Giving to Bard College FAQs

Giving FAQs

Why does Bard College ask me to donate money?
Why does Bard College ask me to donate when I may not be in a position to do so?
Is Bard College a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution?
What is a 501(c)(3) organization?
Why do I need to help fund higher education in the first place?
What is the Bard College Fund?
Is my $10 really going to make a difference?
Why should I give to the College?
What about this endowment I keep hearing about—what is an endowment anyway?
Doesn’t Bard have a $500 million endowment that should pay for everything?
I find some aspects of higher education flawed. Why should I still support Bard?
Why are private nonprofit schools like Bard worth supporting? There are so many causes to support.
Where is the most need on campus and how do I support that?
How can I give to the College?
How can I support other programs of the College?
I need more information, and am interested in speaking to someone further about donating to Bard.
I love Bard, but I do not have the capacity now to give financially. Is there another meaningful way I can support Bard?

Is Bard College a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution?

Yes! Often people are surprised to know that Bard College is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt institution. This means that the Internal Revenue Service recognizes Bard’s nonprofit status and Bard must use the funds it receives to support Bard’s educational mission. In addition, Bard can receive necessary financial support from the state and federal governments, foundations, and most importantly, individuals who are Bard donors. Donors to Bard may receive tax benefits for their donations.