The success of The Franklin Academy is thanks to you – our generous community of parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, teachers and staff, board members, alumni, and friends. For over 50 years, this community has understood that excellence in education requires the support of all.
We are an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that receives no federal, state, or religious funding. Tuition alone does not cover the annual costs of a TFA education. Therefore, we rely on the time, talents, and financial contributions of our community members to support our school’s operations and programs every year.
Our Major Fundraisers
The Franklin Annual Fund makes up the difference between tuition revenue and the actual cost of a Franklin education. Your donations raise critical funds to operate our school, while helping us keep our STEM programs and resources up to date. Contributions to the Franklin Annual Fund support everything from curriculum and staff salaries, to toilet paper and lightbulbs, to new Smartboards, Makerspace consumables, and math curriculum.
The annual auction gala is THE social event of the year, and our largest fundraising event at the school. Our community comes together with donations and sponsorships to celebrate at an elegant event and raise funds for tuition assistance, school operations, and special projects like building expansions and student travel. We consistently sell out tables and tickets every year–get involved in auction efforts early!
50 Years of Giving at The Franklin Academy
Check out our 2024 50th anniversary videos!
50th anniversary auction gala photos!
There are many ways to contribute to The Franklin Academy
Our Tax ID is 91-1434401. Gifts made to the school are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by IRS regulations for charitable donations.
In person, online, and by mail:
- In person: Contact Development Director Kiki Patterson-Hulett to make an appointment to meet in person at our Markell Hall campus: or call 360-209-0033
- Online: Make a one-time or monthly gift here (hyperlink)
- Mail your gift: Send a check (payable to The Franklin Academy) with your contact information and gift designation. Mail to:
The Franklin Academy
1509 E. Victor Street
Bellingham, WA
98225
Make a pledge:
Corporate Matching Gifts:
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD)/IRA Charitable Rollovers:
Supporters 70.5 years or older with a traditional IRA are eligible to make a donation to The Franklin Academy directly from their IRAs. These gifts are tax-free, regardless of whether or not you itemize deductions on your tax return, and can help you avoid tax penalties by fulfilling your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). They are the savviest way for individuals age 70 ½ or older to use their IRAs to maximize their charitable impact. Ask your tax or financial advisor to designate The Franklin Academy as your QCD recipient.
Gifts of Securities (Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds):
It is almost always to your advantage to contribute appreciated long-term securities directly to Franklin rather than to sell them and then donate the proceeds. When you gift stocks and other securities directly to a charity, you make an outsized impact without taking money directly out of your bank account. Plus, neither you nor the charity will be taxed on the gains for appreciated assets you donate.
Leave a Legacy:
Build an ongoing legacy by including Franklin in your financial planning. Families may choose to make charitable gifts in their estate plans through a bequest or by naming The Franklin Academy a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account. The sample language below is only suggested language and is meant to be used with the advice of your attorney. For more information, and to inquire about a legacy gift, contact Development Director Kiki Patterson-Hulett, , 360-209-0033.
- Bequest sample language: “I give, devise, and bequeath (a fixed dollar amount, a percentage of an estate, a percentage of a parcel of land or real estate, other tangible asset) to The Franklin Academy, EIN 91-1434401 for the use and benefit of The Franklin Academy in support of (state purpose).
- Gift to create a legacy endowment sample language: This gift shall be used to create (the name of endowment) as a permanent endowment for the benefit of (The operating budget, tuition assistance, or specific department, program, or cause). Funds distributed from the endowment shall be used to (state purpose).
View TFA’s Annual Reports
