Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we involved in a capital campaign?
At O’Dowd, our core values are primarily cultivated through community engagement — yet the current campus has no single place where the whole student body can gather together. The new state-of-the-art Center will accommodate the heart of the O’Dowd co-curricular experience, serving our entire community of students, parents and alumni. It will include a new larger gymnasium, strength and conditioning facilities, professionally designed spaces for music and drama, and two new classrooms. And it will provide modern spaces to support the innovative programs that help our students to grow their faith, passions, leadership skills, and athletic abilities. It will ensure that O’Dowd remains a competitive and attractive Catholic high school for generations to come.
Why are we conducting the campaign now?
We have an unprecedented opportunity with a matching grant from the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation. Through this extraordinary grant all gifts and pledges made by March 31, 2021 will be matched dollar-for-dollar. We began fundraising in June 2018 and generous supporters have helped us reach 90% of our ambitious goal. While we are aware of the challenges we are all facing at this time, we are incredibly close to the finish line and committed to honoring our community's support of this project and creating a beautiful place that will serve our students.
What is the campaign goal?
The campaign goal is to raise $36.5 million by March 31, 2021 to build the O’Dowd Center.
How will funds raised in the Cor Unum Capital Campaign be used?
All donations will be used exclusively for the development of the Center. O’Dowd’s leadership has taken thoughtful steps to see this campaign through to a successful conclusion. The campaign has a compelling vision, a strategic plan backed by a professionally conducted feasibility study, and is headed by qualified and experienced staff and volunteer leadership.
Will multi-year pledges also be matched by the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation?
All pledges, including multi-year commitments, made by March 31, 2021 will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Donors can choose to spread their campaign gift payments over a five-year period. By spreading your pledge out over time, you have the flexibility to plan for your financial commitment.
How do I donate? How can I pay my gift or pledge?
We can accept your gift in the form of:
Check/Credit Card
Appreciated Stock
IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution
If I cannot make a campaign gift or pledge now, can I still give something at a future date?
We realize circumstances change and contributions to the campaign are welcome now and in the future. Keep in mind that our overall success is connected to our fundraising progress by March 31, 2021. All gifts or pledges made by then, and paid within a five-year period, will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
Are there naming opportunities available?
We appreciate and celebrate every gift to the campaign. Each donor will be recognized through campaign publication materials such as the website and the donor listing in the Dragon magazine. Donors contributing $25,000+ will be included on a recognition wall in the O’Dowd Center. There are also select naming opportunities available for those making principal level gifts.
How is a gift to the campaign different from my annual gift?
We ask that you continue your ongoing annual support to ensure retention and development of talented educators, technology upgrades, counseling, academic support and co-curricular programs – all the things that make O’Dowd an amazing place for our students to learn and grow. Ideally, your Cor Unum Capital Campaign commitment would be above and beyond your annual giving and may be pledged over a period of time (up to five years).
If my company has a matching gift program, may I use that to contribute to the campaign?
Absolutely! Use the searchable database found here, or contact your company’s human resources office, to find out if your company has a matching gift program.
Once I make my gift, how else can I help?
We ask that you consider connecting us with others in your circle of influence -- your fellow alumni, friends, and family who might want to support this worthy effort.
Can I contribute to this project through my will or trust?
Many of our most loyal alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends have chosen to leave a legacy impacting future generations of students by remembering O’Dowd in their estate plans. However, estate gifts will not be matched as part of the Cor Unum Capital Campaign. If you would like more information on planned giving, please visit our website.
Are donations to the campaign tax-deductible?
Yes. Bishop O’Dowd High School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our Tax ID is 94-1547088.
Where may I find more information about plans for construction and project timeline?
Please visit the Campus Development page of our O’Dowd website to learn more project details.
Who do I contact with questions?
If you have questions about the new O’Dowd Center or making a gift, please contact Chief Development Officer Rebecca Bischoff at (510) 553-8628 or rbischoff@bishopodowd.org.