Mission & Vision 2036

IDENTITY

The Bulldog Pride Alumni Association, Inc. (BPAA) was incorporated on August 31, 2026 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as 501(c)(3) charitable organization, serving the Old Rochester Regional schools (ORRJHS and ORRHS), EIN 87-2816104. Its office is located at Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett.

MANDATE 

The BPAA supports students, faculty, staff, and the broader ORR community through charitable giving and alumni engagement in accordance with the BPAA By‑laws and Standing Rules.

MISSION (from 2023)

The BPAA endeavors to build a vibrant alumni community; consolidate alumni resources (financial, intellectual, volunteer); collaborate with school leadership to develop sustainable initiatives; strengthen connections between alumni and students; foster service; recognize leadership and school pride; and organize programming aligned with ORR’s educational goals.

VISION (to 2036)

By 2036, BPAA will be the lifelong bridge between ORR and its alumni—funding equitable opportunities, powering mentorship and real-world learning at scale, and preserving ORR’s heritage—so every Bulldog can say: 

“I am supported here, connected beyond here, and proud to give back.”

STRUCTURAL FRAMEWORK

The organization is governed through Board of Trustees oversight, Executive Committee management and the work of the standing committees.  Τhe Executive Committee oversees the association’s day‑to‑day operations, while the association’s standing committees represent core organizational competencies—fundraising, event planning, financial stewardship, grant administration, mentorship development, and scholarship management—ensuring that each area of work is guided by specialized expertise.

Business is reported at Quarterly Executive Committee Meetings, aligned with the BPAA’s fiscal year, which runs from August 1 to July 31. The BPAA follows non-profit organizational best practices, utilizing parliamentary procedure (Robert’s Rules of Order). The minutes of the most recent Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting are published on the association’s website, reflecting BPAA’s culture of commitment, responsibility, and transparency.

ORGANIZATIONAL OPERATIONS (2018–2026)

  • 2018–2023: Founding of ’88 Bulldog Pride Award (July); Five-year commitment to Classes of 2019-2023. Total amount awarded in this period: $1,500. From this initiative, alumni-led efforts laid the organizational, legal and institutional framework for the founding and operations of the BPAA.
  • 2021: Initial meeting of incorporation to decide name and officers (Sept); Initial meeting with principal of ORRHS (Oct); Employer Identification Number assigned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Dec).
  • 2022: Articles of Incorporation submitted to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in preparation for 501(c)(3) status application to IRS. Start-up costs wholly funded by alumni contributions, specifically for this purpose.
  • 2023: Updated Articles of Incorporation approved by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Aug 31) and 501(c)(3) status granted by IRS (Sept 15); inaugural Alumni Weekend launched with >$50,000 in donations and pledges through 2028 (October 19-21). 
  • 2024: First Bulldog Pride Award given in the amount of $1,000 (May), 2nd annual Alumni Weekend held during Homecoming (Oct 24-25). 
  • 2025: Board of Trustees founded (Feb 9); Expanded scholarship program: Bulldog Pride Award to two recipients with an increase to $1,500 each and founded Bulldog First Award in the amount of $2,000 (May); Launched dedicated website (orralumni.org) (Oct); Annual Alumni Weekend (Oct 18-19) continues to build fundraising and alumni engagement; Launched grants pilot program for student organizations with a commitment of $3,000 (Nov).
  • 2026: FY changes to coincide with school year (August 1- July 31); first cycle of the new grant program awards a total of $1,800 to four grant recipients (Feb). The scholarship program awards $5,000 to three graduating seniors (May). 2026-2027 fundraising goal set at $10,000. Alumni Weekend 2026 (Oct 9-10).
  • 2027: Implementation of Mission & Vision 2036.

PROGRAMS & OUTCOMES (2025-2026)

  • Scholarship Program: Bulldog Pride Award (two at $1,500 from 2025) recognizing leadership and school pride; Bulldog First Award ($500/year up to four years from 2025) for first-generation students.
  • Grant Program:
    • 2025-26: Launch of the new program, committing $3,000 to classroom/club initiatives to enhance student experience. Grant recipients from both ORRJHS and ORRHS;
    • 2026-27: September launch of second cycle, with a $3,000 earmarked in budget.
  • Alumni Engagement: Annual Alumni Weekend organized around Homecoming; local sponsors; raffles/auctions; alumni registry and communications.
  • Governance & Finance: By-laws adopted and amended through Dec 16, 2025; quarterly Executive Committee Meetings; Foundation Committee oversees budget: April (review)/July (approval); defined banking and signatories. Fiscal year runs from August 1 to July 31ar

CURRENT DELIVERABLES (2026 BASELINE)

  • Recurring donors: four pledging $1,988–$2,500 annually (five-year commitments beginning 2023).
  • Events: approximately $3,000 net per Alumni Weekend (based on verifiable data from 2023-2025).
  • Operating posture: lean, volunteer-led; committee reports at QECMs; Foundation budget cycle in April/July per by-laws.

 

FIVE STRATEGIC PILLARS (2026–2036) 

The strategic pillars of the BPAA’s Mission & Vision 2036 build upon the Association’s accomplishments since 2023 and chart a realistic path for future growth and impact. Organized around five attainable and interconnected priorities, the pillars reflect a progression from Access → Guidance → Success → Engagement → Sustainability: (1) Scholarships & Grants; (2) Mentorship & Career Pathways; (3) Persistence & Completion; (4) Heritage, Bulldog Pride & Community Partnerships; and (5) Organizational Strength & Sustainable Philanthropy. Together, these pillars provide a framework for expanding opportunities for students, strengthening alumni engagement, preserving the ORR legacy, and ensuring the long-term vitality of the BPAA.

PILLAR 1: SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

PURPOSE: Provides students, faculty, and members of the ORR community with access to BPAA resources that support educational achievement, school enrichment, and student success.

INTENDED OUTCOMES: Sustain and grow BPAA’s scholarship portfolio to recognize leadership, expand access, and reward achievement across diverse student pathways.

CURRENT DELIVERABLES:

  • Bulldog Pride Award
  • Bulldog First Award
  • Grants to faculty and student clubs for projects, tools, materials, and other initiatives that benefit the broader ORR community.

FUTURE DELIVERABLES:

  • BITE Fund (Bulldog Investment in Trades & Education): Tools and materials grants for students pursuing trades and technical pathways (projected)

NEXT STEPS: Maintain $5,000–$8,000 annual scholarship pool; explore named scholarships; annual criteria review, launch BITE Fund.

ANNUAL BUDGET: $5,000–$8,000.

PILLAR 2: MENTORSHIP & CAREER PATHWAYS 

PURPOSE: This next-step initiative ensures every undergraduate Bulldog has the guidance, resources, and support needed to navigate postsecondary pathways, build career readiness, and succeed in the years immediately following high school graduation.

INTENDED OUTCOMES: Foster and develop engagement between alumni and undergraduates (juniors and seniors), with a view toward knowledge-sharing and the creation of an informal network.

DELIVERABLES:

  • BARK Mentorship Program (Bulldogs Assisting through Resources and Knowledge): connecting alumni with undergraduates
  • Career Pathways sessions and alumni participation in the annual Career Day for juniors, in collaboration with the Guidance Department of ORRHS
  • Internship Micro-Grants (long-term): Financial assistance for students pursuing unpaid or low-paid internships. Grants may be used to cover transportation, professional attire, meals, or other costs that might otherwise create barriers to participation.

NEXT STEPS:

  • Year 1: 20 mentors; 10 pilot matches;
  • Year 5: 50 mentors; 40+ match completions; 30–50 students served annually
  • Year 10: 150 mentors; internship stipends; strong persistence outcomes
  • Creation of simple, digital application process for micro-grants.

ANNUAL BUDGET: $1,500–$2,000.

PILLAR 3 —PERSISTENCE & COMPLETION

PURPOSE: With a view towards supporting retention and success, the BPAA commits to going further than issuing financial awards to select graduates. We will provide wraparound support to help students succeed after receiving aid, including transition coaching, essential resources, and emergency assistance to ensure persistence and completion.

INTENDED OUTCOMES:  Pair financial aid with navigation support so Bulldogs persist and complete their postsecondary programs.

DELIVERABLES:

  • Bulldog Walk Program: A structured transition program featuring alumni meetups, college readiness coaching, and guidance on navigating first-year challenges
  • Micro-Grants for textbooks/tools  ($250–$500)
  • Emergency Completion Fund (up to $1,000 one-time)
  • First-Generation and High-Need Wraparound Support Program (under the Bulldog Walk Program)

NEXT STEPS:

  • Launch Bulldog Walk pilot cohort
  • Establish application and referral process
  • Assess student outcomes and program expansion opportunities

ANNUAL BUDGET: $1,500–$2,500 initially

PILLAR 4 — HERITAGE, PRIDE & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

PURPOSE: The BPAA preserves ORR’s story and transforms pride into participation through heritage initiatives, alumni engagement, a digital archive, and community partnerships.

INTENDED OUTCOMES:  Engage alumni in preserving and celebrating the history of ORR while building partnerships with alumni-owned and community businesses to support BPAA initiatives.

DELIVERABLES:

  • Bulldog Pack Digital Archive: A comprehensive digital repository of yearbooks, oral histories, and memorabilia to celebrate ORR’s legacy.
  • Bulldog Pride Labs: Collaborative alumni-student projects that foster school spirit, service learning, and innovation.

NEXT STEPS:

  • Integration into the BPAA’s website

ANNUAL BUDGET: $3,000–$4,000.

PILLAR 5 — ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTH & SUSTAINABLE PHILANTHROPY

PURPOSE: Ensure the long-term sustainability of the BPAA by strengthening organizational capacity, diversifying revenue sources, and building permanent charitable assets that support future generations of Bulldogs.

INTENDED OUTCOMES:  Build a culture of philanthropy among alumni, strengthen the Association’s financial foundation, and create a sustainable funding model capable of supporting scholarships, mentorship programs, student success initiatives, and community engagement for decades to come.

DELIVERABLES: 

  • Operating reserve $15,000–$20,000 by 2031 
  • Growth Fund $50,000–$75,000 by 2031 
  • Endowment aspiration milestone $100,000 by 2036.
  • Annual giving campaign and donor stewardship program
  • Alumni donor recognition opportunities through named funds and sponsorship initiatives

NEXT STEPS:

  • Launch multi-year giving and pledge opportunities
  • Establish named scholarship and program funds
  • Promote employer matching gift programs
  • Develop planned giving and legacy gift opportunities
  • Expand business sponsorships tied to Alumni Weekend and other signature events
  • Create annual donor impact reporting and stewardship communications

ANNUAL BUDGET: $3,000–$4,000.

PROGRAM & BUDGET FRAMEWORK (STEADY STATE BY 2031)

Line Annual Use of Funds Amount (illustrative) Pillar Governance & Controls
A Scholarship Program (Pride, First) $5,000–$8,000 1 Scholarship Committee → Exec approvals; QECM reports
B Grants Program (including micro-grants and BITE Fund) $2,000–$3,000 1 Grants Committee → EC approvals; Foundation sets ceiling (Apr/Jul)
C Mentorship, Persistence  & Student Success $3,000–$4,500 2, 3 Mentorship + Events → EC approvals; privacy protocols; school alignment
D Heritage & Community Partnerships $3,000–$4,000 4 Events→ EC approvals; archive partnerships; sponsor recognition
E Operations & Philanthropy $3,000–$4,000 5 Treasurer + Foundation; filings & compliance. Quarterly reporting to EC
F Reserve contribution 5–10% of unrestricted 5 EC policy; QECM tracking
G Growth Fund contribution 10–20% of major gifts 5 BoT recommendation; EC implementation

FIVE-YEAR PLAN (BY 2031) — MILESTONES & METRICS

SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS (PILLAR 1):

  • Maintain annual scholarships and grants funding of $5,000–$8,000
  • Launch 1–2 named scholarships or named funds
  • Expand support for faculty, student clubs, and trades/technical pathways
  • Publish annual impact summary of awards and grants

MENTORSHIP & CAREER PATHWAYS (PILLAR 2):

  • 50 active mentors
  • 40+ mentorship match completions annually
  • Annual alumni participation in ORR Career Day
  • Establish internship micro-grant framework and pilot awards
  • Develop a sustainable, alumni–student professional network

PERSISTENCE & COMPLETION (PILLAR 3):

  • Bulldog Walk and student support initiatives serving 30–50 students annually
  • Launch Textbook/Tools Micro-Grant program
  • Maintain Emergency Completion Fund capacity
  • First-generation student persistence rate of 80% or higher
  • Establish annual reporting on student outcomes and program impact

HERITAGE, BULLDOG PRIDE & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS (PILLAR 4):

  • Bulldog Digital Archive fully launched and integrated into the BPAA website
  • 20+ community and business sponsors
  • Alumni Weekend generating $5,000 net revenue annually
  • Increased alumni engagement through heritage and archival initiatives

ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTH & SUSTAINABLE PHILANTHROPY (PILLAR 5):

  • Operating Reserve Fund of $15,000–$20,000
  • Growth Fund of $50,000–$75,000
  • At least one planned giving or legacy giving initiative established
  • Growth in recurring donors, named funds, and employer-matching participation
  • Annual donor stewardship and impact reporting in place

TEN-YEAR PLAN (BY 2036) — ENDURING OUTCOMES

SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS (PILLAR 1):

  • Sustained multi-award scholarship and grants portfolio
  • Named scholarships and funds supporting long-term access and equity
  • Expanded support for faculty initiatives, student organizations, and career/technical pathways

MENTORSHIP & CAREER PATHWAYS (PILLAR 2):

  • 150 active alumni mentors
  • Robust alumni directory and professional network
  • Established internship micro-grant program and career pathway supports
  • Strong culture of alumni engagement and knowledge-sharing

PERSISTENCE & COMPLETION (PILLAR 3):

  • Improved first-generation student completion rates compared to baseline
  • Bulldog Walk established as a signature transition program
  • Textbook, tools, and emergency support programs serving students annually
  • Strong persistence and postsecondary success outcomes

HERITAGE, PRIDE & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS (PILLAR 4):

  • Bulldog Bark Digital Archive recognized as the definitive repository of ORR history
  • Annual class pride and community engagement projects
  • Strong network of alumni and community sponsors supporting BPAA initiatives
  • Increased alumni participation and school pride across generations

ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTH & SUSTAINABLE PHILANTHROPY (PILLAR 5):

  • Endowment aspiration milestone of $100,000
  • Sustained operating reserve and Growth Fund
  • Mature annual giving, sponsorship, and planned-giving programs
  • Financial capacity to support all strategic pillars for future generations

HOW MAJOR GIFTS WILL BE USED (Scaled examples)

  • $10,000 — Seed the BARK Mentorship Program launch: platform/tools, mentor training, and the first Career Pathways session.
  • $25,000 — Expand the BITE Fund (Bulldog Investment in Trades & Education): support 2–3 years of tools, equipment, certification, apprenticeship, and technical-pathway micro-grants, with program evaluation.
  • $50,000 — Establish Bulldog Walk & Persistence Supports: fund first-generation student micro-grants, textbook/tool assistance, and the Emergency Completion Fund for three cohorts.

DONOR RECOGNITION STRATEGY (Scaled)

  • Founders Circle ($2,500+/year): Prominent recognition in BPAA publications, special acknowledgment at Alumni Weekend and BPAA events, quarterly impact updates, and invitations to donor appreciation activities.
  • Bulldog Pride Circle ($1,000–$2,499/year): Recognition on the BPAA website, social media acknowledgments, and listing in Alumni Weekend and annual impact publications.
  • Community Circle ($250–$999/year): Inclusion in the annual donor honor roll and formal recognition from the Executive Committee.
  • Legacy Circle: Recognition of individuals and families who support the BPAA through planned giving, endowment gifts, multi-year pledges, or named funds.
  • Naming Opportunities: Named scholarships, BITE Fund grants, Bulldog Walk supports, archival initiatives, or other strategic programs available through multi-year commitments (e.g., $10,000+ over five years).

ANNUAL CYCLE & REPORTING

  • Q1 (Aug–Oct): Alumni Weekend execution; prior-year close; committee reports and strategic priorities review. Grants and BITE Fund applications cycle opens.
  • Q2 (Nov–Jan): Grants and BITE Fund program selections; mid-year donor and stakeholder update.
  • Q3 (Feb–Apr): Scholarship application period opens; mentorship recruitment and matching; Foundation drafts next FY budget (April review); mentorship recruitment; FC drafts next fiscal year budget for April review.
  • Q4 (May–Jul): Scholarship awards; July approval of budget; program evaluations; reserve and Growth Fund review; Board of Trustees briefing and strategic planning update. 

GOVERNANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY & RISK

  • Board of Trustees: ensures direction and financial viability; recommendations implemented via the Executive Committee; cannot contravene mission/by-laws.
  • Executive Committee: approves budgets and ceilings; signs contracts; approves committee recommendations; QECM decisions binding.
  • Non-Executive Committees: Events (Alumni Weekend); Foundation (budget, fundraising); Grants (criteria, selections); Mentorship (programs); Scholarship (criteria, selections). Quarterly written reports required.
  • Financial controls: Treasurer maintains records, filings, and 501(c)(3) compliance; dual signers; defined banking and platform per By-laws; privacy policy for data.
  • Crisis Management Protocol: Approved by the Executive Committee to manage reputational risk.

APPENDIX A — REFERENCES

Upon the advice and counsel of  the Board of Trustees, this document was unanimously approved at the Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting on July 25, 2026.