Berkeley Carroll Giving Week 2025
It’s time for every lion to show their pride!
I already donated to the 2024-25 Annual Fund, can I still participate?
Yes! Gifts of all amounts are accepted with gratitude. If you make another gift during Giving Week you will have the chance to receive some special BC-themed giveaways!
Why is participation important?
Participation matters because it is a powerful sign of community strength and shared commitment. High participation—especially from current families—signals to foundations, donors, and peer schools that our community believes in the mission of Berkeley Carroll. Every gift, no matter the size, helps strengthen our programs and tells our students: we are all in this together.
Did you know? It takes eight new donors to move one participation percentage, and we need everyone’s help to build the strongest Annual Fund possible. We can do this, BC!
What does the Annual Fund support?
The Annual Fund is the centerpiece of Berkeley Carroll’s philanthropic efforts every year. This immediate-use funding goes towards the programming and initiatives that define a Berkeley Carroll education. Gifts to the Annual Fund show support for the school’s mission and values, and helps us stay competitive with peer schools and attract major donors.
In addition to supporting our greatest needs as they arise each year, gifts to the Annual Fund immediately impact our students and their teachers each and every day, and provide professional development opportunities so that every student’s education is informed with current best practices and a growth mindset. This is critical to our ongoing work of fostering an inclusive and equitable community.In addition, gifts to the Annual Fund ensure our buildings and facilities are up-to-date, and partnering with experts to finetune our safety and security procedures.
Why does Berkeley Carroll need to fundraise on top of tuition?
Like all other independent schools, tuition alone does not cover our operating costs, making the Annual Fund an essential initiative each year. Berkeley Carroll strives to keep tuition increases as moderate as possible for families and relies on fundraising to bridge the gap between budgeted expenses and tuition revenue. Unlike tuition, gifts to the school are tax-deductible contributions.
Tuition comprised 92% of the school’s operating budget last year. Our Annual Fund helps to cover the remaining gap, which amounts to approximately $2,700 per student.
If I receive financial aid, should I still contribute to the Annual Fund?
Yes! We invite all families, regardless of financial aid status, to contribute to the Annual Fund at a level that is personally meaningful. Contributing is a powerful way to show support for the school’s mission to educate “critical, ethical, and global thinkers.” In addition, high participation is an important factor in securing grants from foundations, so every gift, no matter the size, helps strengthen our ability to access additional funding.
What is the right amount to give?
We ask each family to support the Annual Fund in a way that is meaningful to them, regardless of the size or giving level. Gifts of all amounts are deeply appreciated and play a crucial role in helping the school reach its fundraising goals. When community members support Berkeley Carroll, their contributions convey confidence in the school and represent an investment in Berkeley Carroll’s future.
What are BC's Giving Circles?
Gifts of all sizes are important to the success of the Annual Fund. In years past, we have received annual fund gifts between $10 to $100,000. We hope you will consider a meaningful level for you within that range. If your family has the capacity to make a significant gift to the school, we hope you will consider supporting at the leadership level, which begins at $5,000.
Lion’s Circle - $25,000 and over
Head of School Circle - $10,000 to $24,999
Berkeley Circle - $5,000 to $9,999
*Gifts at this level and above will entitle the donor to an invitation to a special celebration in fall 2025.
Brownstone Circle - $2,500 to $4,999
Sterling Circle - $1,000 to $2,499
Friends Circle - Gifts to $999
I have other questions about making a gift. Who should I contact?
The Advancement Office is always happy to answer any questions about giving to Berkeley Carroll! You can reach us at [email protected].