July 2022

A Farewell Message Dear Oklahoma School Foundation Network Members, It has been my great pleasure to serve as the director for OSFN for the past three years. Working with public education advocates to grow and strengthen public school foundations has been a true pleasure. I'm thrilled with the growth and momentum of our network and can't wait to see where the program will go in the coming years. I begin a new adventure August 1 as the director of Skyline, a nonprofit food resource center in Oklahoma City. I will miss the wonderful Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence community, and plan to stay in touch. Best, Katy Leffel

National Association of Education Foundations PLUS Membership Renewals Membership to the Oklahoma School Foundations Network is FREE to all Oklahoma Education Foundations. However, we also offer a PLUS Membership that gives Oklahoma Foundations half price access to the National Association of Education Foundations (NAEF). NAEF offers incredible resources and benefits for its members, from free webinars and a members-only resource library to discounts on services and products directly benefiting school foundations. PLUS Memberships are priced on a sliding scale, based on your foundation’s revenue as reported on your most recent IRS 990 form, or most recent fiscal year income if your organization does not file a 990 or 990EZ. Head to our website for more information and the forms needed to join!

PLUS Membership Information

Program Award Nominations Open August 1 The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence annually presents one or more Outstanding Program Awards to recognize innovative programs sponsored or administered by school foundations in Oklahoma. Trophies and monetary awards of $1,000 each are presented to the winners.  Recognized programs may include but are not limited to: curriculum enhancement, arts integration, student leadership development, student scholarships, mentoring, professional development for teachers, public relations and fundraising. Nominations for recognition may come from anyone knowledgeable about the foundation, including its board members. Only one program per foundation may be nominated for recognition. Winning foundations must wait one full year before they are eligible to nominate another program.  Program nominations are due by September 15.

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Education Leadership Conference Specialized Learning Track for School Foundations Friday, August 26 The Oklahoma State School Boards Association and the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration 2022 Education Leadership Conference will once again offer specialized learning tracks. A school foundation track will be offered on Friday, August 26. Specialized learning track registration will include one-day conference attendance featuring the daily general session, exhibit hall entrance and four 50-minute focused breakout sessions designed for foundation leaders, volunteers, and interested school district staff. School Foundation Breakout Session Topics Are: Opportunity Scholarship Act Tax Credits for Public Schools 101- Learn more about expanded access for public schools to tax credits for private donors to public education. This presentation will outline the basics of the law along with important information on registering to participate, setting up a system for success and implementing this donor opportunity in your district. Support Beyond Classroom Grants: Creating Strategic Alignment Between the District and School Foundation- School foundations can create real, lasting impact when they work as true strategic partners with school district leadership. Learn strategies for communication and collaboration in partnerships that advance student success. Community Connection: Going Beyond Fundraising- School foundations can play a critical role in connecting community supporters with the district. Find out how school foundations are sharing important messages on the positive work public schools are doing in the community and using those stories to leverage community support and forge game-changing partnerships.  School Foundation Round Table(s)- A free flowing opportunity for discussion on school foundation issues. Oklahoma school foundation executive directors will host discussion on a variety of table topics, including fundraising events, board development, program management, and more. This opportunity will allow you to connect with other school foundation leaders, expand your knowledge and energize you for the 2022-23 school year. Registration for school foundations is $200.

Register for the Conference

The Oklahoma School Foundations Network is a program of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Follow us on Facebook, and find more information at www.ofe.org.