Help Make a Difference

BAYCAT has a range of volunteer opportunities that vary from semester to semester. To find out about our current volunteer needs check this website regularly or contact Anne Holmes: anneholmes@baycat.org; 415.701.8228 x204.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Mentors
Looking for caring, mature professionals to provide mentorship for BAYCAT’s young adult video and design interns. Video and/or graphic design industry experience a plus, but not required. We are looking for people willing to provide a young person with general guidance regarding professionalism and the world of work. Mentoring requires a monthly 2-3 hour commitment. Please contact Sara Breselor, Assoc. Director of Programs: sarabreselor@baycat.org; 415.701.8228 x203.

Events & Sponsorships

Corporate sponsorship of BAYCAT events is a wonderful way to support BAYCAT’s programming. We hold between three and four open houses and special events each year to honor our students and to exhibit their work. Our open houses are fun, high-energy celebrations held at the end of each semester that are enjoyed by our students and donors alike. Approximately every two years, we hold our version of The Oscars™, The BAYCATs, a gala awards presentation and reception.

Sponsoring a BAYCAT open house is an engaging and rewarding way for your company and its volunteers to show support for BAYCAT and underprivileged youth and young adults. Essentially, you’re helping us throw a party for some very deserving young people! Sponsoring an open house includes a range of public relations and marketing benefits for the sponsoring organization. We are looking for corporate partners who are able to make a $3,000- $5,000 gift for production of the event and provide half a dozen volunteers to help staff the open house.

BAYCAT Open Houses 2007-2008

December 2007 – Winter Open House & Celebration
April 2008 – Spring Open House & Celebration
August 2008 – Summer Open House & Celebration

Matching Gifts

Many companies offer matching gift programs to encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations. The amount of money you donate can often be doubled—or even tripled—by applying to your company's matching gift program. If you are not sure if your company matches employee contributions, talk to your Human Resources Director or Corporate Giving Officer to see if your employer offers a matching gift program that will increase your gift to BAYCAT. Companies do respond to employee interest in these types of programs, and often it's easy to register through a toll-free number or website. Although matching gifts are not tax-deductible for you, any matching funds you initiate will count toward your overall giving level on donor lists and for recognition purposes. Every dollar counts! Thank you for your continued support.

Workplace Giving

If you prefer giving through direct payroll deductions through your workplace, there are some helpful guidelines at United Way Bay Area (hyperlink) United Way is a national organization that includes approximately 1,400 community-based United Way organizations. To allocate your United Way contributions to BAYCAT, please use the following designation: (information coming). If you can't find BAYCAT listed in your United Way campaign materials, write in "BAYCAT" on your pledge card.

Planned Giving

After providing for family and loved ones, one of the most popular gifts is a planned gift. This allows the donor to make a charitable contribution to an organization through a plan that also addresses the donor's personal, financial and philanthropic objectives. Planned gifts can also provide tax benefits for the donor.

Wills and Living Trusts

There are a variety of ways that you can make a charitable estate gift. The simplest way is to include the charities of your choice in your will, either as outright gifts, or while also providing for family and friends.

Retirement Plan Assets

You may also be able to gain a tax benefit by naming BAYCAT as a beneficiary of all or a portion of a retirement plan [IRA, 401(k), 403(b)]. If you have extra life insurance coverage, you may consider transferring ownership to BAYCAT. You may also purchase a new policy, and later name BAYCAT as the owner and beneficiary. Either gift may generate a charitable income tax deduction. If you have questions, or would like to discuss your gift with us, contact Anne Holmes at anneholmes@baycat.org; 415.701.8228 x204. Thank you for considering BAYCAT in your planned giving.

Gifts of Stocks

Your gift of appreciated stock may provide a two-fold tax advantage. First, you may avoid paying capital gains tax on the increase in the value of the stock. Second, you might receive a federal income tax deduction for the full fair market value of the stock at the time of the gift. You should always consult with your financial advisor before initiating a charitable gift arrangement. To transfer stock, contact anneholmes@baycat.org; 415.701.8228 x204. Appreciated securities, held longer than one year, are eligible for donation. A tax receipt confirming the dollar amount of your charitable donation will be sent to you once the stock transfer is finalized.