The ODA Fund

List of 6 items.

• Why support The ODA Fund?

  Each year, The ODA Fund’s goal is equivalent to approximately 10% of the yearly budget, and without these funds, the school would not be able to provide the rich experiences and support that make our school so special. Your gift to The ODA Fund enriches the ODA experience for all students, providing expanded student programs in academics, arts, and athletics, professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, as well as support for capital projects and updating technology. 

• Why is participation important?

  A high participation rate, especially from our current families, elevates the annual giving program and creates a sense of pride within our community. In addition, a high participation rate shows those outside our community that collectively, we support our students, teachers, and the mission of ODA. Outside organizations often use the participation rate of a school’s annual fund to determine if a grant will be made to the school. Grant funding is another important component to ODA’s budget and helps tuition dollars go farther.

• How much are families expected to contribute?

  We hope that every ODA family lists the Annual Fund as their first giving priority because it helps to cover the difference between tuition and the actual cost of the education that their children receive at ODA. The amount between a child’s tuition and the cost of their actual education is approximately $1,500 a year or $125 per month per student. If this amount is not feasible for your family to contribute, we encourage you to participate at a level that is meaningful to you. Every gift is important and appreciated!

• Why don't we raise tuition to cover the shortfall in operating funds?

  To make tuition more affordable, The Out-of-Door Academy, like most independent schools, does not change the full cost of educating a student. As an independent school, it is necessary for ODA to utilize an annual appeal for unrestricted cash gifts to the school to close the gap between tuition and actual expenses. Gifts to The ODA Fund help keep tuition increases to a minimum and provide a tax deduction for donors. Every gift to The ODA Fund is 100% tax deductible.

• What benefits does The ODA Fund provide?

  The ODA Fund is necessary to provide exciting projects, programs, and events for our students and faculty, including: arts supplies and theater equipment; athletics uniforms and equipment; campus security; expanded STEM curriculum; faculty professional development; field trips; student leadership development; and state-of-the-art technology. 

• What is The ODA Fund goal?

  The budgeted financial goal is $1.2M and our participation goal is always 100% school-wide, including faculty and staff. The generosity of our community will benefit our students now and enhance the quality of an Out-of-Door education for years to come.