a meaningful phrase.
Leadership Recognition | $18,500+
With a leadership gift of $18,500 or more, donors will receive permanent recognition on the center plaque of the new commemorative installation — a lasting tribute connected to this milestone anniversary and to the future this fund helps make possible.
Legacy Recognition | $185,000+
With a legacy gift of $185,000 or more, donors may establish a named endowed fund in support of financial aid, creating a permanent source of support for access and opportunity at San Domenico. Donors may choose to fulfill this commitment over a multi-year period. Additionally, if you would like to discuss the funding of a full need-based scholarship at San Domenico, please contact Clive Watkins, Director of Advancement, at cwatkins@sandomenico.org.
An initial concept rendering of the new 1850 Opportunity Fund commemorative installation in the heart of campus.
How to Support the 1850 Opportunity Fund
There are several meaningful ways to participate:
- Make a gift during the 175th Anniversary Gala
- Commit to a leadership-level gift now, in honor of this milestone year
- Sponsor or underwrite the event in support of access and opportunity
- Include the Fund in your annual giving plans
Every gift, at every level, affirms that opportunity belongs at the heart of an SD education.
