FAQ

List of 8 items.

• Why does Live Oak need to fundraise?

  At Live Oak, philanthropy is how we care for one another and our school. Tuition covers most–but not all–of what it takes to provide the full Live Oak experience. Fundraising allows us to do more than sustain our programs; it helps us grow, innovate, and ensure that every student meets their potential. 

  
  

  Gifts to the Live Oak Fund keep classrooms vibrant and responsive. Support for the Legacy and endowment campaigns strengthens our long-term vision–expanding our campus, deepening accessibility, and investing in teachers and programs that bring learning to life. Every gift, of every size, helps make the Live Oak experience possible today and for generations to come.

• What is the history of giving to Live Oak?

  We are grateful for the strong support of our community in advancing the School's mission. Over the past five years, financial support of the school has increased by 20% with participation from more than 94% of current families.

• How many donations will the school ask for?

  We ask families to prioritize Live Oak in their philanthropic giving by making one gift to the school each year (for eighth grade families this is to the Legacy Campaign). This strategy supports and advances the school’s diversity, equity, and inclusion values–allowing each family to plan and participate in a meaningful way that is in line with their unique circumstances. Gifts to Live Oak range from $10-$50,000, reflective of the building blocks required to meet our annual goals. If we are in a Capital Campaign, the School will make one additional request for a donation to that Campaign.

• Why is full participation important in the School’s philanthropy program?

  Full parent/guardian participation in Live Oak's fundraising initiatives demonstrates solidarity within the Live Oak community. High participation demonstrates that those who are most connected to Live Oak are committed to the school, an important metric to some corporations, foundations, major donors, and friends as they decide how to allocate their giving. Therefore, all gifts are tremendously important. Each year, we strive to increase participation levels among the parent/guardian community to match 100% participation in our Trustee and staff communities. In the 24-25 School Year, 94% of current families participated in giving to Live Oak.

• When should I make my donation?

  Live Oak’s fundraising campaigns typically run in the fall. We encourage you to pledge or make a gift by December 31 to help us plan strategically for the year. Because Live Oak’s fiscal year closes on June 30, we ask that all pledges be paid by June 15, 2026.

• How does the Day of Giving work?

  Live Oak’s Day of Giving on November 13 is a joyful community celebration of philanthropy at Live Oak. It’s a way to bring together families, alumni, trustees, friends, in support of the learning that takes place on Mariposa. 

  
  

  On this day, every gift–no matter the size–moves us closer to our annual goals and helps unlock additional support. All gifts made between October 15-November 13 count toward participation and matching gift challenges.

• Does the school accept in-kind donations?

  Yes! Every year, community members show gratitude to our hardworking faculty through donations of special items and experiences. Some examples of these donations include tickets to local events such as sports games, concerts, theater, restaurants, spa certificates, and gift cards. If you have a vacation home, you can also gift some dates at your vacation home for faculty to relax.
  
  The advancement team distributes each gift by lottery to faculty who opt in for the specific gift. The gifts are tax deductible, as they are considered a donation to Live Oak School. In-kind gifts to the Giving Tree can be made at any time.

• Are there volunteer opportunities to support philanthropy at Live Oak?

  Absolutely! Philanthropy at Live Oak is a community effort; parents and guardians join as class captains, event hosts, and ambassadors who help us build enthusiasm and connection around giving.