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OAKS CHRISTIAN GUIDE TO GIVING AND GETTING INVOLVED
Introduction Oaks Christian School has been blessed by individuals and families that have supported our school’s mission and growth into a premier, Christian school for over two decades. This has provided the means to build our programs and fund our amazing facilities. The advancement team is dedicated each year to help our families become both active members of the OCS community and active monetary supporters of our students and their future. Despite the challenges in recent years, we enter our 22nd year of preparing minds for leaderships and hearts for service, with a renewed sense of purpose and guidance that comes from our Biblical foundation. Record growth in enrollment has allowed us to provide more opportunities for our students through innovative programs like the institutes of engineering, arts and innovation, global leadership, as well as the continued build out of the 13,000 sq. ft IDEA Lab. Oaks Christian acquires all funds for operations and capital improvements through tuition and fees, annual charitable contributions, and capital campaigns. We follow the Independent School Financial Model, wherein charitable giving finances significant enhancements to our programs like those mentioned above. At Oaks Christian, these enhancements and our pursuit of excellence are funded by annual giving to the ONE Oaks Fund. The solicitation of tax-deductible donations is intended to enable our families to give based on their ability and calling rather than forcing their hands by raising tuition. Every student at Oaks Christian is a beneficiary of charitable contributions made by past and present families, alumni, and friends. For some, an Oaks Christian education is only possible because of the generosity of others, through donations. Thank you for taking the time to learn about the various ways to give to Oaks Christian, as outlined in this guide. We truly believe that God will continue to bless the ministry and impact of Oaks Christian, and your generosity is a vital component of extending the Oaks Christian legacy into the future.
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“Just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” - 2 Corinthians 8:7 OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • www.oakschristian.org
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Annual Giving Philosophy Oaks Christian School has a tradition of philanthropy. Every aspect of the school and mission is touched by annual giving through the ONE Oaks Fund including academic excellence, artistic expression, and athletic distinction; financial assistance, and professional development for our faculty and staff. Because families come to Oaks Christian with different views of and experiences with philanthropy, we put together a few common questions that come up when we talk about giving. It is our philosophy that all members of our school community should support annual giving at a level that is appropriate for them. OAKS
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Why does Oaks Christian ask for gifts annually to the ONE Oaks Fund? In a manner consistent with many independent schools, Oaks Christian relies on income beyond tuition to fully support our students and programs. Annual gifts to the ONE Oaks Fund are used during the year in which they are received and are the primary source for bridging any “gap” between tuition and the true cost of educating our students. Ensuring broad financial support through the ONE Oaks Fund is a crucial part of OCS’ fundraising initiatives. Why doesn’t Oaks Christian School operate like other businesses and at least charge the full cost of its educational offerings through tuition? Oaks Christian School employs the Independent School Financial Model, which understands as fact that tuition dollars alone cannot support the breadth and quality of curriculum, activities, and facilities expected at Southern California’s stellar private schools. The amount of tuition necessary to fund our current level of education would price Oaks Christian well beyond our counterparts and negatively impact the socio-economic diversity of our student body. The solicitation of tax-deductible donations helps our families give based upon their ability and calling rather than by forcing their hand through raising tuition. Finally, a gift to Oaks Christian is tax-deductible. Tuition is not. Why does Oaks Christian School ask that I support the ONE Oaks Fund rather than a specific program? There are many reasons why we have implemented the ONE Oaks Fund as the primary source to fund our pursuit of excellence in all our programs. Two of the most important points are as follows:
OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • www.oakschristian.org
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Directed giving towards a specific program or teacher does not ensure that a standard for excellence is maintained throughout our entire curriculum. Oaks Christian is committed to maintaining the highest standards in all areas of our programs and curriculum. Directed giving could skew funds towards high profile programs; or cause the administration to be subject to the unpredictable financial capacity of donors with children currently involved in certain programs. A school must be able to predictably support all of its programs. Additionally, one of our most important programs, our financial assistance program, is not one that can be supported by its direct beneficiaries. Creating Lions with a mind for leadership and a heart for service, requires contributions that benefit all students. Although rarely discussed or directly desired, restricted giving to a program can create an unspoken contract between the giver and the receiver that is extremely undesirable in a Christian school environment. Some direct givers expect preferential treatment for their children and are disappointed if such treatment is not forthcoming. Conversely, some teachers/coaches feel pressure to give preferential treatment to the student of a giver, even if no such treatment was expected or desired. Oaks Christian School is committed to providing equal opportunity for all regardless of socio-economic status. The ONE Oaks Fund is the vehicle that makes our commitment to equal opportunity possible.
“My fellow believers, do not practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of partiality.” -James 2:1
OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • www.oakschristian.org
Honoring Our Supporters Oaks Christian School is grateful to those who give their time, talent, and treasure to advance our mission. We recognize and thank our supporters through community recognition by adding their names in our annual Stewardship Report, which is published each fall. Furthermore, all who donate $2,500 or more are invited to the annual Leadership Appreciation Dinner with other OCS supporters, members of the senior leadership team, board of trustees and our head of school.
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Annual Gifts to the ONE Oaks Fund Each family is asked to contribute annually in support of Oaks Christian. Annual gifts to the ONE Oaks Fund are used to supplement the general operating budget for the fiscal year and ensure that each student and teacher have the resources they need. Throughout the school year, current parents, grandparents, alumni, alumni families, faculty, staff, and friends contribute to and help us raise resources for our mission. The ONE Oaks Fund was created for this purpose and supports a broad array of programs and services. The leadership team and board of trustees are committed to being good stewards of your generous contributions by providing excellent opportunities for every student, from academic programs and extracurricular activities to facility improvements and maintenance. Gifts to Capital Projects Families may be asked periodically to make a gift to a capital campaign for restoring or building a new facility on campus. These campaigns are of the utmost importance and ensure that we can expand course offerings in state-of-the-art facilities for students both now and in the future.. Estate Planning and Endowment Oaks Christian provides resources for families who want to leave a legacy or endowment gift through estate planning. You can learn more about gift and estate planning by contacting our Chief Development Officer Eddie Moore at emoore@oakschristian.org
OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • www.oakschristian.org
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Deciding How Much to Give Oak Christian expects every current family to give, annually, at a level equal to their financial ability AND personal desire to see young people “equipped with minds for leadership and hearts for service.” Achieving our goal enables us to seek additional funding in the form of private foundation and corporate grants, in which participation by current families is a key factor for selection. To achieve the necessary funding to maintain our commitment to excellence in all our programs, families with higher annual incomes may be able to contribute more money than families with lower annual incomes. In a manner consistent with all philanthropic giving, this system provides that each gift, no matter the amount, is meaningful and matches a donor’s capacity to give. Donors with the generosity and financial ability to make a gift of at least $2,500 or more will qualify for the Leadership Giving Circle. Annual Giving Categories OAKS
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Oaks Christian Leadership Giving Circle The Oaks Christian Leadership Giving Circle honors those whose cumulative gifts during the current fiscal year total $2,500 or more. Pledges are counted in the year they are funded. ONE Oaks Diamond Level- $50,000 and above ONE Oaks Platinum Level- $25,000- $49,999 ONE Oaks Gold Level- $10,000- $24,999 ONE Oaks Silver Level- $5,000-$9,999 ONE Oaks Cardinal Level- $2,500- $4,999 ONE Oaks Nation Members of the One Oaks Nation contribute to the school in many ways including financial gifts up to $2,499.
Please scan this QR code to make your online gift today.
OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • www.oakschristian.org
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ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
Ways to Give Cash, Check, or Credit Make checks payable to “Oaks Christian School ONE Oaks Fund” and use the enclosed envelope to send your gift. You may also visit oakschristian.org/give to make a gift online using a credit card. Gifts of Stock Visit oakschristian.org/give to view our Stock Transfer instructions.
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Planned Giving For more information about including Oaks Christian in your estate plan, please contact Chief Development Officer Eddie Moore at emoore@oakschristian.org Matching Gifts Double your gift to Oaks Christian! Many gifts qualify for company matches. Find out if your company will match your charitable donations: visit oakschristian.org/ give and click the Matching Gift tab. Gifts In-kind Visit oakschristian.org/give to download the In-kind Gift form for use when giving tangible personal property. This is a great way to contribute to our annual golf and ladies tennis tournaments and our dinner auction gala. Memorial or Honorary Gifts Pay special tribute by making a gift to Oaks Christian School in memory or in honor of a family member, friend, colleague, or group.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” - Luke 12: 48
OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • www.oakschristian.org
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ATHLETIC DISTINCTION
Getting Involved Giving means so much more than just dollars! Find a passion and get connected! We are excited to forge this partnership with you. Each year with our teachers, the spiritual life department and parents, the advancement office is committed to helping you make long-term, meaningful connections with the school and each other. Join Parent Community Groups This is a great way to connect with other parents in the same grade level, learn about volunteer opportunities and grow together through each school year. OAKS
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Volunteer There are many tangible ways you can use your gifts, talents, or expertise: help organize and execute special events; serve in our school cafés; join an event committee, and many more! These are vital responsibilities of our current families in the One Oaks community. If you have a knack for getting great items donated, please consider joining our golf and ladies tennis tournament or dinner auction gala committees. This is a great way to bond with other parents while benefitting the school’s main fundraising events. Please take a few minutes to take our volunteer match survey at oakschristian.org/volunteer. If you have any questions, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Teri Kupfer, tkupfer@oakschristian.org “Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and does not have another to lift him up.” - Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10
OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
31749 La Tienda Drive • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • www.oakschristian.org
OAKS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 31749 La Tienda Drive Westlake Village, CA 91362 www.oakschristian.org