Our Story

Established by a determined group of parents led by Rebecca Gray, Gillian Bonacci, and Hilary Stern in 2009, the Benjamin Franklin Elementary Foundation (BFEF) is Franklin Elementary’s 501(c)3 non-profit.

Our nonprofit status allows BFEF to raise unlimited amounts of money for academic support, school-day enrichment, and to apply for grants for our public school. The BFEF is separate from the PTA and from GUSD, although our Board works closely with both groups as needed.

BFEF’s largest expense continues to be language support: each year, we pay for additional teaching assistants and interns who work in each classroom throughout the day, for new library books, and for teaching supplies. Over the years, our annual fundraising goal has risen to $200,000 through a combination of our Annual Funds Drive, spring Dance-a-thon, dinners and auctions, grants, and corporate sponsorships.

The Urban Greening Grant awarded in 2012 dramatically changed our school and set us on the path as an example of how a public school can be sustainable. Our ongoing partnership with Cigna has provided critical funding for outdoor spaces and student wellness.

Today, the BFEF continues to be run by an all-volunteer board of parents from every language program. Every decision we make is guided by our mission to support teaching and learning at Franklin for every child. If you’d like to attend a board meeting, please email us.

Merci! Danke! Grazie! Gracias!