Capital Campaign Giving

If you’d like join us in this tradition of giving, please contact Director of Advancement and Marketing Ruthie Huggins Lowney '96 at  615-387-6329.

"What I appreciate about Harding Academy’s role in my family's life is the joy and excitement on my granddaughter Ashton's ‘29 face when she tells me how great her teacher is, what they learned in class that week, and about the classmates and new friends she is enjoying every day.

A gift to the Building the Future campaign will be by far the most rewarding investment you will make in your lifetime for your children and grandchildren.”
 
Mark Bloom, grandparent and lead donor
"We feel a permanent part of the fabric of the Harding Academy community and are honored to help it take the next, and very necessary, step to ensure Harding continues to provide the education and community we are blessed to be a part of."

Melissa Frist, Parent of Alumni, Former Board of Trustee Member
We are doing this project because it directly supports the core of who we are and what we value at Harding Academy—exceptional programs in the arts and athletics, and an outstanding educational foundation for every student.

One Day to Give. One Future to Build.

Harding Academy Day of Giving

Join us on May 12 for a powerful day of impact.

In just one day, the Harding community can come together to shape the future of our school—for the students here now, and for generations to come.

Your gift, no matter the size, helps fund the spaces, programs, and people that make Harding so special. Whether you’re a parent, alum, grandparent, or friend, your support makes a lasting difference.
How to Get Involved:

  • Make a Gift: Every contribution counts toward our goal—and every gift helps build the future.
  • Pledge Your Support: Consider a multi-year commitment to strengthen our efforts.
  • Spread the Word: Share our exciting news with others who believe in our mission.

Harding is more than a school—it’s a place where values are shaped, friendships are built, and futures are formed. Your gift fuels the mission that makes Harding thrive.

What’s Inside the Wright-Swift-Lyle Building


Two PreK classrooms, to support our growing PreK program built on a decade of success and growing demand for our outstanding educational model

Three Kindergarten classrooms thoughtfully created in collaboration with the very teachers who will use them—each tailored to meet the unique developmental needs of this critical age group

Dedicated LET classrooms to support individualized learning and empower early academic growth

Two Pursuit spaces tailored for PreK Power Hour and after-school enrichment, encouraging curiosity beyond the school day

A fully functional kitchen, complete with an oven—ideal for facilitating hands-on science experiments and joyful cooking projects with students

A FEMA-rated storm shelter to keep students and staff safe during severe weather

A layered security system with multiple levels of protection from building entry to student spaces, ensuring a safe and secure learning environment

A meaningful bell tradition, generously supported by the McDaniel family, that will ring on the first day of school and again for each kindergartener's birthday (or half birthday)—marking milestones and memories

The Frist Family Courtyard, a vibrant, nature-inspired outdoor gathering space featuring:
  • Mixed-media ground covering for tactile exploration and play
  • A custom climbing apparatus designed specifically for ages 4–6 to build confidence and strength
  • Flexible, imaginative spaces that invite creativity, collaboration, and joyful learning
Together, we will build bridges, pave paths, and create a lasting impact for Harding Academy and beyond.

Let's see what one day can do. Make your gift. Shape our future.


List of 1 items.

  • Meet our Donors

    $1,000,000+
    ​Harding Parents Association
    Ashley and David Dill
    Melissa and Bobby Frist
    Milton ​and Denice Johnson​ Family Foundation
    Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth
     
    $250,000-$999,999
    Mark Bloom
    California Community Foundation
    ​Denise and Tim Downey
    Harding Academy Alumni Board
    Robert Lipman
    Angie and Steve Reynolds
    ​A​nita and Julian Saul Foundation, Inc.
    Karen and Max Speyer
    Sloan and Jim Thomas
     
    $100,000-$249,999
    Anonymous (1)
    Amy and Kenneth Adams
    Lillian and Mike Babineau
    Nicole and Ripley Bickerstaff
    Susan and Kent Burns
    The Creed Family
    Mac and Bill DeLoache
    Dorothy Cate and Thomas F. Frist Foundation
    Ashley and Jonathan Gensler
    LaRoche Family Foundation
    Cassie and Charles Kelley
    Yeenee and Todd Leri
    Kristen and Thomas McDaniel
    Cindy Kam and Rob Mikos
    Lauren and Rob Ossolinski/Doolittle Family
    Kate and Mike Regan
    Mary Glenn and Dave Vreeland
    Britton and John Young

    Click HERE to see a complete list of donors to the Building the Future capital campaign.
Inspiring The Mind  •  Nurturing The Spirit