Building Our Future! Brightworks 2024 Annual Fund

Hello Brightworks!

There’s no way around it–You Are Needed!

Every year Brightworks asks the families, the administrators, the collaborators, and anyone who believes in the vision and magic of Brightworks to contribute to our Annual Fund. 

The Annual Fund is our no-frills fundraiser and a crucial part of us building and maintaining the magic of Brightworks! There’s no event—just us inviting you to give what you are able in support of our mission here.

We have incredible news. An anonymous donor has offered us a 3 to 1 match for all that we raise—up to $900,000. If ever there was a year to really stretch and donate it is this year!

This match means that your money multiplies—so even a $50 donation becomes $150!  We do not expect a match offer like this to come our way again, so hope to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.

WE NEED YOU TO HELP MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!

It is going to be heartbreaking to not receive the entire match so we are asking you to dig as deep as you’re able to and give to the fund. The truth is, if you can give a bit extra that would be wonderful. The other truth is that if everyone gives what they gave last year, we won’t make our goal. 

Why we give:  

Tuition is enough to make our school good—really really good! However, it is the support from our entire community that helps Brightworks be the school that says, “Yes” to each student’s vision and dreams. 

As with most independent schools, Brightworks’ tuition alone cannot cover all of our expenditures. We rely on the Annual Fund to help us go above and beyond as a school, and to bring our unique vision to life.

We always have a dream of reaching 100% community participation and have come close at up to 97% in the past! That speaks volumes about the commitment we have to supporting the programming and people who bring Brightworks to life.


We want to make it as easy as possible to donate.

  1. Online: Click this link to donate through PayPal.

  2. Pledge: Make a pledge by emailing giving@sfbrightworks.org. You have until March to fulfill your pledge.

  3. Stock: To gift securities, contact our finance department.

  4. Check: Made payable to ‘Institute for Applied Tinkering’. Drop it off at Brightworks or mail to: Brightworks, Attn: Brightworks Annual Fund, 682 Schofield Rd., San Francisco, CA 94129. (Checks avoid PayPal’s 2.2% fee.)

  5. Employer matching: Many employers will match their employee’s gifts -  ask them! More info can be found here. Once requested, please let us know to look out for your employer’s match by emailing giving@sfbrightworks.org.

Please reach out to giving@sfbrightworks.org with any questions you may have. We are so grateful for each and every one of you! Let’s come together and make this happen, Brightworks!

BWX Webmaster