Community
a culture of giving
Every Gift makes a difference…
Today and for generations to come
Unrestricted giving plays a vital role in helping us fulfill our mission: to support students who learn differently and provide them with the resources, opportunities, and environment they need to succeed. These gifts enable Riverview to dream bigger, do more, and deliver an education that goes beyond expectations.
how giving works
Riverview School thrives because of the generosity of its extended community. For generations, community support has helped Riverview meet the evolving needs of our school. Philanthropic giving plays a critical role in three key areas: the Annual Fund, our annual Village of Dreams Gala, and strategic Capital Campaigns. Watch the video to see how your generosity directly impacts the lives of Riverview students, today and into the future.
The number of donors who make Riverview a philanthropic priority each year.
The percentage of our parent population that donates to Riverview each year.
Annual dollars raised each year.
Programs supported by Riverview’s Annual Fund.
annual fund
It’s an exciting time at Riverview, as we are experiencing one of the most transformative periods in our history. With record enrollment for middle and high school, and the launch of our new post-22 alumni program, Friends Forever, we are excited to provide a true longitudinal model of support to guide students from adolescence into adulthood. Since opening in 1957, Riverview has been a leader in educating students with learning differences, and our mission has never been stronger than it is today.
Riverview continues to rely on a strong culture of philanthropy to meet the school’s foundational needs. It is through the excellence of our school programming that students discover their strengths, build skills, and form lasting connections, and where families become an everlasting part of a vibrant community.
Every gift to the Annual Fund is a direct investment. A robust Annual Fund ensures that Riverview continues to grow, innovate, and change lives.
Dear Riverview Community,
As I reflect on Riverview’s incredible growth, particularly over the past few years, I feel deeply fortunate to be part of such an exceptional community. While Riverview is recognized as a leader in special education, it is our students, families, and staff who truly represent the heart of the School. Our success today is a direct result of the support built through decades of donor generosity and belief in our mission.
With the integration of our new adult program, Friends Forever, we are witnessing Riverview’s commitment to lifelong support for students more than ever before. While these are exciting times for our community, it is important to remember that it all begins with a shared commitment to sustaining Riverview’s foundation and excellence through support to the Annual Fund. It is the Annual Fund that turns our mission into action, providing the resources, opportunities, and support that empower every student to thrive.
Please join me and my family in making Riverview a philanthropic priority, ensuring the continued growth and success of the school we love.
Stewart Miller,
Executive Director
Our Annual Fund plays a critical role and has daily impact. These are all examples of how Annual Fund Dollars can provide impact each and every day!
Update our GROW Campus Quad, including new all-weather seating, expanded patio space, and elevated landscaping. This re-vamp allows for a comfortable and versatile space for students to hang out with friends.
Increased Alumni Programming. There’s something for everyone in our robust calendar of weekly events for all alumni, including karaoke, ropes course outings, bowling, art, band, chorus, running club, and community excursions. What used to be only a handful of alumni offerings (per year), is now a thriving program.
Planning Sensory Room Development. With our growing younger student population, Riverview is in the process of providing adjustments to programming to meet the sensory needs of our students through the development of a dedicated Sensory Room on campus.
Support Avie and Jill, our certified Canine Companion service dogs. Both pups have the resources needed (including beds and water dishes around campus) so they can serve our students to the best of their abilities!
Welcome Innovative Arts Programming; Riverview was thrilled to welcome the nationally renowned “Young Americans” performance troupe to campus last spring for an immersive performance workshop for Riverview students.
Continue Strong Recreation & Wellness Partnerships, such as The Great Blizz, Adaptive Ski programming, Learn-to-Bike Clinics, Taekwondo, field trips to Boston, Canobie Lake Park, and so many more!
Why Give to riverview?
Hear from current Riverview families about why they give:
We give to show the staff just how much we believe in them and their ideas and dreams for the school. The Annual Fund is an unrestricted fund that helps support the school grow when and where they best see fit. It is our way to say thank you and keep doing what you do.
Barb N.
Riverview Parent
We support Riverview because our son is experiencing significant growth here. Our contributions directly enhance his activities, and we appreciate being part of a community that supports and uplifts one another.
Geline M. and Erik T.
Riverview Parents
The skills our son has gained, the friendships he has built, and the confidence he now carries are priceless gifts made possible by this school. Supporting Riverview ensures other students and families can experience the same life-changing opportunities we have been blessed with.
Linda and Bruce L.
Alumni Parents
ways to give
Whether it’s sent online or in an envelope, your gift makes an impact on the well-being of our students and staff.
Donate Online
Giving to Riverview has never been easier, as we provide a quick, easy, and safe way to donate online.
Mail a Check
Mail your gift to:
Riverview School
c/o Advancement Office
551 Route 6A
East Sandwich, MA 02537
Gifts of Stock
If you wish to donate via stock, please contact the Advancement Office for transfer details.
Wire Transfer
To make a gift via wire transfer, please contact the Advancement Office for transfer details.
Donate to flagship funds
Donors may choose to direct their gift to one of several established funds, or work with the Advancement Office to create additional named funds.
William H. Gray III Memorial Scholarship Fund
An endowed fund for underprivileged students of diverse backgrounds with learning disabilities. Reverend William Gray III was a dynamic leader in American politics, president of the United Negro College Fund, a reverend at the Bright Hope Baptist Church, and a long-time friend of Riverview School. His dedication to correct injustice and bring hope to those in need inspired all who knew and worked with him.
Jeanne Pacheco Scholarship Fund
Jeanne Pacheco embarked on her career at the School as a reading specialist and during her long tenure at Riverview served as Director of Education, Director of Admissions and Placement, and Assistant Head of School. Jeanne has forged a trail that few, if any, have duplicated in the history of Riverview. The Jeanne Pacheco Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in Jeanne’s honor upon her retirement in 2013. This fund will support students, as Jeanne supported Riverview for so many years, continuing the tradition of excellence she espoused at Riverview.
Chris Sturz Memorial Fund
Chris was both a student and employee of Riverview School and was known for his engaging smile and dedication to helping others. He was an avid sportsman and always involved in causes to help the disadvantaged. Chris passed away on October 10, 2012 after a brief illness but his legacy continues to live on at Riverview through an endowed fund established in his name.
Abby Parker Memorial Fund (for library resources)
Abby was a GROW student who entered Riverview in the fall of 2009. She passed away in March of 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. While attending Riverview, Abby displayed a passion for reading and learning that she loved to share with others.
We’re Here to Help
Our Advancement Office is ready to assist in finding the best way to for you to give to Riverview. Contact us to discuss opportunities, questions, and special requests.
Tess Blackwell
Director of Advancement
Erin Soderstrom
Associate Director of Advancement
Jessica Miller
Director of Family Education & Support
Allie Campos
Alumni and Family Engagement Coordinator
Mary Cloonan
Special Events Associate
Annalise Yurgelun
Marketing & Development Associate
Dominique Larkin
Project-Based
Maximize
your Gift
A great opportunity to maximize your gift to Riverview is through employer Matching Gifts and the utilization of Donor Advised Funds. Our team is more than happy to talk through details related to both, and we encourage you to reach out with any questions. Contact the Advancement Office to learn more.
Village of
Dreams Gala
Every year, the Riverview community gathers for a night of celebration on campus. This unforgettable evening commemorates the completion of another school year with music, delicious food, and fantastic company – all while making a meaningful contribution to our Riverview community
frequently asked questions
Explore these helpful FAQs ahead of making a donation.
Riverview’s Annual Fund provides unrestricted money for programs and experiences for our students and faculty. It allows for our Riverview community to engage in a dynamic and enriching curriculum for each and every one of our students.
Money raised through the Annual Fund is also used to fund the greatest need at any given time. In many ways, the annual fund funnels programming and enrichment through every aspect of a student’s experience here at Riverview.
As with many Independent schools, tuition does not cover all of the annual operating expenses for the school. Riverview relies greatly on bridging the gap between tuition and our annual operating costs. It helps to provide program enhancements and continued innovation.
We hope and encourage each of our Riverview families to consider Riverview a philanthropic priority for their family.
Your participation is a vote of confidence in all that we do. Your gift helps to advance our mission to empower our faculty and students to build the strongest path towards success. It allows us to innovate and utilize new strategies to deliver individualized programming for each of our students.
The primary goal of Riverview’s annual fund is to bridge the gap between what tuition provides and the cost it takes to execute a top-notch Riverview Education. More specifically, Riverview relies on raising at least $1,000,000+ annually in order to support the budgetary needs of the school.
Every gift matters, and every gift adds up. At Riverview, individual contributions can range from $25 to $50,000, with the average parent gift totaling $2,000. We believe that when each member of our community gives as generously as they can based on their own financial circumstances, we can collectively achieve extraordinary results.
Our annual fund runs July 1- June 30th, but our primary fundraising efforts for the annual fund typically runs September- December.
Yes. Gifts to Riverview’s annual fund is considered a charitable donation and can be fully deducted within IRS regulatory limits. Please note that event tickets and raffles are not tax-deductible.
Yes! Many companies and employers offer charitable match donations for employees. Please contact your Human Resource department to see if your company has a matching gift program. You will receive donor credit for both the original gift and the amount of the match. Every dollar counts!
giving in action
See how your donations have impacted life at Riverview.
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Fund-A-Dream 2025: Wellness
In 2025, our Fund-A-Dream paddle raise was for Wellness at Riverview.
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Fund-A-Dream: The Arts
In 2023, our Fund-A-Dream paddle raise was for the arts at Riverview
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Fund-A-Dream: Financial Aid
In 2022, our Fund-A-Dream paddle raise was for financial aid at Riverview
this is our house
A community of students, alumni, parents, families, and trusted local partners is here to support our mission. See how we work together to keep Riverview’s future bright.