Donate

Donate

Support UC Berkeley Students’ Basic Needs Today

We are committed to meeting the fundamental needs of our Berkeley student community. We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and we know that many students face food and housing insecurity that affects their academic performance and overall experiences. Your generous contributions help us provide essential support by providing our student community with access to our well-stocked food pantry, emergency grants, and a care model that allows our students to easily access and be referred to a wide range of programs across our expansive campus, making the BNC a vital resource hub. Your generosity makes a significant difference - thank you.

Your Donation Matters.

The Food Pantry opened 10 years ago, and we’ve learned a lot about the needs of our student body and what hardships affect our students the most. Your donation matters

  • Food Security: 42% of undergraduate and 24% of graduate students report food insecurity at Berkeley. Your contribution helps us provide nutritious food through our Food Pantry, prepare grab-and-go meals, and encourage students to sign up for CalFresh benefits. Your support not only ensures that students have basic nutrition that directly affects their health and well-being but also the energy and focus they need to excel in their studies. 

  • Safe Housing: With your support, we can offer safe and stable emergency housing options for students who might otherwise face homelessness or unstable living conditions. The BNC provides emergency housing, case management, and emergency rental assistance. 

  • Emergency Assistance: Many students face unexpected crises and financial hardships. Your donations allow us to ensure that these students can continue their education without being derailed by unforeseen circumstances. The BNC provides emergency assistance for rent, food, and other emergency expenses through the Basic Needs Emergency Fund.

Ways to Give

One-Time Donation: Every dollar counts. Make a one-time donation to support our students today.

Recurring Donations: Set up annual or monthly recurring donations to provide long-term sustainable support and help our planning efforts through sustained giving. 

Planned Giving: Leave a lasting legacy for Berkeley students. Berkeley’s Office of Gift Planning offers creative and flexible strategies for you to pursue your charitable and financial goals while supporting the Basic Needs Center. What works for you depends on such factors as when you want the gift to take effect, your desired level of control or involvement, whether family or other beneficiaries will be involved, and tax implications. Visit here to learn more.

For transformational giving opportunities or to talk to our colleagues in University Development and Alumni Relations, contact studentexperience@berkeley.edu.

How to Donate

Donations to the Basic Needs Center are directed through the University of Berkeley Foundation. You can direct your donation online at give.berkeley.edu, by cash or check by completing the giving form. For more information on making a gift, including instructions on ACH/Wire Transfer, Securities, and more, visit here

Online: Use our secure online donation form to make a one-time or recurring donation here

By Mail: You can complete a giving form and send in your check payable to UC Berkeley Foundation at

University of California, Berkeley 

Gift Services 

1995 University Avenue, Suite 400 

Berkeley, CA 94704-1070

Donate Today

The State of Basic Needs at UC Berkeley

With over 45,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Berkeley’s quality at scale is unmatched. As our efforts to support the best and brightest students of all backgrounds and financial situations have increased, so, too, have our student needs, especially as college and living costs remain high. Financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships do not fully cover these expenses. The BNC’s groundbreaking practices move beyond an emergency model, in which students receive support during isolated crises. The BNC approaches each student holistically, connects them to other resources, and sticks with them throughout their journey.