Support Bement: FAQ's

Why does Bement need money from annual gifts?

Unlike public schools, independent schools operate without any financial support from state or national taxes. Bement relies on tuition income, endowment income, and annual contributions to cover its operating costs.  The money raised from the Annual Fund  helps to bridge the gap that exists between the cost of tuition and the actual cost of a Bement education.

 

I never received a scholarship.  Why should I give?

Actually, every student at Bement receives a scholarship in the form of a “hidden scholarship” that is paid for by the Annual Fund.  Tuition dollars cover only 85% of the cost of educating our students, so 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 the money raised from this fund as part of the yearly operating expense of the school. The Annual Fund generates dollars that Bement puts to work TODAY. Capital gifts are used for a specific purpose—like building a new dorm or adding to the school’s endowment—and are usually paid off over several years.  Please refer to Building Community: a Campaign for Bement to find out more about the school’s current capital campaign.

 

What is a Matching Gift?

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

 

The Bement School

Alumni & Development Office

94 Old Main Street

P.O. Box 8

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 before June 30 (which is the end of our fiscal year). 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 & 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.

We now offer the ability to spread out donations over time. With this automatic reoccurring billing option you can specify gifts be charged to a credit card or your student account as often as you wish over the course of the school year. Click here to start making your gift go to work for Bement.

 

 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 Diana Stiles, Director of Alumni & Development office, at (413) 774-3021, to answer your questions. 

 

Are there other funds to support at Bement?

Yes, we have several other funds Capital Campaign 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 & Development Office

94 Old Main Street

P.O. Box 8

Deerfield, MA  01342

Phone: 413-774-3021

Fax: 413-774-4256

Email: develop@bement.org