Frequently Asked Questions

The Annual Fund is our school’s number one fundraising priority every year, and the donations directly impact faculty and all students year-round. Your gift helps cover the costs of the school’s educational programs, as well as athletic equipment, drama performances, concerts, cultural opportunities, music and art supplies, field trips and Icebreakers, outdoor education, and much more. The Annual Fund also supports scholarships and tuition assistance to help make a Bear Creek education accessible to more families.
 
Every year, all members of our community (parents, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and friends) are asked to make a tax-deductible gift to Bear Creek. Money raised through the Annual Fund ensures our school has all the necessary resources to provide the robust learning experience that allows us to fulfill our mission and graduate students filled with wisdom, compassion, and courage.

The school works hard to keep tuition at competitive levels and to make a Bear Creek education accessible to as many families as possible. Tuition covers the basic operations of the school, but gifts to the Annual Fund supplement the current year’s budget, providing the programs and activities you have come to expect for your child, as well as scholarships that extend the opportunity for a Bear Creek education to students who would otherwise not be able to attend.

All gifts count, no matter the size! Your participation is the most important thing. You can make any gift that is personally meaningful to you.

The impact of your participation is valued beyond the dollars. Your participation demonstrates your commitment to Bear Creek, our mission, and to our continued success. It is a vote of confidence in our school, our faculty, and our educational mission. 100% participation is evidence that everyone in our community shares in the effort. Foundations, grant-making institutions, and major donors all look at fundraising participation as a key indicator of satisfaction. If the community stands behind the school, those funders will see Bear Creek as more deserving of their support as well.

There are two primary ways for you to support our school:

ALL-IN Annual Fund—The school relies on the Annual Fund to support the operating budget every year. We ask that all families participate in the Annual Fund with a meaningful gift of any size.

Gala—In the spring, Bear Creek's Gratitude Gala celebrates all the school has to offer the students and families in our community. Each year, the proceeds from the gala, including an online auction, help fund Bear Creek today, tomorrow, and into the future. Funds are dedicated to a specific project designated each year. Please save the date of March 23, 2024, for this year's celebration! 

However you chose to support our school, we hope that you will make Bear Creek your philanthropic priority.

The President’s Circle is a giving club for those who give more than $1,000 or more to the ALL IN Annual Fund or at the Gala. Members receive recognition in the Annual Report, an invitation to the annual President’s Circle Reception with President and Headmaster Patrick Carruth, and other exclusive events and benefits throughout the year.

Yes, we are a 501(c)3 organization and donations are tax deductible as provided by law.

Yes, we qualify under most company matching programs.

Yes, you may. Please notify us so we can record your pledge and remove you from our reminder list.

Yes. A gift or pledge made early in the school year enables us to know how much money will be available to support the school’s budget. The goal is to receive all Annual Fund commitments by December 31.

Yes. Many people choose to set up an automatic monthly or quarterly donation. We request that all pledges be paid by June 30.

Yes, all independent schools rely on Annual Fund donations.

Check – Payable to The Bear Creek School.

Credit Card – Give online using our secure giving form at tbcs.org/support-us, or you may call and provide us with your credit card information.

Recurring Gift – You may set up an automatic monthly or quarterly gifts by using our online form or calling our office.

Stock/Securities – Gifts of stock or other appreciated securities offer significant tax advantages. See the Support Us section of the website or contact the Office of Philanthropy and Community Engagement for more information.

Employer Matching Gift – Take advantage of your employer’s matching gift program and make your gift go twice as far.

Assistant Director of Development Theresa Larsen at tlarsen@tbcs.org or 425-898-1720 ext. 343