Odebolt-Arthur Education Foundation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 

What is the OAEF?
 The Odebolt Arthur Education Foundation (OAEF) has been established to enhance effective partnerships among the school, individuals, alumni, businesses, and community to enrich education in the Odebolt-Arthur School and to provide innovative learning opportunities for teachers, staff, and students.  This foundation was created by interested community members to assist the OA School District remain financially and academically strong far into the future.
 

Will the money stay at OA or will it go to BCIG with whole grade sharing?
 All monies received by the OAEF will stay in the OA School District.  All funding will be for projects, programs, equipment, etc. that will be provided at Odebolt Arthur to remain in this community.  When donations are designated as scholarships, the scholarships will be given out to students residing in the Odebolt-Arthur district, unless the donor specifically designates a different distribution.

Can I specify what my donation is used for?
 Yes.  Donors may choose from a pre-selected list from the OAEF Board of Directors, or choose a specific interest of their own as long as it compliments the mission and goals of the Odebolt-Arthur School District.  Specific requests would need to be approved by the OAEF Board of Directors.

Why should I give my donation to the OAEF and not directly to the school?
 The OAEF has partnered with the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation (GDMCF) and the Sac County Endowment Foundation so that the potential for greater interest earnings can be realized.  In 2007, the pooled investments earned more than 11%, maintaining it’s 10% average rate of return since it’s inception in 1997.  This far exceeds the capabilities the school has on it’s own.  In addition, donations to the OAEF will be used for educational enhancements, not for the day-to-day operating needs of the school district.

What kinds of things do you hope to purchase with my donation?  What are your goals?
Earlier this year the teachers and administrators were asked to submit suggestions for what they would like to see here at OA if funds were available.  Some of those ideas include:  Science labs and equipment; academic software programs; piano lab with equipment; pre-school playground; Smartboards for the classrooms; middle school recreation area; computer labs; teacher mini-grants; scholarships; digital/color photography lab; field trips and cultural events; special programs, etc.  Our goal is to provide funds to finance exceptional projects and materials for our children that they wouldn’t be able to have without our help.

Is my donation tax deductible?
The OAEF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization as an affiliate of the Sac County Endowment Foundation and the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation.  All donations are tax deductible, and, when donors choose to “endow” their gifts, they  have access to the Endow Iowa Tax Credits. Endow Iowa allows taxpayers to receive a 20% Iowa tax CREDIT in addition to the normal state and federal charitable income tax deductions for charitable gifts given to a permanent endowment fund.

Do you have a newsletter?
 The foundation is currently in the process of putting together it’s first newsletter that will be sent out electronically to those that have provided e-mail addresses.  Postal mailings will be added as funds become available.

How do I know that my donation is used as designated?
Donors who have made specific requests will be advised personally.  Also, the OAEF will utilize the media as well as newsletters to report all additions and enhancements to the public. An annual report will be prepared at the end of the fiscal year that will be available upon request.

Can I donate in memory of someone?
Absolutely.  Memorials as well as honorariums are graciously accepted and acknowledged to both the donor and family/person being remembered or honored.

Will there be donor recognition of some sort?
 All donors will be recognized in the local paper, the foundation’s website, and the newsletters that are published.  Special recognition will be made for sizeable donations as well.

What is the advantage of donating to the Endowment Fund?
  The Endowment Fund is a permanent fund, where the initial gift or investment remains forever, with 5% being paid out each year from the interest earnings.  Donors choosing to “endow” their gifts will have access to the Endow Iowa Tax Credits allowing taxpayers an additional 20% Iowa tax credit in addition to the normal state and federal charitable income tax deductions.  The “endowed” gifts can make a difference during the donors lifetime and, at the same time, provide a gift that will last forever.

How much do you recommend I donate?  What is the average donation?
Donations of any size will be gratefully accepted. You may contact any of the directors if you would like to know the cost of a specific project or program to which you would like to donate.

To contact us:
Odebolt Arthur Education Foundation
Attention: Carol Auen, Executive Director
216 S Hanson Blvd.
Odebolt, IA 51458
Phone: 712-668-4860

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