The BGA Fund

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

• What is the BGA Fund?

  The BGA Fund consists of unrestricted gifts raised annually (July 1 to June 30) to support current operations of BGA.  These donations are tax-deductible and are spent within the same fiscal year in which they are donated.

• What is the fiscal year? 

  The fiscal year is July 1 through June 30.  Pledges may be made throughout the year but must be paid by June 30.  We gladly work with donors who contribute by the calendar year for tax purposes.

• Does my gift make a difference?

  Yes! With a goal of $600,000 this year, it takes a lot of donors and gifts of every size. Your gift and your participation inspire someone else to give as well.

• Why is participation in the BGA Fund so important?

  Participation in the BGA Fund is important for several reasons:
  1. It demonstrates your commitment to the school.  
  2. The BGA Fund is a line item in the school's annual operating budget.  Gifts to the BGA Fund are critical to the school's ability to provide an outstanding educational experience for each student.  
  3. Your gift will inspire someone else to give.  
  4. And lastly, participation is key to enhancing BGA's reputation. Major donors and foundations often look at the percentage of giving among trustees, faculty/staff, current parents, alumni, alumni families, and friends of the school. The giving level is used to determine whether a gift to BGA is a good investment. Donors and foundations want to invest in an independent school community that invests in itself.

• How do I know where my gift is used?

  You can let us know where you would like your gift to the BGA Fund dedicated.  You can designate your gift to one of the following areas:

  • Greatest Need
  • Curriculum and Instructional Needs
  • Faculty and Staff Professional Development
  • Student Activities
  • Facilities and Physical Plant Enhancements
  • Student Access

  If you would like to speak with the Development Office about a specific restricted gift, we would be happy to have that conversation.

• When will I be solicited?

  Solicitations begin each fall and continue through the school year for alumni, parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, faculty and staff, trustees and friends of the School.  You will receive a letter in the fall. We will follow up in December and in May with additional letters and emails. After we receive your gift, we will remove your name for additional solicitations for the fiscal year, except for very directed campaigns such as Day of Giving in November or the Big Payback in May.

• How can I make a gift to the BGA Fund?

  The Ways to Give page outline various ways to make a gift to BGA.  On this page, you'll also find a green button that says Give to BGA--a secure way to make a pledge or make a gift online.  All gifts to the BGA Fund are tax deductible.

• What is The 1889 Society?

  Named for the Academy’s founding year, The 1889 Society recognizes donors that give $1889 or greater to the BGA Fund.  Just as gifts of all sizes inspire others to give, those that can give gifts at the $1889 level may inspire others to give more. Supporters at The 1889 Society level will be invited to a special reception in the fall with BGA Trustees.

• I'm an alum, why should I give to the BGA Fund?

  Your Academy diploma is valuable.  Many of our alumni tell us that BGA provided the foundation for the success they experienced in college and in life.  In both the classroom and around campus, a BGA education develops the whole student and truly implements the school’s core values of Character. Scholarship. Excellence.  

  
  

  Your BGA education was made possible because generations of alumni and friends shared with us through annual giving. Your gift each year ensures that today's students receive the same quality of teaching and sense of community you had during your time at BGA.  

  
  

  The BGA Fund benefits graduates as well as current students, faculty and staff.  Last year, the Academy introduced BGA Connects.  BGA Connects allows you to both re-connect with old classmates as well as enabling you to utilize the BGA Alumni Community to expand your professional network. By fully integrating with social networks and cultivating a culture of helping and giving back, you will be amazed at how many doors are open for BGA graduates.

  
  

  While we hope that families and individuals will give as generously as they are able, it is important that everyone in our community participates and contributes at some level. A true indicator of the commitment and loyalty to one’s alma mater is the extent to which one is willing to support it.  Give to show appreciation for the education and development the school provided you; give to continue the personal and professional network you are a part of by earning your BGA diploma; give to provide others with a similar experience; most importantly, give to stay connected to the Wildcat community.

• What's the difference between the BGA Fund and the Campaign for Battle Ground Academy?

  The BGA Fund supports the school's annual operating expenses. It is something the school raises money for every year. The Campaign is a special effort that will fund the four initiatives identified by the Administration and the Board of Trustees: the Center for Arts & Entrepreneurship; enhancements to the Harpeth campus; renovations to the Glen Echo campus; and the Endowment. These four projects will be funded outside of the school's operating budget.

• Should I wait to make my BGA Fund gift?

  Gifts made to the BGA Fund are used immediately for the purpose designated by the donor, so please do not wait to make your gift. Over the next year, families, alumni, and others will be asked to make multi-year pledges to the Campaign for Battle Ground Academy. Donors will be encouraged to maintain their level of giving to the BGA Fund while considering their commitment to the Campaign.