Support Bement: FAQ's

Why does Bement need annual gifts to cover operating costs?
Unlike public schools, independent schools operate without any financial support from the local tax base or from state or national governments. Bement relies on tuition income, endowment income, and annual contributions to cover its operating costs and to bridge the gap that exists between tuition and the actual cost of a Bement education.

 

I wasn’t on scholarship.  Why should I give?

Tuition dollars cover only 85% of the cost of educating our students. The Annual Fund helps to make up the difference.  So every student receives support from the Annual Fund regardless of how much their family pays in tuition.

 

How are annual fund gifts different from capital gifts?
The annual fund happens every year. The school relies on it as part of the operating budget to provide the curriculum, faculty, and important extras that would not be possible without the support of the Annual Fund. The Annual Fund generates dollars that Bement puts to work TODAY. Capital gifts are usually larger commitments, made primarily for building purposes, and are often paid out over several years. Capital campaign efforts meet long-term goals, such as the building needs on campus.

 

What is a Matching Gift?

Many companies participate in a matching gift program, which essentially means that your employer (or your spouses’) will make a gift to Bement if you do.  Simply ask your Human Recourses Department if they participate in a Matching Gifts program and send your form to us at:

 

The Bement School

Alumni/ae & Development Office

94 Main Street

Deerfield, MA  01342

 

What is a pledge?

A pledge is a promise to Bement that you are not ready to make a gift at the current time, but will make it soon (before June 30 each year which is the end of our fiscal year and when we close the books and need to balance our budget).  It simply let’s Bement know that your financial support will be coming!

 

How do I make a gift?

Gifts to the annual fund come in many forms: cash, check, online, or stock. All gifts can be mailed or dropped off to the school to the attention of the alumni/ae & development office at the address above, and all checks need to be made payable to THE BEMENT SCHOOL. Contributions can be made throughout the year, until June 30th. Remember, your gift is tax deductible.

 

Can I make a gift with stock?

Yes!  Many people prefer to do this as they don’t feel the difference when the gift is made to the school.  If you would like to enjoy the tax advantages of making a gift of stock to Bement, please refer to our Stock Gift Procedures for complete stock transfer information.

 

What is the 1925 Society?

We have various donor societies here at Bement.  The 1925 Society was named for the year that The Bement School was founded.  Other giving societies in the Annual Fund include: The Blue and White Society (donations of $5,000 or more), The 1925 Society (donations of between $1,925 and $4,999), The Founder’s Circle ($1,000-$1924), the Head’s Circle ($500-$999), the Bement Honor Roll ($250-499), the Bement Merit List ($100 to $249) and Friends of Bement (up to $99)

 

I would like to include Bement in my will.  How can I do that?

Leaving a legacy to a highly regarded school such as Bement is a time-honored way of ensuring that the school, so kindly remembered, will be able to continue its important work for generations to come. To join our Phoenix Society, please contact Claudia Pazmany, Director of Alumni/ae & Development office, at (413) 774-3021, to answer your questions. 

 

Are there other funds to support at Bement?

Yes, we have several other funds for you to consider, but please consider keeping your Annual Fund gift as your consistent gift and adding to another established fund as the opportunity arises. We are also beginning an exciting Capital Campaign (link here) that you may be interested in as well. 

As always, please contact the Development Office at any time and we will be more than happy to assist you in any way we are able!

 

Alumni/ae & Development Office

94 Main Street

Deerfield, MA  01342

Phone: 413-774-3021

Fax: 413-774-4256

Email: develop@bement.org