Annual Fund

Parents who send their children to The Oakwood School have made education a priority and are committed to the school. Not only do they pay tuition but they also share their time and talents as tireless volunteers. Their sense of satisfaction is reflected in the school’s rapid growth, high re-enrollment, anecdotal praise and parent-satisfaction surveys. We hope that all of our constituents will be able to recognize the difference that Oakwood makes for its students through a contribution to the Annual Giving Campaign. Not only do contributions directly support the operating budget they also signal a vote of confidence in our program.

As at many independent schools, The Oakwood School’s tuition and fees cover only a portion of the total cost of educating a student for one year. We rely on donations and gifts from parents, grandparents, relatives, and community benefactors to make up the difference in our operating budget. The Annual Giving Campaign is an opportunity to support Oakwood immediately through a tax-deductible donation. At Oakwood, these gifts go towards mission critical expenses including teacher salaries, utilities, maintenance, school supplies, and academic opportunities.

Please speak with the school about Annual Giving opportunities. We can be contacted via phone at 252.931.0760 or email at development@TheOakwoodSchool.org.

Below are some frequently asked questions about our annual fund.

What is the Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is the name for annual appeal to our constituents to raise much-needed funds that touch every facet of our school.  The Oakwood School Annual Fund is a partnership between the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni and our friends in the community.  The initiative reflects the spirit of generosity and willingness to give of oneself that is a hallmark of Oakwood.

Why is the Annual Fund important?
Every independent school has a gap between operating expenses and tuition income.  Every school, whether they have a large endowment or not, relies on an annual appeal to help bridge that gap.  The Annual Fund supports the annual operating budget, since tuition revenues cover approximately 85% of the cost of educating students at Oakwood.  The Annual Fund helps to bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the actual cost of educating our students. We rely on our community of parents, grandparents, alumni, past parents, and friends to contribute to the Annual Fund. 

Why do we have to raise money in addition to tuition? 
If the school only relied on tuition and did not do fundraising, tuition would actually be $1,200 more.  Another way of looking at this is that if we did not have fundraising such as the Annual Fund, we would have to charge $1,200 more in tuition per child if we maintained the current services and curriculum of the school.  To keep our school financially healthy we must keep a balanced budget.  In giving to the Annual Fund, donors have a strong voice in keeping the tuition lower, supporting the various functions of the school, and keeping the school financially healthy.  These Annual Fund Gifts are tax-deductible where as the tuition is not.

How often will the school solicit me for a donation?
The school begins a new Annual Fund each school year. The campaign begins at the beginning of school each year and continues to solicit funds from all groups of Oakwood community.  Once someone has made a pledge, they will not be solicited for the Annual Fund for the rest of the fiscal year, ending June 30 of each year.  However the school continues to seek financial support for other initiatives such as Eagle Classic, Epicurean Adventure, and Capital Campaigns, all of which are so important to continue to offer the best education and environment for our students.

Will my donation really make a difference to the school?
Absolutely!  We are all a part of the Oakwood School community.  It is vital that we reach our goal of raising at least $135,000 for the school this fiscal year, but because foundations, corporations, and major donors care about the level of support that is shown for the school internally, it is just as important that more families, more alumni, more faculty and staff, and more friends contribute toward this goal.  Any gift received, large or small, is greatly appreciated, and will be acknowledged with enthusiasm and gratitude.

I’m just not sure if I can give this year.  My family has a lot of obligations.
Pledges are not due until June 15, 2010.   A pledge made today helps give the campaign momentum, and does not have to be paid until the spring.  Your participation at any level is appreciated.   Meeting the 65% parent participation goal is one of the top two goals!  We are near that goal now, having a 59% contribution for the parent community.

Why doesn’t the Board set tuition to cover all costs and eliminate the fund drive?
Oakwood strives to maintain a diverse student body, and the Board wants to keep tuition as low as possible.  Tax laws are designed to encourage voluntary support of independent institutions like The Oakwood School.   No independent school or college tries to survive on tuition alone.  Additionally, when seeking corporate or foundation support, parent and grandparent participation is a critical pat of the proposal.

Where else can the School get funds?
The School appeals to alums, parents, faculty, staff, friends of Oakwood, foundations, and corporations for operating funds, special programs, and endowments.  Our case with other constituencies is strengthened if we can report an excellent parent and grandparent response. 

Why doesn’t the School cut costs?
We do not want larger classes or less varied programs.   We are an exceptional School because we have specialists in reading, math, foreign languages, music, art, and physical education.  The mark of high standards that Oakwood focus on is made possible by continued investment in our staff, curriculum, athletics, equipment, technology, and support services.  We emphasize good stewardship with our resources and have maintained a solid financial standing through difficult financial times.  We are all more conscious of expenses and continue to feel money wisely spent on the education of our student, your grandchildren, is an invest in our future, but more importantly, the future of each individual student. 

Do you only accept cash gifts?
Along with cash contributions, gifts are transacted by check and credit cards.  We are also happy to accept gifts of securities, which may have very positive tax implications for you, the donor. 

Is it possible to give a gift in honor or memory of someone?  How is that person or family acknowledged?
This is a great way to honor a member of the staff, a friend or a loved one, while also supporting The Oakwood School.  On your pledge form there is a designated place for you to indicate who you would like to honor.  Please be sure to also include the person’s address.  A special card will be sent announcing that a gift was made to the school.  However, no amount will be revealed.

Are gifts accepted anonymously?
Yes.  The Oakwood School respects any donor’s wish to remain anonymous in this and all other donations.

When do I need to send my donation?
As soon as you receive your solicitation letter and pledge card, you can send in your gift and/or make a pledge that commits you to make a gift by June 15, 2010.  Once you send your donation, you will not be solicited again for the annual fund for the academic year in 2009-2010.  However, you will receive pledge reminders until your pledge is fulfilled.

How do I make a gift?
You may make a donation by sending your donation to:
The Oakwood School
Annual Fund 2009-2010
4000 MacGregor Downs Road
Greenville, NC 27834