Giving

Annual Fund

2023-24 Annual Fund Campaign

The Bentley Annual Fund is the School's top fundraising priority. Philanthropic gifts provide funds that set Bentley apart, providing a significant impact on the quality of the education and extra-curricular programs for students.
The Annual Fund is essential to ensuring dynamic teaching and learning and bright futures for all Bentley students. It is our flagship philanthropic initiative and allows us to continue to provide the Bentley education our families have come to expect. 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, faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees. Achieving this goal is a great encouragement for giving from alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, and friends of Bentley. Gifts of all amounts are appreciated and vital to providing a strong student experience. Regardless of the amount you give, support demonstrates the unity of the Bentley School community.
 

Alicia Bonvini, Lower School Spanish Teacher

I believe in the expression ‘Whatever you give in life, it gives you in return!’ Bentley's generosity expands beyond its staff, students, and community. I give to Bentley every year to support the many benefits we receive daily, and I have enjoyed them for the past 26 years. I'm proud to be a part of this community, and I never think twice about donating.
Annual Fund
Giving Levels
 
The Margaret Bentley Society:
  $25,000+
Phoenix Society:
  $15,000 - $24,999

Bentley Benefactors:
  $10,000 - $14,999

Head of School's Circle:*
   $5,000 - $9,999
Blue and White Club:
   $2,500 - $4,999
Bentley Friends
All Gifts Appreciated


*Leadership giving begins at Head of School's Circle

Annual Fund FAQs

List of 8 items.

  • 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
  • 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. 

K - 8 Campus

1 Hiller Drive
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 843-2512

9 - 12 Campus

1000 Upper Happy Valley Rd.
Lafayette, CA 94549
(925) 283-2101