Annual Fund

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

• 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.
  
  

  The Bentley Parent Association sponsors several fundraising activities for the school, including the Gala, Team Bentley, the Amazon Program, end-of-year book sale, and other events. 

• 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, facilities rental income, 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. 

• May I make a gift of appreciated stock?
  
  

  Yes, stock gifts can be of great benefit to both the donor and the institution receiving the gift. You may be able to avoid capital gains tax by making a gift of appreciated stock. The best way to give a gift of stock to Bentley is by electronic transfer following the steps below:
  
  

  1) Instruct your stockbroker to electronically transfer your stock to:
  
  First Republic Securities Company, LLC
  Attention: Sam Schoner, Senior Managing Director
  Tel: (415) 262-4118
  Fax: (415) 262-4183
  111 Pine Street, 3rd Floor
  San Francisco, CA 94111
  Bentley Account Number 33L-035103
  DTC #0443
  Bentley’s Tax I.D. 94-1700304
  
  2) Notify the Bentley School Advancement Office of the stock transfer by calling John Go, Database and Administrative Manager at (925) 900-4083 with the following information about your stock transfer:
  
  - Number of shares
  - Name of company
  - Date of transfer
  - Your stockbroker's name and phone number
  - Designation of your gift (Annual Fund or other)