Fundraising at OES
Fundraising
In striving to provide a world-class educational experience, anchored with the best possible teachers leading promising students in small classes, OES seeks financial support from all those who recognize the benefit of such an important mission. Whatever your connection with the School—be it alumnae/i and family, friend, foundation or business, teacher or current student and family—opportunities abound to continue to make this educational experience possible for all current and future students.
Philosophy
Making an investment in education is a philanthropic act of the highest order. For over 140 years, Oregon Episcopal School has benefited greatly from the generosity of its friends. As the Board of Trustees stewards the school, so the school in turn takes seriously the relationships that individuals and institutions have with it. From annual budgetary support, to the funding of new buildings, maintenance of a safe and beautiful campus, and the establishment of endowments, the community has come together to ensure that great teaching will continue both now and for generations to come.
Principles
The fundraising program at OES includes activities, program and communication vehicles that increase financial support. In order to implement an integrated fundraising strategy, the school's fundraising plan will embody the following guiding principles:
- Fundraising activities will align with the mission and vision of the school, fulfilling the philanthropic needs implicit in the school-wide strategic plan.
- A defined, timely and ongoing communications strategy will be developed around all fundraising activities and results thereof.
- The School will ensure that all fundraising activities on campus are mindful of the impact of these activities on the financial, volunteer, and emotional resources of the whole community.
- The School will ensure that fundraising activities embrace and enhance the spirit of volunteerism within the OES community.
Solicitation for School Activities
All School and volunteer organization fundraising projects and/or events must be approved through the policy and procedures noted in the Gift Acceptance Policy established by the Board of Trustees before being added to the School's fund-raising schedule. In general, fundraising activity requests will be considered in relationship to the goals and schedule of the School's capital campaigns, OES Fund appeal for annual giving, and the annual Auction.
Fundraising activities will align with the mission of the School, fulfilling the philanthropic needs implicit in the school-wide strategic plan. All fundraising projects or events will conform to the School's defined fundraising objectives and programs, be free of potential impact on other initiatives, and meet the institution's current needs.
No individual or group solicitation of funds may be undertaken by any department, class, team, club or individual on behalf of OES, its students, programs, constituencies, faculty, or other nonprofit organization without the prior approval of the Director of Development (as noted in the School's Gift Acceptance Policy.)
Volunteer organizations or school departments (AASK, Auction) seeking underwriting or sponsorships for special events, projects or programs should develop a list of potential donors and then review the list with the Development Office to assure coordination of initiatives.
Approval from the Development Office must be received before any scheduling, volunteer recruiting, grant-writing, or communication with potential donors or third parties is initiated.
After a fundraising project is approved by the Development Office, all materials to be produced associated with the project must also be approved by the Development Office prior to their distribution. This will ensure that all fundraising materials meet IRS guidelines and present a quality image of the School. All gifts to the School should be mailed directly to the Development Office, not to a volunteer's home or office unless prior approval is granted.
Activities
OES FUND AND AUCTION
Each autumn OES has a special appeal for the OES Fund for annual giving. Each spring an Auction is held. These activities, in conjunction with the interest earned on the endowment, currently provide approximately 15 percent of the operating budget for the School.
ENDOWMENTS
Endowments are funds invested over time that accrue interest to supports the long-term outcomes of the School. In particular, the School has named endowments that provide scholarships and financial assistance to students, and endowments that support the continued funding of particular subjects, activities, and positions, as well as the professional development of staff.
BUILDINGS
The cost of all the buildings has been borne exclusively by the generous support of the families and friends of the School. By providing spaces in which students learn and practice subjects, donors materially influence the School's ability to offer a breadth of subjects and experiences, both to the students of today and to those of the future. Existing buildings are improved and new buildings are built to serve the educational and safety needs of students in accordance with the Strategic Plan set forth by the Board of Trustees.
