Louisville Collegiate School fundraising campaign to boost endowment, campus improvements

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A Louisville private school is moving into a new phase of its fundraising campaign.

Tuesday, Louisville Collegiate School started the community phase of its "Inspire Campaign: Passing the Torch for Generations to Come."

The Inspire Campaign focuses on strengthening the school's endowment and campus enhancements, according to our partners at Louisville Business First. It also supports the school's recent Campus Master Plan, which includes renovating the historic 1927 auditorium.

Renovations to the auditorium include a new main entrance and secure vestibule that honors the surrounding historic Highlands neighborhood; tiered seating to improve visibility and engagement; a renovated lobby and dressing room spaces; modernized sound and lighting systems.

"Through the Inspire Campaign, we are expanding access to an exceptional educational experience and reaffirming our commitment to being the healthiest place for students to learn, grow, and thrive," Rob Macrae, head of school at Collegiate, said in a news release.

So far, the campaign has raised $21 million, with $15 million going to its endowment. At the start of the campaign, the endowment was $10 million, which is well below peer institutions of similar size.

The endowment helps Collegiate grant financial aid to nearly 40% of its students, ensuring that students from a wide range of backgrounds can access a Collegiate education.

The school is now raising an additional $1.5 million.

The leadership phase of the campaign started in August 2025, with support from trustees, alumni, parents, grandparents and friends.

The campaign represents the most ambitious fundraising effort in the school's history, LBF reported.