General Questions/Answers

What if I still prefer to donate in the traditional way, with a check?

Simply mail a check to Olathe Public Schools Foundation office at: 300 E. Loula Street Olathe, Kansas 66061.

 

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How do I know that my online donation is secure?

Our Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) software is the industry standard in encrypting all of your information, including credit card number, name and address. For optimal security, OPSF does not store your credit card information, which is why we ask you to retype it each time you donate.

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Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. The Olathe Public Schools Foundation is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation will mail you a receipt for any contribution made.

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Do other school districts have foundations?

Yes, school districts across the country have similar foundations, including Lee’s Summit, North Kansas City, Shawnee Mission and Blue Valley, to name a few.

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How much does the Foundation have now?

As of June 2019, the total assets of the Foundation were in excess of $3.2 million. In addition to the experienced management of our board, the Foundation's resources benefit from the expertise of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. This GKCCF has its own financial advisors, which direct the investments of the Foundation's funds.

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Where does the money go?

Dollars come to the Foundation either restricted or unrestricted. The restricted dollars support programs designated by the donor. The unrestricted contributions are allocated by the Foundation's Board of Directors to those areas of greatest need. Since 1993, the Foundation disbursed more than $3.5 million to energize existing programs for students and staff and to promote community involvement.

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Does the Olathe School District have anything to do with the Foundation?

The Foundation is a separate nonprofit organization. The board of directors shall be no fewer than 12 and no more than 26. The directors shall represent each of the following groups:

  • One member from the Olathe Board of Education, ex-officio
  • Superintendent of schools, ex-officio
  • ONEA representative, ex-officio
  • Olathe Retired Employee Association Representative, ex-officio
  • OPSF Executive Director, ex-officio
  • No fewer than 7 and no more than 21 community representatives
  • While the Foundation is a separate organization, our sole mission is to support the educational purposes of the Olathe School District. We look to those who understand education best—the professional educators—for leadership. We look to our community to help the Foundation develop and direct resources to meet our shared educational goals.

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Why do we need a Foundation? Why should I give to the Foundation?

Investing in the future, the Olathe Public Schools Foundation secures resources to support quality education through innovative programs, creative opportunities, and imaginative approaches. These programs enrich the curriculum, inspire students and staff, and expand the community's involvement in public education. To put it simply, the mission of the Foundation is to provide a margin of excellence for Olathe students.

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