The Bridge Educational Society Annual Fund
The educational programs and experiences offered on the Bridge Land for Learning Campus has a significant impact on the lives of children and their families. We offer programs rich in Waldorf educational principles. Our programs provide enriched experiences full of arts, music, handwork, languages, gardening, and movement. It provides a screen-free environment in which childhood is protected and it helps children develop into well-rounded individuals. Children learn how to think, not what to think, enabling them to meet the challenges that the future will bring.
Each year, parents, Trustees, faculty, staff, grandparents, alumni and friends impact the lives of the children and families accessing our programs by contributing to the Annual Fund.
Contributing to the Annual Fund has a significant impact for The Bridge Educational Society. Support from our community illustrates a belief in our programming and our mission, and these funds support the people and programs that make these experiences exceptional. The Annual Fund goes where it is most needed and supports tuition assistance, program fee shortages, classroom supplies, educator development, funding for new programs, improvements to the campus, family outreach and parent education, and so much more!
Fees alone does not cover the full cost of educational programs, and the Annual Fund closes that gap, making what we offer come to life! Our talented educators, enriching programs, and beautiful campus are all nurtured by the Annual Fund.
Our goal is always 100% participation from our community members!
Please join us in supporting the goals of The Bridge Educational Society by donating to our Annual Fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a donation?
The following options are available for your convenience:
- A fillable form can be found here.
- Upon completion of the form, you may mail your contribution to The Bridge Educational Society or contact our office for other options.
- Paper forms are available in our Business Office. Please contact us or come by our office at your convenience to pick up a form.
Please make your cheque payable to The Bridge Educational Society.
For families enrolled in the Okanagan Waldorf School, you may also complete a form with a pledged monthly contribution amount to be added to your monthly tuition payments.”
How much should I contribute?
When we say that your gift, regardless of size, has a tremendous impact, we mean it! We ask that families give a meaningful gift, whatever that means to you. Each contribution generates enthusiasm and allows everyone to have a stake in the greater future. The school’s financial strength is dependent upon the participation of all of its members and the greater community.
I already pay fees for my child’s program, why should I give to the annual fund?
The Bridge Educational Society Annual Fund is a vital supplement to program fee income. Every effort is made to keep our fees as low as possible. For this reason, fees cover only a percentage of the actual costs associated with each program. Annual Fund contributions help bridge this gap and provide an opportunity to improve our programs. In addition to that, contributions to The BES are tax-deductible, whereas program fee payments are not. When you donate to the Annual Fund, you help keep program fee payments lower, and your gift entitles you to a tax benefit.
How is the money used?
The Annual Fund goes where it is most needed and supports tuition assistance, classroom supplies, educator development, funding for new programs, improvements to the campus, and so much more!
The Bridge Educational Society Annual Fund contributions are not allocated to our Capital Campaign.
Can I make a donation and restrict where it goes?
Restricted gifts are those in which the donor directs contributions to a specific need. Usually, these gifts significantly cover most or all of the cost of the particular need or program. The BES is able to accept restricted gifts that are consistent with its mission, goals, and development priorities as determined by the Board of Trustees.
Unrestricted gifts, such as those collected in the Annual Fund, ensure that funds are available for the areas of highest priority and greatest need.
We access the tuition adjustment program, so I know you are not expecting me to give?
Actually, we are!
We ask that everyone gives something, every year. But don’t worry, no contribution is too small!
Read on to see why 100% participation is so important.
Why does 100% participation matter?
Your donation illustrates your pride in the programming and services your children are receiving. When 100% of our parents, Trustees, educators, and staff invest in our Society it sends a message to our larger community of grandparents, alumni families, corporations and foundations that we are worth investing in.
These numbers are looked at when we submit applications for special grants or other fundraising opportunities, so we truly mean it when we say every donation counts, no matter the size!
What if I can’t give right now?
There are ways we all can help. You can pledge now, and defer your payment until later, or pay in installments alongside your monthly fee payment. All pledge payments must be received by the close of the Annual Fund, which is June 30th.
Pledge forms are available for you to pick up in the Business Office.
Will my company match my gift?
When you make a gift to The Bridge Educational Society you may be able to double or even triple its impact by checking with your employer to see if they participate in a matching gift program. Many companies and foundations match the value of charitable gifts made by employees and their spouses, board members, and retirees.
For more information on how you can support The Bridge Educational Society through gifts of cash, stock, other assets, annuity, or bequest, contact us at development@bridgeeducational.org.