In conversation with Jane Sherburne P ’98, ’01, ’05, GP ’33, ’36

The Sherburne/Van Heuvelen family’s giving story shows how different generations inspire each other and help shape Sidwell Friends School’s future. Here, Jane describes how and why supporting Sidwell Friends became a family endeavor.

Q. What first motivated your giving to Sidwell Friends?

A. Each of our three children began at Sidwell Friends in pre-K or kindergarten in the 1980s. At the time, we were struggling financially, putting every penny toward tuition payments, with little left for giving or much else. As time passed, our circumstances improved along with our growing gratitude for the way our children were thriving in Sidwell’s community of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. We began giving in ways we hoped would help preserve and strengthen what we valued about the School, including making it as broadly available as possible.

Q. Do you talk about philanthropy as a family?

A. When our children were young, we consciously tried to set an example, hoping they would share their privilege with their communities and the causes about which they were passionate. To encourage a giving “habit,” at Christmas we sometimes gave each of them a gift card, a portion of which they could use for themselves but only after donating a designated portion to charities of their choosing. I’m not sure that particular effort was habit-forming, but it conveyed a message.

Q. Is there a particular giving priority that is close to your hearts?

Bryan Garman was head of the Upper School when our kids were Upper Schoolers. As both a trustee and a parent, I was able to see his leadership in action. To support that vision, we agreed as a family to establish the Sherburne/Van Heuvelen Family Fund for his discretionary use—and the use of future heads of school. The fund began with a relatively small corpus that we hoped to grow over time with contributions from all of us and wise investing.

Q. Who are your philanthropic role models?

I’ve been part of many initiatives in the social justice and civil rights arena that rely on philanthropy to achieve their missions. Witnessing tremendous philanthropic commitments from others humbles my own and inspires me to do what I can.  

Pictured is Jane Sherburne P ’98, ’01, ’05, GP ’33, ’36 with grandsons Arthur '33 and Augie '36.