Support TBS

You can be part of a progressive educational community that nurtures bright minds and is dedicated to developing socially responsible citizens and tomorrow’s critical thinkers and leaders. Here’s how:

Annual Fund – Like most other independent schools, TBS is a nonprofit institution supported primarily by tuition. But, like the others, TBS relies on its Annual Fund to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of educating a child — in our case, a gap of about $1,500 per child. We depend on the generosity of our families, friends, faculty, and staff to contribute at a level that’s meaningful to them. Every gift really does count! Annual donations from parents and friends play a critical role in our school’s success and help us fulfill our plans for the school year. The Berkeley School’s Annual Fund supports current year programs and activities (e.g. teacher salaries, field trips, classroom supplies, etc.). Therefore, we seek 100% participation from every segment of our community, and we ask every family to make a gift at a level that is meaningful to their family.

Gifts can be made to our Annual Fund via cash, check, credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express), or stocks or securities. Click to download a gift form. You can also give using Google check-out, below. If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Kirk, Director of Development, at (510) 665-8800, ext. 108 or jkirk@theberkeleyschool.org.

Restricted Gifts – TBS also benefits greatly from gifts which are restricted for specific program purposes such as technology, financial aid and scholarships, science and math programs, and classroom equipment.

Pick-a-Parties – Our yearly Pick-a-Party program is one of the most popular traditions at our school. Creative community members host enticing parties – everything from family-friendly pre-Halloween pumpkin-carving parties to evenings for adults at Berkeley Rep or Cal Shakes – and guests pay to attend. Our generous hosts pick up the costs associated with the party, so all the funds raised go directly to support our school! Pick-a-Parties are both very successful fundraisers and, just as important, hugely effective community-builders. They’re one of the things that make being part of TBS so special.

In-Kind Gifts help our school budget go farther. Throughout the year, parents, grandparents, and friends of TBS support school programs through gifts including computer equipment, classroom supplies, plants and gardening supplies, and materials for school programs and events. For more information about making an in-kind gift, please talk to your child’s teacher or the TBS Development Office. When you make an in-kind gift, please complete the In-Kind Donation Form, so we can both acknowledge the gift and compile an accurate record of support to our school.

Planned Giving – Remembering TBS in your will is a wonderful way to ensure the school’s future strength. There are many ways to support TBS through vehicles which offer tax advantages and can assist in your estate planning. These include gifts of life insurance, real estate, and the establishment of charitable trusts.