About

The Lake Oswego Schools Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization that through the support of the community raises money to provide more educational opportunities for students in Lake Oswego schools. All funds raised are distributed across all schools in the Lake Oswego School district for the benefit of each and every student.

Between property taxes, volunteer hours, and school-based donations, it’s reasonable to wonder why our district needs a foundation. The answer might surprise many of you, and it’s that our district receives less money per student (~$850 less per student) from the State. Foundation support is one of the main reasons why Lake Oswego schools have consistently ranked number one in the state, and among the top in the nation. To learn more about K-12 education funding in Oregon review the brief from the Legislative Policy and Research Office.

All of the funds raised go to specific LOSD teaching positions throughout the district. Foundation donations give all Lake Oswego students greater opportunities to flourish. Your Foundation donations fund teachers who make many of these opportunities possible. It’s because of Foundation support, every elementary student has music instruction and reading assistance. And, every middle and high school student is offered an unmatched selection of electives in science, technology and the arts.

No. Your gifts to the Foundation benefit each and every student in Lake Oswego schools and help ensure Lake Oswego community’s legacy of educational excellence.

Together, the Foundation, Parent Club, and Bond measures form the funding ecosystem of our district. Simply put, the amazing Parent Clubs fund things; bond measures fund buildings; and the Foundation funds people - teachers.

Our annual fundraising goal is $1.5 million, and we need YOUR help to reach it.

Our community has contributed more than $38 million to the Foundation over the past three decades. More than 85 percent of parents support the Foundation during their student’s tenure in Lake Oswego schools.

The majority of our funding comes from individual stakeholders: parents, grandparents, local citizens, and former students. Typically, 80% of donations come from LOSD community members while 20% come from local businesses and matching gifts.

There are several ways you can support the mission of the Lake Oswego Schools Foundation. You can donate, you can volunteer, and you can stay informed and involved. Foundation volunteers are calling in October as part of our annual Phone-athon. Please give generously, what you can, in October. Please consider participating as a volunteer, and please help us spread the word about this important pillar of education in our community.

Yes. Each year the Foundation financials are audited by McDonald Jacobs, P.C. The Foundations annual report is published in November, posted to the Foundations website and sent to all donors. To access the Foundations full financial reporting, please contact the Foundation's Executive Director by phone (503.534.2106).

The Foundation has a strict Memorandum of Understanding with the LOSD Superintendent of Schools that stipulates all money provided to Lake Oswego School District is used solely for teaching staffs’ salaries and wages. Based on School Board policy, the Foundation is the only fundraising entity that may provide voluntary funds for teaching staff in the Lake Oswego School District.

Lake Oswego Schools Foundation was started by a parent of two students enrolled in Lake Oswego schools who had a passion for education and our community. Joel Kuntz worked with parents, teachers, administration and elected board members to create a foundation for our community to ensure greater learning opportunities for students. The Foundation began granting funds in 1997. More than 30 years later the mission of the Foundation remains and Joel continues to contribute to the Foundation.

The Lake Oswego Schools Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers from each Lake Oswego school, as well as residents in our community. Board members serve two-year terms, up to three terms. Board members participate in monthly board meetings, serve on a committee, and attend Foundation events, as well as make personally meaningful financial contributions to the Foundation. The Foundation accepts applications, conducts interviews and nominates members for the board each spring.

There are several categories of giving ranging from $1–$239 up to $10,000 and above. Business donations start at $250 and include options up to $10,000+. For more information on, please click the link to giving-levels. All of our donors are acknowledged in the Foundation’s annual report distributed to all households in the community in November.

There is a reason why you have chosen Lake Oswego. Good schools are the cornerstone of a vibrant community. A high-performing school system helps your property and business retain its value and well-educated citizens serve us all as a society.

Lake Oswego community’s legacy of supporting the Foundation support is one of the main reasons why Lake Oswego schools have consistently ranked number one in the state, and among the top in the nation.

Commitments of time, talent and treasure have helped the Foundation raise millions of dollars year after year for more than three decades. The more than a million of dollars raised each year comes from thousands of individual parents, grandparents, community residents and local businesses making donations to the Foundation. More than 80 percent of the funds raised comes from parents of current students donating personal funds, and seeking company matches. The other 20 percent comes from parents of alumni, grandparents, community residents and location businesses. The average annual donation is about $950.

Being a supporter of the Foundation is an important way you are part of Lake Oswego community’s investment in education. Be a sustaining supporter with a recurring monthly or quarterly donation. Make an impact with a one-time gift. Pledge your support and you will receive reminders to make your donation. Volunteer your time and share your talents. The Foundation is powered by your commitment.

Fundraising activities occur throughout the year.

-Fall: Phone-a-thon, BTS events and major donor appreciation
-Winter: Year-end Appeal
-Spring: Gala and additional campaigns
-Summer: Business campaign and key strategic planning

Keep an eye out for Foundation communications providing more details on key events.