Sliding Scale
Providing adventure, promoting equity
Oxbow Education (“OxEd”) programs are designed to connect kids to nature. Whether on the farm, in the classroom, or online, Oxbow educators create learning situations for children to directly experience and relate to the natural world through sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. By creating connections to, curiosity about, and confidence in nature, OxEd lays the foundation for future stewards of the Earth, giving people the tools and inspiration to cultivate their own relationship with their community, the food they eat, and the natural world.
While the mission of our programs sounds wonderful and is a fantastic opportunity for many, we realize that sometimes the cost of programs provides an inequitable hardship for families to be able to participate. We are proud to share that we have implemented a community-funded sliding scale program. Together, we are covering the cost for participants with financial barriers so that all may participate.
Why a Sliding Scale?
The sliding scale payment system was implemented to ensure that cost isn’t a barrier to experiencing Oxbow programs; it also enables us to provide our programs in a financially sustainable way. Families can choose the rate that best reflects their financial scenario. Income, fluctuating/emergency expenses, and other factors all play into deciding which rate to choose. If families are able, paying a little more can help cover the difference for those who select a lower rate on the sliding scale. Read below for more information.
The amount paid for the programs is kept confidential and all participants receive the same experience, no matter how much is paid.
Considering factors beyond income
Please note: Any payments above the base rate are tax-deductible donations to our scholarship fund. When filing for taxes, please use tax ID # 26-3848941. Thank you!
We have decided not to base our sliding scale on families’ income, given that so many factors other than income impact a family’s ability to afford access to educational resources.
Consider paying less if you…
- have medical expenses not covered by insurance
- your job has been negatively impacted by COVID-19
- receive public assistance
- have immigration-related expenses
- are an elder with limited financial support
- are impacted by systemic and historic oppression
- are an unpaid community organizer
- have to choose between basic needs and the ability to pay at a higher level
Consider contributing more if you…
- own the home you live in
- have retirement accounts, investments, or inherited money
- travel recreationally
- have access to family money in times of need
- have access to credit or low barriers to purchasing big items
- have a relatively high degree of earning power due to your education level (or other privileges you may have associated with race, gender, citizenship status, class background, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical ability, etc).
We invite you to take inventory of your own financial resources and the ways in which you can contribute to economic justice within your community. We ask that you take these factors into consideration but please don’t stress about it. Pay what feels right.
Trust-based program
During your registration you will see different options for payment, we have calculated a built-in discount or donation based on the cost of running our programs.
Our team will not ask you for copies, receipts, or proofs of income, we believe trusting our community to do what’s best for them and for us is the path to building a healthy, vibrant community.
Donate to Oxbow and help us carry out our mission!
Oxbow is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization, and we can’t do this work without your help! We’re grateful for your contributions.