What is the Andover-Exeter Challenge?

We have one goal—beat Exeter! 

Andover and Exeter have a storied rivalry—and now it’s your turn to join the competition. Team up with alumni, families, and the entire Andover community to make great things happen, and help us raise the trophy for Big Blue!

When is the Andover-Exeter Challenge?

This event begins at 12 p.m. (EST) on Wednesday, Nov. 12, and ends at 12 p.m. (EST) on Friday, Nov. 13.

Who can participate?

Anyone! The more participants, the more we increase our chance of beating Exeter—and elevating the PA student experience along the way. 

What counts toward the Andover-Exeter Challenge?

Any gift made after 12 p.m. on October 29 when early giving opens through noon on November 13 (EDT) that is flagged as an A-E Challenge gift will count towards our goal. Our priority is to raise support for the Andover Fund, but you can boost any aspect of campus that is important to you. Learn more about all the ways you can give, including via stocks or donor advised fund. 

What is our Andover-Exeter Challenge goal?

The overall goal of the challenge is to secure a higher collective donor count than Exeter.

What’s at stake for the Andover-Exeter Challenge?

The school with the most donors will earn ultimate bragging rights and proudly raise their trophy in victory!

How do I make a gift online?

Click on the blue “Give to Andover!” button above, and donate.

Will my name and donation amount be visible on the campaign page?

Your name will appear on the campaign page. No amounts are listed unless you offer a match. You can also choose to remain anonymous.

How can I help make the challenge a success?

First and foremost, make your gift! You can also help by becoming an advocate on GiveCampus and spreading the word with your friends, classmates, or fellow families.

Does GiveCampus use my Meta information?

GiveCampus does not share any interaction data with Meta. The only data pulled from Meta is a user’s education information from their profile and their list of friends—so that users can more easily find and follow their friends who also have GiveCampus accounts. 

Will my donation count toward the alumni/family participation rate?

If you are a graduate, your gift will count toward the alumni participation rate. Just make sure you check the “Alumnus/a” or "Abbot Alumna" box when you make your donation. If you don’t see the box, you’re all set—you’ve already told us that you’re an alum within your profile. If you’re a family member, your gift will count toward the family participation rate by selecting “Current Families”.

Are there talking points I should use when communicating with my peers?

• Gifts to any designation (Andover Fund, Financial Aid, Faculty Support, Athletics, etc.) will be counted toward the challenge.
• Gifts of all sizes are vital to sustain Andover’s mission to educate youth from every quarter and maintain need-blind admission.
• More than 500 Andover students per year receive financial aid—that’s 47%!
• Our community works together to elevate Andover, and we aim for at least 25% of alumni to participate with their gifts and 60% of current families to participate with their gifts. It’s up to each of us to ensure students have access to the best PA experience possible.
• Donations from our community have a tremendous and positive effect on campus. And it’s not just large contributions. To date, gifts of under $100 have totaled more than $100,000 and counting.
• Every area of campus is enhanced by giving—whether that’s securing financial aid, energizing an academic area, boosting a sports team or a performance group, or amplifying our Outreach programs or museums. PA thrives when you support what you love.

Is my gift tax deductible?

Yes. As with any charitable contribution to Phillips Academy, your gift during the Andover-Exeter Challenge is tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor with any specific questions.

What if I have questions?

Please contact us at aechallenge@andover.edu or call 978-749-4292. We will be available from 12 p.m. (EST) on November 12 through 12 p.m. (EST) on November 13 to answer your questions.