Our goal is twofold. First and foremost, we would like 100% participation by FOA families and staff. Our fundraising goal for the 2022-2023 fund year is $200,000.<\/p>\n
Like most independent schools, tuition alone does not fully cover the cost of a student\u2019s education. The Annual Fund bridges the gap between tuition and what it costs to provide the unique, high-quality education that has become the hallmark of FOA. Before the Annual Fund was created, our Founding Family provided the extra funds each year so that Five Oaks could rise to its commitment to excellence.\u00a0 While the Founding Family still provides support, the Annual Fund is helping to narrow that gap.<\/p>\n
Approximately 10% of the cost of a student\u2019s education is met through the Annual Fund.<\/p>\n
Raising tuition dollars to meet our educational criteria would restrict the number of families who could afford to attend, thereby limiting enrollment. Five Oaks values diversity and wants to provide as many families as possible the opportunity to attend.<\/p>\n
Putting a cap on the dollars coming in would also inevitably lead to stagnant programs meeting the status quo year after year. There would be less creativity, a weakened sense of community, and loss of vision. In order for Five Oaks to thrive and offer the highest quality programs, it must be able to dream big.<\/p>\n
Additionally, tuition is not tax-deductible, but the Annual Fund is!<\/p>\n
The funds raised are divided evenly among three categories: Program Excellence, Faculty Excellence, and Student Excellence. The Annual Report lists in detail what the Annual Fund has supported in each category.<\/p>\n
The funds generated are NOT used for the operating expenses of the school. Examples of operating expenses include staff salaries, building repair and maintenance, utilities, and landscaping.<\/p>\n
As a general rule, we cannot earmark donations because we try to evenly distribute the total funds given into three categories.\u00a0 However, occasional exceptions may be made depending on the nature of the request.<\/p>\n
We realize that you are giving your hard-earned money to this worthy cause, and encourage your opinions and comments.\u00a0 Please feel free to contact the Annual Fund Director or a committee member if you have a comment or question. Also, this year we will have a “Seeds for Growth” box available at the Fall Festival and the Fall Fete.\u00a0 We welcome your good ideas and feedback and encourage you to put them, signed or anonymously, in the “Seeds for Growth” box at these events.<\/p>\n
Yes, the money raised for the Annual Fund calendar year is applied to the same calendar year.<\/p>\n
The Founder’s Cocktail Reception is an appreciation dinner held in the Spring to honor those who give a gift of $1500 or more to the Annual Fund.<\/p>\n
Your gift matters. The Annual Fund welcomes whatever amount each family feels they can financially give and appreciates wholeheartedly every gift. While a large gift is greatly appreciated and can help us get closer to our goal in dollars, a gift of any amount is important because 100% participation is our main goal.<\/p>\n
The calendar year for the Annual Fund is from August 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023. So, a gift given anytime during this school year, up until June 30, 2023, will be applied to the 2022-2023 giving year. While we usually have a Spring drive, you may give at any time. If you would like your donation to be applied to your 2022 tax return, your gift must be given by December 31, 2022.<\/p>\n