The Annual Fund First

As you consider giving to The Benjamin School, here are some questions and answers to help guide you… 

As a member of the Benjamin community, what is expected of me and how can I help?  In order for Benjamin to be “Second to None,” as our motto states, we ask for active participation in the life of the school.  Participation comes in different forms, but first and foremost we hope all families will offer a financial gift to the Annual Fund according to their ability to give.  We also encourage our families to become involved by volunteering time. 

What is the Annual Fund?  The Annual Fund is our annual giving campaign that runs in conjunction with the school’s fiscal year of July 1st - June 30th.  It is designed to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of operating the school.  Tuition alone does not pay for your child’s education.

How much am I expected to give?  We ask our families to give to the best of their ability and at a level that demonstrates the value placed on an exemplary education.  While our average gift-per-student is $1457, participation is our foremost goal.  The value of leadership-level gifts, however, cannot be underestimated.  Gifts at the leadership level ($2500 or more) account for over 50% of the support received.

When will I be asked to participate in the Annual Fund annual giving campaign, and how will I be asked?  In September, you will receive a written request for participation accompanying the Annual Fund brochure and a benefactor response form.  The brochure describes in detail how you can direct your gift and how your gift will impact the operating budget.  Shortly afterwards, volunteers make follow-up phone calls to those who have not donated or pledged to the Annual Fund to answer questions and encourage participation.

What does the Annual Fund support? Gifts to the Annual Fund are used to support a variety of areas of campus need. In most circumstances, it is at the discretion of the Board of Trustees and the school administration to determine where your gift will have the greatest impact. Restriced annual gifts are not encouraged by the school because they limit the flexibility the administration has to meet operational or programmatic needs. All restricted annual gifts must be preapproved by the Head of School.

Why is my financial support so important?  By demonstrating strong parent participation in the Annual Fund annual giving effort, outside donors and income sources are more inclined to support our school.  Important to them is whether our constituency has done its part before they offer their help.  In addition, we ask that you participate in our school’s periodic capital campaigns that help us build new facilities and strengthen our endowment.  Remember – no gift is too small. Participation is what’s important.  It encourages investment and community.

What events does BASH include? 
Building a Scholastic Heritage, or BASH, encompasses an annual gala, variety show and several school project fundraisers.

Why does Benjamin ask for contributions instead of simply increasing the tuition?  As is the case with most independent schools, tuition does not cover the total cost of educating each student.  Contributions to the Annual Fund bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of operating the school.  Augmenting tuition through charitable gifts helps keep tuition at a competitive rate and provides many important programs and improvements that are essential to our mission.  It’s also a way for you to receive a deduction on your income tax, to the extent allowed by law.

How can I make a contribution, and is it tax-deductible?  Cash is the most common and efficient way to make a gift.  Gifts of appreciated securities have beneficial tax implications.  Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted for gifts, and the Benjamin website can process secure transactions for these donations.  Gifts can be pledged depending on the timeframe and designation.  All gifts to The Benjamin School are tax-deductible based on the school’s 501(c)(3) charitable status. 

Whom do I contact to make a gift, volunteer, or get more information?  To make a gift, volunteer, or get more information, please contact Director of Advancement John Haynie or any member of the Advancement staff by phone at 561-472-3452, via email at support-tbs@thebenjaminschool.org.

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