Investing in Tomorrow’s Minds: The Vital Role of Philanthropy in Advancing Education

Written by Antonello Barbaro, CEO of H-FARM Education

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” – Pablo Picasso.

I firmly believe that education is the cornerstone of progress and a fundamental right. While independent schools like ours at H-FARM International Schools strive to provide exceptional learning experiences through tuition fees, the transformative power of philanthropy is undeniable in propelling educational innovation and expanding opportunities for students.

Globally, best practices consistently demonstrate how strategic philanthropic partnerships can elevate educational institutions to new heights. Consider the enduring impact of visionary donors on renowned private international schools worldwide. Institutions like Phillips Academy Andover and Phillips Exeter Academy in the United States have long benefited from significant endowments built through philanthropic giving, enabling them to offer extensive financial aid programs, attract world-class faculty, and invest in cutting-edge facilities and resources. Similarly, in the UK, schools such as Eton College and Harrow School, while also charging substantial fees, leverage philanthropic support to fund scholarships for talented students from diverse backgrounds and to develop innovative academic programs that stay at the forefront of educational excellence.

Here at H-FARM International School, we recognize the profound impact of philanthropic investment. Our Quantum Scholars Program, a testament to our commitment to future-forward, personalized learning, aims to empower students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. This program for example awards 50 full scholarships to outstanding high school students from CIS countries. It is designed to nurture their talents in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, and Design & Technology within the innovative and future-focused environment of H-FARM International School Venice , where they will complete the full IB curriculum. To further enhance and expand such initiatives, ensuring accessibility and fostering continuous innovation, philanthropic partnerships are invaluable. We envision a future where, alongside our dedicated faculty and committed families, the generosity of philanthropists allows us to amplify the impact of programs like Quantum Scholars Program, providing even more students with transformative educational experiences.

Now, a valid question often arises: why should private schools, which already operate on tuition revenue, seek philanthropic gifts? The answer lies in the ambition to transcend the limitations of tuition fees alone. Philanthropy enables us to:

• Enhance Accessibility: Donations can fund scholarships and financial aid, broadening access to our exceptional educational programs for talented students who might otherwise not have the opportunity. This enriches our community and fosters greater diversity of thought and experience.
• Drive Innovation: Philanthropic gifts can fuel the development and implementation of pioneering educational programs, like our Quantum initiative, allowing us to experiment with cutting-edge pedagogies, integrate emerging technologies, and create unique learning environments that prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.
• Invest in Long-Term Growth: Philanthropic support can contribute to the development of state-of-the-art facilities, expand resources, and attract and retain the most talented educators, ensuring the long-term sustainability and excellence of the school.
• Amplify Impact: Donations allow us to extend our reach beyond our current student body through outreach programs, partnerships with other educational institutions, and the sharing of best practices, contributing to the advancement of education on a broader scale.

Even in well-resourced Western nations, philanthropic giving plays a crucial role in elevating educational standards and expanding opportunities. Consider the United States, where, according to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), private colleges and universities received an estimated $59.5 billion in philanthropic gifts in 2022, with a significant portion directed towards student financial aid. this is what we did as well at H-FARM College welcoming support from generous donors, corporations and foundations to advance our mission “Empowering students to transform innovation into human progress for a better society”. This funding enables institutions to offer substantial need-based assistance, broadening access for talented students regardless of their socioeconomic background. For instance, a study by TIAA in July 2024 indicated a moderate association between philanthropic donations and institutional need-aid payouts. While not directly causing increased social mobility, these funds are vital in ensuring that rising tuition costs do not solely burden middle- and upper-middle-income families, thereby maintaining a diverse student body.

Furthermore, philanthropic endowments provide a stable, long-term financial foundation that allows institutions to invest in innovative academic programs, attract and retain top-tier faculty through endowed positions, and develop state-of-the-art facilities. Data from Commonfund in early 2025 reveals that a significant percentage of independent school endowments in the US are explicitly designated for need-based financial aid (around 20% of the total amount of aid and scholarships funded by gifts and endowment income in FY2023) and for general operating support (averaging 6.4% of operating budgets). These figures underscore how philanthropic giving is not merely supplementary but an integral component of the financial health and educational capacity of even well-established private institutions in the West, enabling them to offer a richer and more accessible educational experience.

For us at H-FARM partnerships with likeminded institutions are strategic pillars to advance our community. Today we are working with international foundations, large and small corporations, individuals and the large community of families and alumni that entrusted us for the education of their children to invest in our students and faculties ideas. From activating an ambitious scholarship programs for students passionate and gifted in STEM, to expanding our labs dedicated to AI, Robotics and IoT to accelerating a Performing Art Program, those are few of the areas where together we are going to make the difference.

In essence, philanthropy acts as an accelerant, enabling exceptional schools like H-FARM International School and our esteemed peers – such as the International School of Geneva in Switzerland, known for its commitment to international-mindedness through philanthropic support, or the Singapore American School, which has benefited from community giving to enhance its facilities and programs – to move beyond operational sustainability and actively shape the future of education. By partnering with philanthropists who share our vision, we can collectively invest in the most critical asset we have: the potential of our students. Let us work together to empower the next generation of global leaders and innovators.

In closing, I urge my fellow educational leaders across the globe to actively cultivate relationships with philanthropists who share our passion for empowering young minds. By opening our doors to their generosity and articulating a compelling vision for the future of education, we can collectively unlock unprecedented opportunities for innovation, accessibility, and lasting impact. Let us embrace the transformative power of partnership and work together to build a brighter future for all students.

Many thanks to the leaders that are working in this field: Marco De Rossi Vittoria Averni Marco Cisotto Andrea Monti David B Hawley Brian Wahlen John D. Pine john fairhurst Maria Sol Pintos Castro David Canarutto Sonja Dunphy Keith J. Stone Riccardo Donadon Antonella Sannella Silvia Dell’Acqua Luanne Samuel, CFRE Gerard Teoh Christoph Benn Bianca Medzini (Drebber) Kinza WIN Alix de Mauny Charles Davis, CFRE Zeynep Basak Civi