Oakland School for the Arts - FAQ

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FAQ - OSA25

FAQ - OSA25

About the Annual Fund

Why does Oakland School for the Arts need to raise money?

As a public charter school, OSA receives funding from federal and local sources. While these funds support our core educational program, they do not cover the full cost of providing the exceptional conservatory-style arts education that makes OSA unique.

Each year, OSA must raise approximately 10–14% of its operating budget through philanthropy to bridge the gap between public funding and the true cost of educating our students. These gifts help sustain our tuition-free model and ensure every student has access to extraordinary opportunities regardless of their financial circumstances.

OSA FY25 Expenses

OSA FY25 Annual Fund Revenues

OSA FY25 Annual Fund Expenses

Why doesn't OSA charge tuition?

OSA was founded on the belief that access to an exceptional arts education should never depend on a family's ability to pay. As a tuition-free public charter school, we welcome talented students from across the Bay Area through a 100% audition- and grade-blind admissions process.

Our audition free enrollment lottery prioritizes Oakland students from low-income families. Fifty-one percent of our students live in low-income census tracts. Eighty-one percent of our students live in Oakland.

Philanthropic support helps make this commitment possible by closing the gap between public funding and the actual cost of delivering an immersive arts education.

What does the Annual Fund support?

Annual Fund gifts provide flexible, unrestricted support where it is needed most and help sustain every aspect of the OSA experience.

Your generosity helps OSA:

Recruit and retain exceptional academic teachers and professional working artists.
Provide immersive conservatory-style arts instruction every day.
Produce performances, exhibitions, literary readings, concerts, and showcases.
Maintain specialized studios, classrooms, rehearsal, and performance spaces.
Expand student wellness, counseling, and support services.
Advance justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.
Invest in technology, instructional resources, and innovative programming.
Respond to emerging needs and opportunities throughout the school year.

How does my gift make a difference?

Every gift directly strengthens the student experience.

Your support helps bridge the gap between public funding and the true cost of an OSA education, ensuring students continue to benefit from exceptional faculty, immersive arts training, academic excellence, student support services, and opportunities that prepare them for success in college, careers, and life.

No matter the size, every contribution helps sustain the programs that define Oakland School for the Arts.

Why does OSA encourage every family to participate?

Every family plays an important role in sustaining OSA's mission. We recognize that financial circumstances vary widely, which is why we ask families to give according to their means—not equally, but equitably. Families with greater financial capacity help ensure that every talented student has access to the same extraordinary educational experience, while gifts of every size demonstrate a shared commitment to our community. Collectively, our generosity makes OSA possible.

For OSA families, what is the Equity-Based Philosophy of Giving?

At OSA, we believe access to an exceptional arts education should never depend on a family's financial circumstances. We also recognize that every family has a different capacity to give.

Rather than asking every family to contribute the same amount, we embrace an equity-based approach to philanthropy. Families who have the financial means to give more help ensure that students from all economic backgrounds can share in the same transformative educational experience. Other families may give more modestly, while some support OSA through volunteerism, advocacy, employer matching, or by introducing new friends and partners to our community.

We simply ask every family to participate in a way that is meaningful and possible for them.

Whether your gift is $25, $250, $2,500, or $25,000, or $50,000, every contribution matters. In each of the last three school years we have had a small number of families contribute at the $50,000 level. These extraordinary contributions have been instrumental in ensuring we do not meet the need to reduce artistic programming and are able to continue to offer our extended school day. Together, our collective generosity sustains the exceptional arts education that defines OSA and ensures that every student has the opportunity to learn, create, perform, and thrive.

Because at OSA, extraordinary arts education is made possible not by any one family, but by an entire community investing in the next generation of artists and creative leaders.

Giving Questions

How much should I give?

Every family's financial circumstances are different.

OSA embraces an equity-based philosophy of giving, asking each family to participate at a level that is meaningful and possible for them. Some families are able to make transformational gifts, while others contribute more modestly. Every gift—regardless of size—helps sustain our mission.

What if I can't make a large gift?

Every gift matters.

Our goal is 100% family participation because broad community support demonstrates a shared commitment to our students and inspires foundations, corporations, alumni, and community members to invest in OSA as well.

Whether your gift is $25, $250, or $2,500, $25,000 or $50,000 your participation makes a meaningful difference.

Can I make a recurring gift?

Absolutely.

Monthly or quarterly recurring gifts are one of the most impactful ways to support OSA. They provide reliable, year-round funding that allows the school to plan confidently while making giving convenient and affordable for many families.

Does OSA accept employer matching gifts?

Yes.

Many employers match charitable contributions made by employees, retirees, and even spouses. Your employer's matching gift may double—or even triple—the impact of your donation.

Visit the Double the Donation search tool at https://doublethedonation.com/match/oakland-school-for-the-arts-RNbzD to determine whether your employer participates.

Can I donate stock or other securities?

Yes. Gifts of appreciated stock are often one of the most tax-efficient ways to support Oakland School for the Arts. Depending on your individual circumstances, donating appreciated securities may allow you to receive a charitable deduction while avoiding capital gains tax.

To learn more or begin a stock transfer, visit: https://donatestock.com/oakland-school-for-the-arts

or contact advancement@oakarts.org

Can I donate cryptocurrency?

Yes. OSA welcomes gifts of cryptocurrency through our secure giving platform. Cryptocurrency donations may provide additional tax advantages while helping support tuition-free arts education.

Please visit https://donatestock.com/donate/new/crypto/?ein=680463892 or contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@oakarts.org for more information.

Can I give through my Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) or IRA?

Yes. OSA gladly accepts grants from Donor-Advised Funds as well as Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from eligible Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).

Please consult your financial advisor or contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@oakarts.org if you'd like assistance.

Getting Involved

Are there ways to support OSA besides making a financial contribution?

Absolutely. There are many ways to make a meaningful impact.

You can:

Attend performances, exhibitions, concerts, and literary events.
Volunteer at performances, exhibitions, or fundraising events.
Introduce OSA to your employer or corporate foundation.
Sponsor an event or student program.
Help connect OSA with prospective donors or community partners.
Share OSA's mission with friends and family.
Serve on a committee or volunteer for Advancement initiatives.

Every connection, conversation, and act of service helps strengthen our community.

How can my business partner with OSA?

OSA welcomes partnerships with businesses of all sizes.

Corporate partners support student success through sponsorships, event underwriting, employee engagement, volunteer opportunities, matching gift programs, and strategic partnerships.

To explore partnership opportunities, please contact: advancement@oakarts.org