Countless people have put their heart and soul into building Burke – shaping it in the early years, strengthening it as we grew, and now stewarding it as we look to the future. While there are many ways to support Burke, a group of alums have partnered with the school to launch a new legacy (or planned) giving program. Putting Burke in your will or making other planned gifts is a powerful act of philanthropy, and one that serves as a testament to your belief in the importance of a Burke education.
"Burke remains a place where students are known well, challenged, and respected – where they form deep, caring relationships with teachers, develop critical thinking skills and discover new passions – and long-term security depends on planned gifts from those who know Burke best, ensuring that this mission and these values endure for generations." - Dick Roth and Jean Mooskin, co-founders of Edmund Burke School
1971-72 Yearbook
1983-84 Yearbook - 8th grade, 9th grade
1996-97 Yearbook - 6th grade
Give Later, Make a Lasting Impact Now
You don’t have to give today to make a meaningful difference. By including Burke in your estate or financial plans, you can support our mission for generations to come — all without affecting your current income or assets. It’s a powerful way to ensure your legacy continues to reflect your values, far into the future.
It’s a common misconception that planned giving is only for the wealthy. In truth, anyone who wants to be intentional about the future can participate. No matter your age or income, having a plan helps protect what matters and ensures your legacy lives on. Even a small percentage of your estate can have a big impact on Burke's future.
Every generation of Burke families has helped build the foundation we stand on today. Planned gifts are one of the most powerful ways to protect that foundation – providing steady, long-term resources that ensure Burke can weather challenges, embrace new opportunities, and keep delivering an education rooted in equity, curiosity, and courage. By planning your gift now, you help create a more sustainable future for Burke and for every student who will call our school home.
You can also name Burke as a beneficiary on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, annuities, and similar assets. This is easy to set up or update and usually involves little or no cost. These gifts also transfer quickly and with minimal delay to the school.
One of the simplest and most popular ways to support Burke’s future is by including the school in your will or living trust. You can designate a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a remainder after other commitments are met.
There are many ways to support Burke with a planned gift — from charitable trusts to gifts of real estate. If you are interested in exploring these, please contact us so we can help you find the best match for your goals:
Jennifer Kozak Rawlings Director of Development & Alumni Relations email: jennifer.rawlings@burkeschool.org phone: 202-375-7636
Next Steps
If you are considering including Burke in your long-term financial plans or have already done so, please reach out. Even if you're just beginning to explore the idea, we’d love to talk with you about your hopes and options.
Together, we can also discuss your wishes for the legacy you’d like to leave. We are especially grateful to those who make unrestricted planned gifts, allowing the future leadership of Burke the flexibility to meet the most pressing needs and seize opportunities when the gift is realized. However, if you prefer to designate your gift for a specific purpose, we can work together to ensure your intentions align with Burke’s long-term priorities.
Note: the information we provide is not intended as legal or tax advice. Please consult your attorney or tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
Burke in 1984
We’re excited to work with you to carry forward the bold, student-centered values that define Burke: critical thinking, equity, curiosity, and the courage to speak up and act for what's right.
Meet Our Donors
Donor Honor Roll
Burke wishes to recognize the following donors who we know have put Burke in their will – the founding members of the 1968 Society. We are deeply grateful for their incredibly meaningful gifts. (*Gift realized)
George Cave
Sabrina De Jesus Greenman '97
Richard Glick '75
Diana and Stephen Goldberg P '87
Jeffey Hunt '01
Brian Lewis '78*
Dennis Walick '78
1968 Legacy Society Launching Task Force
We also wish to express our gratitude for our launching task force who were a driving force behind making this program possible.
Sabrina DeJesus Greenman '97
Richard Glick '75
Kenny McCombs '91
Chay Rao P'29, '31
Siobhan Roth '88
Colleen Spivey '01
Dennis Wallick '78
Jeff Hunt '01
“The school has meant so much to me, welcoming me back from an injury and supporting me through graduation. Since I’m 42, I don’t expect this for decades but hope to contribute each year. Thank you, Burke.”
“Edmund Burke made a difference in my life, and I’m glad to see that it’s continuing to make that difference in the students that have followed. I want to do what I can to keep Edmund Burke a place where kids thrive. When I attended Burke, it was practically brand new. I started in the 9th grade when Burke was in its fourth year and located in a house on Wyoming Avenue, downtown. You called teachers by their first names, and when not in class, played volleyball with them beside the school. At the time I entered Burke, I needed some help finding myself."