Frequently Asked Questions

At the beginning of each year, we will fundraise as much money as possible for the club. We will be reaching out to family members and family friends to ask for donations for the club. Donations of any amount are welcome. Some of the money may come from individuals who otherwise donate to Hopkins directly. To avoid detracting donations from Hopkins School, the club will only reach out to donors who have close ties with club members and are otherwise motivated to contribute. Also, by seeking new donors for the club, including individuals who might not be familiar with Hopkins, we will help the school discover new prospects. The club will not use the email addresses of parents on the Hopkins website to reach out en-masse for funds. If needed, the club will give the school a list of people who contributed to the club at the end of each year.  

The money received from donors will be placed inside an investing account on ThinkOrSwim, a TD Ameritrade company. The account can only be accessed by a legal eighteen-year-old head, Axel Fine, as well as being advised by our faculty supervisor, Mr. Wich. Mr. Wich will retain power over all trades. The trades will be executed by a legal eighteen-year-old, Axel Fine, but these transactions will represent the opinion of the club. After the sum is contributed to the club, it can no longer be accessed by the donor. 

If, at the end of each year, the value of the funds has increased as a result of investment gains, half of the gains will be reinvested into the club and the other half will be donated to the Hopkins annual fund. No money will be returned to investors. One of the primary goals of our club is to teach students about investing and asset management, and that goal remains important regardless of how successful the club is. We hope that our work results in material gain to support the long-term growth of the club and to support Hopkin's annual fund.

If the club loses money, no funds will be donated to Hopkins. The portfolio will be untouched. If money were to be pulled out from the account regardless of the loss in value, the club would not be sustainable in the long-term. Negative years are inevitable, and they should not destroy the club.

We need to be able to meet during activities as a club and possibly use Hopkins facilities which could be requested with a Facilities Request Form. We require no funds from Hopkins to form our club. 

The only association from Hopkins comes from the name of the club, the “Hopkins Hedge,” and being a school-acknowledged club. Monetary contributions made to the club will not qualify for tax benefits or deductions (similar to donations made to a bake sale, a sports team, or a theater production within the school that does not have tax-exempt status). If needed, we will provide donors with written notification regarding this matter. We believe this will not be an impediment to the growth of the club, because, over time, even small amounts can appreciate into a considerable value.