Major Gifts & Planned Giving

Always remember that we cannot stand still. It’s a world of change, and we’re going to have to do our best to give young people what they need to meet this change.
-Edna Dean Baker

What’s your Legacy?

Each one of us has a story of how Baker has impacted our lives, our students, and/or our communities in a meaningful way. At Baker, we foster an environment where students are encouraged to explore, inquire, and develop into compassionate, critical thinkers. In the process, Baker’s transformative education approach enriches families and strengthens the broader community by cultivating a generation that values diversity, creativity, and a love of learning. For many families, Baker has been more than just a school; it’s been a foundation for their children’s future success and well-being, providing them with the tools and skills they need to thrive in a complex world.

Supporting Baker Demonstration School with major gifts and in your estate planning is a way to give back, ensuring that our mission endures for future generations, touching countless lives, and continuing to uplift our communities and democracy as a whole.

There’s no better time to share your story and give a lasting gift to Baker.

If you’d like to discuss any of these giving opportunities, please contact Shuchi Sharma, Director of Integrated Advancement at ssharma@bakerdemschool.org; (847) 425-5800

Endowment

By contributing to Baker Demonstration School’s endowment, you can help build  a stable, enduring source of funds that supports the school’s mission now and for generations to come. It is essential to ensuring that we continue to attract and retain world-class teachers and deliver our unique, inquiry-based, student-centered education.

Baker’s endowment provides a financial foundation that helps shield the school from economic fluctuations, enhances program innovation and stability, and allows form strategic investments in new opportunities for learning, growth, and the advancement of our mission. We are grateful for our generous donors who have supported Baker through their endowment gifts. Their generosity has ensured Baker’s continued growth and success, now and into the future.

By giving to the endowment, you can also play a vital role in securing a bright and sustainable future for Baker, championing our mission to inspire curiosity, resilience, and a love of learning that benefits students, families, and the broader community.

An endowment gift can be a one-time, one-person contribution or it can be an ongoing fund to which many can contribute.

Planned Giving

Planned giving options such as bequests and charitable trusts allows our donors to maximize their giving and the impact on future generations while minimizing their tax liability. They allow our donors to make a significant gift to Baker while still meeting personal financial goals and obligations. 

There are a variety ways to structure your gift, including but not limited to:

1. Bequests – By including Baker in your will or trust, you can support Baker’s future without affecting your current financial situation
2. Charitable Trusts – These gifts also offer potential tax advantages and flexible planning options
3. Beneficiary Designations – You can designate Baker as a beneficiary on retirement accounts or life insurance policies. This option allows you to pass on assets tax-free to Baker while ensuring you are supporting your personal and philanthropic goals
4. Real Estate and Property Gifts – These gifts can provide substantial tax benefits, which can be sold or used to support the school’s mission
5. Donor-Advised Funds – If you have a DAF, you can direct funds to Baker, benefiting from the flexibility in timing and the ability to distribute grants over time.

Consult your attorney or financial advisor to explore what type of planned gift is best for your and your family.

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