The O'Neal Fund

List of 13 frequently asked questions.

• What is The O'Neal Fund?

  Like other independent schools, The O’Neal School’s tuition alone does not cover the entire cost of educating each student. Gifts to the O'Neal Fund help bridge the gap between tuition and expenses, supporting all components of an independent school education.  

• Why doesn't tuition cover the full cost of educating each student?

  Although tuition provides the largest portion of the operating budget, covering the total cost of educating a student would require a significant tuition increase.  
  
  

  The O’Neal School looks to our parents, grandparents, trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to help by donating to the Annual Fund. Your tax-deductible gifts are key to the School’s financial health and day-to-day operations.  
  
  

  In addition to the Annual Fund, special fundraising events, earnings on investments, capital/endowment contributions and planned/estate gifts also provide additional necessary resources for the School. 

• What does The O'Neal Fund provide for The O'Neal School?

  The O'Neal Fund gifts supplement the school's annual operating budget and support faculty salaries, professional development, financial aid, and facility upkeep and renewal. Additional enhancements provided by The O'Neal Fund have included: 

   

  • State-of-the-art technology 
  • Library enhancements 
  • Advanced equipment for science classes
  • Support for performing and visual arts programs
  • Athletic uniforms and equipment
  • Innovative teaching supplies
  • Enhanced security and safety 

   

• Why is participation important?

  The O'Neal Fund unites our school community around the common goal of supporting our students. The greater the participation, the more we can achieve for our school.  When The O’Neal School seeks funding from outside sources, such as foundations, corporations, and other organizations, it is important for us to demonstrate that a substantial proportion of the O’Neal community contributes to the O'Neal Fund. This support conveys the message to outside funding sources that our own community believes in and backs our school, making those organizations more likely to believe in us too! 

• Will a small gift make a difference?

  Yes! The O’Neal School needs YOU. Every gift, large or small, makes a difference in the lives of our students. And, while the dollar goal is very important to meet the annual operating budget, high participation rates (at any level) help the entire O’Neal community.

• How do I make my gift?

  You can make your pledge or gift by mailing a check to our Office of Institutional Advancement or by clicking Give Now | The O'Neal School to access the giving page of our website.

• Can I designate my gift to a specific area at The O'Neal School?

  Yes. While unrestricted gifts to The O'Neal Fund give the School the greatest flexibility to direct resources where they are needed most, we recognize that donors may have particular areas of the O'Neal experience that are meaningful to them.
  
  

  If you would like to explore directing your gift to a specific area, please contact the Institutional Advancement Office. We would be happy to discuss current opportunities and help you determine how your gift can make the greatest impact.

• What is the matching gift program?

  Matching gifts are a wonderful way to double or sometimes even triple the impact of your gift. More than 1,500 U.S. companies offer the benefit of matching charitable gifts made by their employees. Request a matching gift form from your employer and send it with your gift. We’ll take care of the rest!

• Will my gift be tax-deductible?

  Yes! The O’Neal School is a 501(c)(3) organization. Gifts to The O'Neal Fund are 100% tax-deductible. Once we receive your gift, we will send a thank-you letter and receipt for tax purposes. 

• How will I be recognized?

  We are grateful for every gift to The O'Neal Fund and recognize our donors in a variety of ways throughout the year. Most prominently, donors are recognized in The O'Neal School Magazine's Annual Report, with recognition organized by giving level.
  
  

  You may choose to be recognized by your name, provide a different recognition name, or remain anonymous. If your recognition name is different from your contact name, simply let us know when making your gift.
  
  

  Together, your generosity helps the O'Neal community bloom with opportunity for every student.

• When should I give?

  Early participation is encouraged during The O'Neal Fund campaign launch on Founders Day, September 7, although you can make a gift at any time throughout the year. The O’Neal School operates on a fiscal year schedule, July 1 - June 30. Many donors choose to make their gifts before the end of the calendar year, to take advantage of the IRS tax benefit for that year. For participation in the current O'Neal Fund campaign, gifts must be received by June 30. 

• Can I give something other than cash?

  Yes! Gifts to The O'Neal Fund can be made through a variety of methods, such as stock transfer, IRA Charitable Rollover, Donor Advised Funds, or bequests.

• What is the difference between an Annual Fund and a Capital Campaign?

  The O'Neal Fund supports operational expenses for the current school year. Capital Campaign gifts provide significant funds for designated projects such as new construction and/or renovation of facilities. Unlike The O'Neal Fund, Capital Campaign pledges can be spread over several years. Currently, there is not an active Capital Campaign at The O’Neal School.