Pledge Drive Facts and Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Oscar Mayer unique?
Oscar Mayer is the only CPS school to offer Montessori for elementary, International Baccalaureate program and also have an integrated Fine Arts program throughout
All Early Childhood and Elementary rooms have a full-time teacher and teaching assistant per room with about 25 students per class. Supplemental funding from fundraising helps maintain this 14:1 ratio
Students receive an hour of daily Essentials programing with focus ranging from fine arts, music, Spanish, library, and physical education
Donation Q & A
Q: What is the suggested donation per student?
A: The suggested donation is $1,800 per student, but donations of any amount helps the school and builds engagement with our community. Your donation helps fill in the puzzle piece between CPS funding and what is needed to keep Mayer running successfully.
Q: Does Friends of Mayer (FOM) have reserves fund for unforeseen events or budget shortfalls?
A: Yes, FOM reserves unallocated funds to account for potential gaps. If we are unable to generate enough with fundraising activities, we can then go to the reserves.
Q: What school budget items does my contribution help support?
A: Your donation fills the gap between CPS funding and what is needed to keep Mayer running successfully. Your financial contributions make the following possible.
14:1 teacher student ratio in all EC and EL1 classrooms, which is much lower than the CPS average ratio
Fulfillment of teachers’ “wish lists” of needed supplies and learning tools for all grades and essentials
Supplemental playground supervisors to staff recess
Extra curricular programming, including sports
Montessori Training and Materials
Wellness and Sustainability programming available to all students
Full offering of Essentials classes, which includes PE, Spanish, Art, Music, Library and Design; something many other CPS schools are unable to offer
Q: Does my donation include financial support for field trips, community events, and other family needs?
A: Yes, funds are set aside to support financial aid as needed.
What ways can I donate?
Q: We have some convenient ways to make your donation online:
A: You can click here to make a donation or a pledge. You may pay by credit card or electronic-ACH
Q: Can I make a pledge to pay over time?
A: Yes, you can click here to make a donation or a pledge. Under the Payment section you may click the ‘I will Pay Later’ checkbox and then indicate the frequency. Please attempt to complete all payments by June 30 th , 2023 as that is the end of our fiscal year.
Q: Why do you have processing fees for credit cards?
A: Processing fees are optional but are necessary to cover the costs of credit card transactions. To ensure the maximum amount of your donation makes it to Mayer consider the electronic-ACH method option (most preferred) or you can mail a check
Q: Where do I send in a check?
A: Please make checks payable to Friends of Oscar Mayer School, 2250 N. Clifton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614. If possible, please indicate your child’s classroom so that we can properly credit their class for participation
Q: How do I donate if I have multiple kids at Mayer?
A: On the donation page there is a space to indicate a donation for each child’s class
Q: Is my donation tax deductible?
A: ABSOLUTELY! Friends of Oscar Mayer School is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and your donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Our EIN is 36-3094477
Q: Can my company match my donation?
A: For sure! Last year we received $50,000 from various company matches and they are an integral part of our fundraising. If you’re not sure if your company matches please consult your benefits department or check our database of matching companies here.