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How many students does Thompson Island Outward Bound serve?
 We reach more than 5,000 young men and women ages 11 to 17 each year. Our Outward Bound Choices program with the Boston Public Schools serves more than 2,000 students and our summer expeditions serve approximately 400. The rest of the students come to Thompson Island with other youth, religious, school and community organizations for custom-designed courses.
Why does Thompson Island Outward Bound need to raise private funds?
Thompson Island is dedicated to providing the power of Outward Bound to young people, regardless of their ability to pay. More than 90 percent of students in our three core mission programs, in fact, attend course with direct financial assistance. So while income from tuition, fees, and our mission-supporting programs covers about half our costs, gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations are absolutely essential in helping us provide extraordinary experiences to Boston’s youth. Are tuition fees subsidized?
Yes. Thompson Island Outward Bound covers certain expenses for all students, even those paying what we consider "full tuition."
Does Thompson Island receive government funding?
Thompson Island’s core mission programming does not rely on any significant government assistance. Green Corps, our environmental summer internship program, receives annual grants from the federal National Parks Service and city Youth Development Fund. And as a subcontractor to the Harvard School of Public Health, our Outward Bound Choices in-school program operates with funding from the federal Centers for Disease Control. But all in all, government funding accounts for less than 1 percent of the island’s total development income.  Does Thompson Island receive funding from a national Outward Bound organization?
No. We are chartered by Outward Bound USA, a national organization, and a national endowment funds a few student scholarships each summer. But Thompson Island Outward Bound is a completely autonomous local nonprofit organization.
What is the size of your endowment?
At the end of 2002, our endowment stood at $6.8 million. Income generated from the endowment covers some of our overhead and program costs. We are pursuing multiple initiatives to boost the value of the endowment over the next five to 10 years. How much money do you spend on administration?
Approximately 16 percent of Thompson Island’s annual budget of $5.8 million is spent on administration; 7 percent is spent on fundraising. Can I visit the island to see how my donation will make an impact on the youth programming?
Yes. We would love to show you our programs in action. Interested individuals should call Julia Fitz-Randolph at 617-328-3900 x105, or e-mail development@thompsonisland.org to arrange a tour.
Can I take an Outward Bound course?
Absolutely. Go to the Outward Bound USA Web site at www.outwardbound.org to find a course that interests you. | 
