The Bay Ridge Prep Fund

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bay Ridge Prep Fund?  The Bay Ridge Prep Fund consists of annual gifts to the school from generous parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty and friends that are used in the current school year to enrich and enhance the school's outstanding programs and facilities.

How can I support the Fund? Please make a gift to the 2009-2010 Bay Ridge Prep Fund. Every family is asked to participate. Every gift-regardless of size-is important and needed. We understand that it is not possible for every family to participate; we do ask those who can to please consider making a significant gift. 

Why should I contribute every year? Bay Ridge Prep does not make a profit like commercial enterprises. Tuition dollars are spent entirely on supporting the educational program including things like materials and equipment, salaries and benefits, insurance, utilities, and building expenses.

The Bay Ridge Prep Fund provides the financial resources for the school to respond immediately to opportunities such as expanding the physical plant, purchasing a building, or undertaking new programs not budgeted for in the current school year. The fund enables the school's administration to address spontaneous needs in and out of the classroom and to enrich and enhance its programs. This flexibility is vital to the health of our school.

In addition, when independent schools such as ours are under consideration for grants from foundations, the level of community participation in annual giving plays an important role. Foundations believe in helping schools with committed communities who support fund raising.

How does giving to the Fund benefit my family? The Fund enriches the day of every Bay Ridge Prep student in small and big ways. It supports each child's unique, individualized program, fuels educational opportunities and inspires student discovery and growth.

Are my gifts tax-deductible? Bay Ridge Prep is a non profit organization registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3. Gifts to the school are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

Can I designate my gift to a specific area? Yes, you can choose between these funds to make your gift impact a specific aspect of school life or in general support of the school.

Can I make a pledge? Yes! The Fund covers gifts for the current school year. It began on July 1, 2009 and ends on June 30, 2010, which is the deadline for pledge fulfillment. 

What about the annual fun run? Families are also encouraged to participate in this community-wide fundraising fun run. The 12th Annual Turkey Trot took place on November 20, 2009.

How will my gift be recognized? A List of Donors is posted on the school website every spring to recognize those who have supported our fundraising efforts. Fun Run sponsorships include name on t-shirt and runner's numbers based on level of participation. An annual reception for sponsors is also held.

 How can I make a gift?  

• CREDIT CARD: ONLINE or call 718.833.9090
• CHECK:  Mail to Development Office, 8101 Ridge Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11209
• MATCHING GIFTS: Many employers will double or triple gifts. We can help you with all forms and processing details.

Other Ways to Give:

• Stocks, Memorials and Planned Giving: life insurance, real estate, gift annuities and trusts
• IRA Charitable Rollover: The Pension Protection Act's IRA Charitable Rollover provision that allows individuals 70 and one-half years of age or older to transfer portions of their IRA distributions to qualified charitable organizations without tax liability has been extended to 2009 tax year. 

For more information on these and other ways of giving, please contact:
Maureen McShane, Director of Development
718.833.9090 x 306, mmcshane@bayridgeprep.org