Oakhill in Motion: How We’re Shaping a Stronger Future Together

The Advancement Team enjoyed a short off-campus "retreat" this summer - dedicated time to reflect on where we have been, where we want to go, what we can celebrate, and areas where we need to find better success. Advancing the school encompasses enrollment, fundraising, community engagement, and financial health. Fundraising alone does not "advance" the school, but it does play an integral part - an important and necessary piece of the puzzle! 

We spent the 23/24 school year focusing on education within our community, answering questions such as  - Why does Oakhill have to fundraise? Why is the Mighty Oak Fund important? What is the Welcome Project? Why doesn't tuition cover what it costs to balance the budget? Why is tuition more expensive than neighboring parochial schools? What is an Independent Private School, and how is it different from other Private schools? The more EVERYONE understands the answers to these questions, the better Oakhill will be concerning academics, curriculum, programs, personnel, training, campus maintenance and improvements, safety and security, technological safety, and logistics … all facets of what it takes to run a business and provide an excellent educational experience.

Our overall theme for the 24/25 school year is "The Oakhill Way - our mission in motion," we will use this as a filter for all events and activities this year. There is a certain "way" at Oakhill - truly a safe and welcoming community that values its students, families, and constituents. This "way" points far beyond our walls to reach friends of Oakhill, community businesses, alumni, parents of alumni, Gladstone, and the Northland. Oakhill is an essential piece of the Northland - the only Private, Independent School north of the river. 

I share with families, businesses, and anyone who will listen just how important we are … although not inexpensive, we are worth every penny of a family's investment - an investment for the future. Oakhill creates and nourishes the foundation for strong academics, character, tolerance, respect, leadership, and work ethic, thriving during times of challenge and leaning into individual gifts so that each student will become their best self. Our mission is at the heart of all we do and who we are - always in motion!

Being an Independent Private school allows our institution many freedoms; we do not receive state or federal funding, we do not have to abide by state curricula regulations, and we are free from red tape regarding decision-making. These freedoms create a reliance on tuition, auxiliary revenue (summer program, gym rentals, Kids' Club/Afternoon Adventures), and fundraising to balance the school's 8 million dollar budget.

Oakhill's tuition dollars cover approximately 69% of our expenses which include categories such as competitive faculty/staff salaries and benefits, faculty professional development and training, curriculum and instructional costs, technology/cybersecurity, professional accreditation and affiliation fees, standardized (ERB and ACT) testing fees, school security (an official security guard and yearly security upgrades), campus operations (mowing, snow removal, HVAC, plumbing, painting, tree maintenance, cleaning crew and supplies, and general repairs and maintenance), marketing and website, database costs, copiers, and much more.

I share all of this to help our community understand the importance of our fundraising efforts.

As we look back on last school year, there is so much to celebrate - so much to be proud of:

• The Mighty Oak Fund (Annual Fund) closed the year with $188,926.55 and 52% participation from our families.
• The Annual Auction, "Off to the Races," was a huge success, raising $185,353.45 and profiting $109,482.56. This fundraising event brought the community together for a common cause!
• The Acorn Day project was successful. The community raised $6,175.00 to replace the Acorn Door graphic on the south building and beautify the adjacent spaces. 
• Giving Tuesday was focused on additional security upgrades, such as new security-grade doors between the gym and commons area. These doors allow the gym to be locked down automatically throughout the day. We raised $11,703.50 to make this happen.
• Community Partnerships allowed businesses to advertise in the gym and on the Oakhill website; these partnerships raised $6,257.50 for the school year.
• Booster Club raised $1,383.18 to help support the many programs and sports we offer.
• PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization) held engaging community events, raising $16,664.97 to support various school needs.
• We experienced increased RMD (required minimum donations) from IRA accounts from several donors, Oakhill friends, and grandparents! 
• The Welcome Project started last fall with an auxiliary gym, additional storage space, adequate restrooms, and lobby/event space! We have raised $792,609.00 from 32 donors - only $407,391.00 from our project goal. You will be hearing much more about final project renderings and projected groundbreaking. A huge thank you to those who have given!
• The Helen Wills Golf Tournament will be held September 30th at The Bluffs at the Nationals. 

We recognize many asks, or the perception of many asks is challenging for families. What is most important to Oakhill? Where will the dollars be most felt? Therefore, this year … drum roll please … Oakhill is making TWO (2) significant fundraising asks of each family - for your participation in the Mighty Oak Fund and the Annual Auction. We will also continue to meet with families to bring home the final $407,000 for the Welcome Project - this is not a yearly ask but a completion of our Capital Campaign.

• Mighty Oak Fund - We will be sharing some exciting news about the Mighty Oak Fund very soon, as well as honorary Mighty Oak Fund Chairs, but for now, we ask each family to think about helping to "close the gap" - help offset the difference in what Oakhill charges and the actual cost to educate each student. Participation in the Mighty Oak Fund is highly encouraged, yet we also ask your family to discuss a stretch gift; participation percentages are important, but the total amount raised is the true goal. Decide where you would like to see your Mighty Oak Fund dollars go. To the general fund or specify where you want your dollars to help offset costs - fine arts, athletics, campus improvements, faculty training/development, security, etc.… Giving Tuesday and Acorn Day will fall within the Mighty Oak umbrella - money for a specific educational area. 
• Annual Auction - We will be announcing our Honorary Auction Chairs very soon! Our goal for the Auction is twofold - bring the community together for a common cause and raise significant funds. This year's auction will be at Oakhill on Saturday, April 12th. The team is making adjustments to allow us to reduce the ticket prices. So let's pack the house! There are many ways to be involved! You can mark your calendar right now, save the date, have your friends save the date, and attend! You can donate items, in-kind services, vacation homes, and unique experiences. You can sponsor the auction and/or help find sponsors; community partnerships have transitioned to support the auction while keeping the same benefits as community partnerships and more. 

Although Oakhill does not currently have an endowment or significant cash reserves, we continue to find a way to make it happen. As we plan for the days, months, and years ahead, we continue to add budgeted money to our PPRRSM (Provision for Plant Replacement, Renewal, and Special Projects) account. This account provides the cash resources for emergency plant repair or special facilities-related projects. This account grows yearly, ensuring deferred maintenance and emergency repairs can occur while Oakhill continues working toward future goals and plans. We have been discussing seed money for an endowment fund with a donor; to have four or five seed donors compile money to begin an endowment would be transformational for Oakhill. 

Thank you for your continued generosity, engagement, and trust in Oakhill. Thank you for WANTING to understand Independent Private School fundraising. Thank you for meeting with our Advancement Team or reading these articles to learn more! Thank you for making Oakhill your not-for-profit of choice! Through the Mighty Oak Fund and the Annual Auction, we will meet our monetary and institutional goals while continuing to be innovative and forward-thinking.