Giving
Annual Fund
The Bentley Annual Fund is the School's top fundraising priority. Annual Fund gifts support professional development, campus enhancements, and student programs.
The Annual Fund is essential to ensuring dynamic teaching and learning and bright futures for all Bentley students. It helps bridge the gap between sending a student to Bentley and a student truly experiencing all that Bentley has to offer. All current parents are asked to contribute to the Annual Fund, as are grandparents, alumni, alumni parents, trustees, faculty and staff, and friends of the School.
We aim for 100% participation from current parents and other groups. Gifts of all amounts are appreciated and vital to providing a strong student experience. It is not about the amount you give, but rather the participation and support for Bentley School’s mission and Promise.
We aim for 100% participation from current parents and other groups. Gifts of all amounts are appreciated and vital to providing a strong student experience. It is not about the amount you give, but rather the participation and support for Bentley School’s mission and Promise.
Give to the Bentley Annual Fund
Your gift to the Annual Fund provides an immediate and direct benefit to each student and goes directly to programs that prepare Bentley students for excellence in college, careers, and life.
Ways To Give
List of 4 items.
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Cash or Check
Cash or Check gifts may be mailed to:
Bentley School
Attn: Advancement Office
1000 Upper Happy Valley Road
Lafayette, CA 94549 -
Credit Card
Gifts can be made with a credit card.
(Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Discover accepted) -
Wire Transfer
Below you will find the information needed for a wire transfer.
Routing: 321081669
Account: 800-0212-6903
Title: Bentley School
Bank: First Republic Bank -
Gifts of Stock
Please contact the Advancement Office or visit:
www.bentleyschool.org/annual-fund for stock transfer information.
Faculty Member
I proudly donate to the Bentley Annual Fund every year because I see first-hand how my contribution enhances the experience for each and every Bentley student.
Annual Fund Giving Levels
The Margaret Bentley Society:
$25,000+
Phoenix Society:
$15,000 - $24,999
Bentley Benefactors:
$10,000 - $14,999
1920 Founders’ Club:
$5,000 - $9,999
Head of School's Circle:
$2,500 - $4,999
Blue and White Club:
$1,000 - $2,499
Bentley Friends:
Up to $999
$25,000+
Phoenix Society:
$15,000 - $24,999
Bentley Benefactors:
$10,000 - $14,999
1920 Founders’ Club:
$5,000 - $9,999
Head of School's Circle:
$2,500 - $4,999
Blue and White Club:
$1,000 - $2,499
Bentley Friends:
Up to $999
Why I Give: Testimonials
Rebecca Harlow
Senior Associate at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in San Francisco
I decided to contribute to Bentley’s financial aid program because I was myself a beneficiary and understand how much of a difference it can make. When I was six years old, and my parents were looking for the school that would be the right fit for me, they were self-employed and running a small publishing house. The generosity of the Bentley financial aid program was what allowed me to attend when it would not otherwise have been possible for my family. Starting first grade at Bentley was the invaluable first step that put me on the path to where I am now–-gratefully in the position to pay back and also pay forward, some of what I received to help give another Bentley student the opportunity that I was given.
Megan & Nate Silver
Parents of Miles ’25 and Lara ’31
Our first impression of Bentley was overwhelmingly positive, and we immediately felt it was the right choice for our family. Now seven years later, we genuinely believe in the vision and Promise of Bentley because we have experienced first hand how our children are challenged and supported. We are grateful to Bentley not only for the strong academics but also for the wonderful faculty and staff who care deeply about the students and cultivating their love of learning. We feel it is important to volunteer our time and contribute to the Annual Fund so Bentley can continue to offer its distinctive experience for another hundred years.
Annual Fund FAQs
List of 8 items.
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Why do we ask parents to make a donation in addition to paying tuition?
Bentley endeavors to keep tuition as affordable as possible for our families. As a result, like other independent schools, Bentley relies on a combination of tuition, Annual Fund gifts, and other revenue streams to cover annual operating costs.
Current parents are the most significant donor group to Bentley and have the greatest opportunity and responsibility for contributing to their children’s education and the vitality of the School. The strength of the Annual Fund is a defining characteristic of a learning community. Every gift, large or small, makes a difference in the lives of our students. -
How is Bentley funded as an independent school?
Tuition provides the largest portion of the operating budget of the school. Other support is derived from tax-deductible contributions, such as gifts to the Annual Fund, special fundraising events, such as the Gala, and earnings on investments and endowment. -
Doesn’t tuition cover costs at Bentley?
Not quite. Tuition covers most operating costs but the Annual Fund closes the gap between tuition and expenses. In order to provide the breadth of the full academic program for the students and faculty, parents, past-parents, alumni, corporations, friends, and foundations all support the school by their contributions to the Annual Fund. -
What does the Annual Fund provide for Bentley School?
Annual Fund gifts supplement the school's annual operating budget and, according to school auditors, over 85 cents of each donated dollar support faculty compensation and financial aid combined. Additional enhancements provided in the past from the Annual Fund have included:- State of the art computers and specialized software
- Physical education and athletic equipment
- Library enhancements
- Professional workshops and training sessions for faculty and staff
- New and more advanced equipment for science classes
- Support of performing arts programs
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Are gifts to the Annual Fund considered tax-deductible contributions?
Yes! Bentley is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all contributions to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible. When you send your donation to the school, your gift will be acknowledged in a letter that should be kept for your tax purposes. -
What am I expected to contribute?
Each Bentley family determines the amount they are able to contribute and each gift is important. When Bentley seeks funding from other sources, such as foundations and corporations, it is important to be able to illustrate the support of its parents and others by noting the percentage of individuals who contribute to Bentley. Consequently, we stress the importance of 100% parent participation to support the School’s efforts in providing a solid educational program for its students. All contributions are recognized each year in the Bentley Annual Report. -
Does Bentley School accept matching gifts from companies?
Yes! Every year we are the grateful recipients of many corporate matching gifts. Please contact your company's Human Resources Department to find out if they offer a matching gift program. We are eager to increase our annual support by participating in as many matching gift opportunities as possible. -
What are Capital gifts?
Any building and enhancement projects on the Hiller and Lafayette Campuses will require special funding to ensure completion. Capital gifts are made in addition to contributions to the Annual Fund and may be paid to the School as a multi-year pledge.
