How Do I Know My Direct Donation Will Go to My School?

We support all seven Benicia schools. The BEF publishes what it funds every year and its funding sources.

Why Doesn't the District Pay for the Library and Computer Resource Programs?

The school district has allocated the maximum available dollars in the budget for these programs. In fact, a portion of the salaries for librarians and computer resource techs this year will be paid out of the General Fund. However, state funds do not provide enough funding to fully fund these programs. So parents and the community needs to step in to pay the difference if we want those for our kids. And we do. Can you imagine educating our kids without libraries or computer labs?

How Does a Direct Donation to the BEF Help the Parent Teacher Organization at This School?

For years, each school site has had to rely on its own means to staff their libraries and computer labs. Parent Teacher Organizations and site councils have struggled to raise and allocate funds for salaries—at the expense of enrichment. Schools could provide so much more enriching educational experiences like art and music and field trips and so much else with those same funds! So this year, we all got together and agreed that the BEF will raise funds by asking for direct donations from parents – and adding dollars from businesses and the community. These funds will pay for the library and technology programs at their children’s schools. That way, the Parent Teacher Organizations and site councils are released from this burden and can raise and allocate funds for enrichment.

How Much Should I Give?

Our recommended amount is less than $1.00 a day for your child’s education: $360 for one child, or $540 per family. But any amount is appreciated: $240, $120, $60 or less. Or more! Especially if you have more than one child in the schools. The real answer is: as much as you can. Our kids are relying on us to pay for these programs and our schools can’t do it without us. We need all parents to make a generous direct donation to meet this commitment.

That's a Large Amount. I Can't Afford That Right Now. What Do I Do?

We also offer the option of making 12 monthly payments. $45/month is an annual donation of $540. $30/month is $360. $20/month is $240. $10/month is $120. And just $5 a month comes out to $60 for the year!

To make a monthly donation, simply click here to set up your monthly payments through the secure Paypal system! It’s very easy. Simply click on the big lightbulb at the top of the screen and it will take you through the few steps—or call us for help!

Back-to-School Expenses Are So High. I Can't Make a Direct Donation Right Now. What Do I Do?

Please pledge a direct donation to be paid later in the year. Just call with your pledge or send in your support card indicating you’ll pay later—and we’ll contact you during the school year.

 

Have a question? Contact us, and one of our directors on the BEF Board will give you a call.

Thank you for your support!