Giving

Founders’ Fund

This fund was established by Tally and Chris Harris in 2020 with the vision of Out-of-Door founders, Ms. Harrison and Ms. Gavin, in mind. Their original mission “to nourish the minds, bodies, and spirits of children” defines the Out-of-Door experience. Because the founders believed in educating the whole child, the Harris Family believes that it is important that every student at Out-of-Door has access to the entire educational program that the school offers to its students. The Founders’ Fund will ensure that students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate in the full Out-of-Door experience due to financial constraints are now able to do so by covering costs such as, but not limited to, technology, textbooks, transportation, uniforms, meals, athletic equipment, arts equipment, school trips, and college admission test preparation.

List of 4 items.

  • Who qualifies for the program?

    • Students designated as high need after completing the ODA Financial Assistance application process.

  • How are needs assessed and awards distributed?

    • Financial assistance applicants’ financial need is assessed using the standard financial assistance program that ODA administers using NAIS SSS methodology. 
    • The Director of Financial Assistance chairs the Founders’ Fund Committee which identifies the immediate needs for each qualifying family and determines funding allocations for the upcoming school year.

  • What is the difference between the Founders’ Fund and the Annual Fund?

    • Founders’ Fund contributions are restricted and used to help cover equipment, supplies, and activities for specific students based on their family’s level of financial need. Annual Fund contributions are unrestricted funds given and utilized annually on program development, technology, financial assistance, and resources that support the entire school. 

  • How can I contribute to the Founders’ Fund?

    • Give online:
      Donate on our secure server.

    • Mail a check: 
      The Out-of-Door Academy
      Attention: Development Office
      444 Reid Street
      Sarasota, FL 34242

The Out-of-Door Academy

LOWER SCHOOL |  Historic Siesta Key Campus  |  Pre-K – Grade 5
444 Reid Street, Sarasota, FL 34242  |  941-349-3223  |  Fax: 941-349-8133

LOWER SCHOOL |  Lower School Campus on Clark Road  |  Pre-K – Grade 1
11011 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241   |  COMING SOON

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOLS  |  Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch  |  Grades 6 – 8 |  Grades 9 – 12
5950 Deer Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240  |  941-349-3223  |  Fax: 941-907-1251
The Out-of-Door Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, physical ability, religion, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.
The Out-of-Door Academy is an equal opportunity employer.

© 2023 The Out-of-Door Academy