Annual Fund

List of 15 frequently asked questions.

• What is the Annual Fund?

  Like other independent schools, The O’Neal School’s tuition alone does not cover the entire cost of educating each student. Gifts to the Annual Fund help bridge the gap between tuition and expenses, supporting all components of an independent school education.  

• Why doesn't tuition cover the full cost of educating each student?

  Although tuition provides the largest portion of the operating budget, covering the total cost of educating a student would require a significant tuition increase.  
  
  

  The O’Neal School looks to our parents, grandparents, trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to help by donating to the Annual Fund. Your tax-deductible gifts are key to the School’s financial health and day-to-day operations.  
  
  

  In addition to the Annual Fund, special fundraising events, earnings on investments, capital/endowment contributions and planned/estate gifts also provide additional necessary resources for the School. 

• What does the Annual Fund provide for The O'Neal School?

  Annual Fund gifts supplement the school's annual operating budget and support faculty salaries, professional development, financial aid, and facility upkeep and renewal. Additional enhancements provided by the Annual Fund have included: 

   

  • State-of-the-art technology 
  • Library enhancements 
  • Advanced equipment for science classes
  • Support for performing and visual arts programs
  • Athletic uniforms and equipment
  • Innovative teaching supplies
  • Enhanced security and safety 

   

• Why don't we do fundraisers instead of the Annual Fund?

  Instead of asking students to become “salespersons” in their neighborhoods, The O’Neal School seeks voluntary gifts to our Annual Fund. Families and friends support The O’Neal School because they believe in its dedication to academic excellence, strength of character, and physical well-being of its students in an environment where integrity, self-discipline, and consideration for others are fundamental.  

• Why is participation important?

  The Annual Fund unites our school community around the common goal of supporting our students. The greater the participation, the more we can achieve for our school.  When The O’Neal School seeks funding from outside sources, such as foundations, corporations, and other organizations, it is important for us to demonstrate that a substantial proportion of the O’Neal community contributes to the Annual Fund. This support conveys the message to outside funding sources that our own community believes in and backs our school, making those organizations more likely to believe in us too! Consequently, we aspire to 100% parent participation to support O’Neal’s efforts in providing an exceptional educational program for its students and increasing our outside funding opportunities.  

• Will a small gift make a difference?

  Yes! The O’Neal School needs YOU. Every gift, large or small, makes a difference in the lives of our students. And, while the dollar goal is very important to meet the annual operating budget, high participation rates (at any level) help the entire O’Neal community. 

• How do I make my gift?

  You can make your pledge or gift by mailing a check to our Development Office or by?clicking?Give Now | The O'Neal School to access the giving page of our website. 

   

  A very simple way to give is by becoming a Falcon’s First monthly giving member. Choose recurring gift online, select monthly and your contribution will automatically occur each month. 
  
  

   

   

• Can I designate my gift to a specific area at The O'Neal School?

  For the Annual Fund to fully support the School’s operating budget, we prefer these gifts to be undesignated. However, there are times when exceptions can be made for unique opportunities. 

• What is the matching gift program?

  Matching gifts are a wonderful way to double or sometimes even triple the impact of your gift. More than 1,500 U.S. companies offer the benefit of matching charitable gifts made by their employees. Request a matching gift form from your employer and send it with your gift. We’ll take care of the rest!

• Will my gift be tax-deductible?

  Yes! The O’Neal School is a 501(c)(3) organization. Gifts to the Annual Fund are 100% tax-deductible. Once we receive your gift, we will send a thank-you letter and receipt for tax purposes. 

• How will I be recognized?

  Your name or (anonymous designation) will be listed alphabetically by giving level in The O’Neal School Magazine’s Annual Report. Most importantly, you will have the gratitude of the entire O’Neal community! 

• When should I give?

  Early participation is encouraged during the Annual Fund campaign launch on Founders Day, September 7, although you can make a gift at any time throughout the year. The O’Neal School operates on a fiscal year schedule, July 1 - June 30. Many donors choose to make their gifts before the end of the calendar year, to take advantage of the IRS tax benefit for that year. For participation in the current Annual Fund campaign, gifts must be received by June 30. 

• Can I give something other than cash?

  Yes! Gifts to the Annual Fund can be made through a variety of methods, such as stock transfer, IRA Charitable Rollover, Donor Advised Funds, or bequests.

• What is the difference between an Annual Fund and a Capital Campaign?

  The Annual Fund supports operational expenses for the current school year. Capital Campaign gifts provide significant funds for designated projects such as new construction and/or renovation of facilities. Unlike the Annual Fund, Capital Campaign pledges can be spread over several years. Currently, there is not an active Capital Campaign at The O’Neal School. 

• Am I expected to give to both?

  We encourage you to contribute to the best of your ability. To be successful, schools require both sustained annual gifts to operations as well as major capital support. Through your continued support of the Annual Fund and your gifts to Capital Campaigns, you are making a difference in the immediate and long-term needs of our school.  
  
  

  An independent school education is an investment and an opportunity to be fully involved in your student’s educational journey.  Financial contributions to the Annual Fund and Capital Campaigns are tax deductible. Because tuition does not cover the cost of an O’Neal School education, we rely on contributions from a variety of donors. The size of these gifts may vary, but ALL gifts, of any size, are important. Many O’Neal parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty/staff, and community members have stepped forward with gifts at the leadership level of $1,971 or more. This level of giving helps The O’Neal School meet the educational needs of the entire school community.