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Columbia College
Alumni

The John Jay Associates Program

Who are the John Jay Associates?

Named for the first Chief Justice of the United States, the John Jay Associates are the leadership donors to the Columbia College Fund, the chief agency for raising funds for the College. Each year the John Jay Associates program generates approximately 80 percent of total funds raised by the College. John Jay Associates thus play a vital role in ensuring the high quality of a Columbia College education. All alumni, parents and friends who donate $1,500 or more annually to the College Fund are enrolled as members of the John Jay Associates.

Gifts to the Columbia College Fund, including all general purpose and endowed gifts to the College from alumni, parents, and friends, support the historic mission of the College in crucial areas, including the following: helping provide financial aid, preserving need-blind admissions and full-need financial support bolstering student services and activities enhancing the College's signature core curriculum allowing the Dean to pursue new initiatives

Membership Categories

Columbia University Main GateIn recognition of their generosity and support, members receive the following benefits (according to their membership category):

Dean's Circle $25,000 or more

Benefactor $10,000-$24,999

Sponsor $5,000-$9,999

Fellow $3,500-$4,999

Member $1,500-$3,499

The names of all John Jay Associates will be listed in the Columbia College Fund's annual report. In addition, the report's Alumni Honor Roll lists those Associates whose gifts to the College are unrestricted.

Recent Graduates

In order to encourage membership in the John Jay Associates, the College has established reduced membership levels for young alumni, defined as those who have graduated within the last ten years.

The following membership levels apply for recent graduates.

0-4 years since graduation $250
5-9 years since graduation $500
10 years $1,500

Young alumni donors giving $5,000 or more are invited to the Dean's Circle Reception.

Young alumni who join the John Jay Associates at the above levels will be listed in the Columbia College Fund Annual Report, are entitled to two tickets to a Columbia basketball or football game, and will receive invitations to the Alexander Hamilton Award Dinner, the John Jay Awards Dinner, and other special events.

Contributions of appreciated securities (with their tax-saving features) are always welcome.

Matching Gifts

Many companies have matching gift programs that can double or triple the value of your gift to the College and count toward recognition as a John Jay Associate. Please check to see if your employer, or your spouse's, has a matching gift program.

A reminder: According to IRS regulations, for tax purposes you are required to deduct the market value for the benefits you accept ($10.00 per football ticket; $5.00 per basketball ticket; $25.00 per Dean's Day luncheon) from your total gift to the College.

Consider making an unrestricted gift to the Columbia College Fund. Participation in annual giving makes you a participant in the continuing life of the College. Through your gift, you play your part in an ongoing enterprise that dates back to the College's founding in 1754 - making Columbia College the best it can possibly be.

Your participation is crucial. We know that many worthy causes ask for your financial support, but please make a program of unrestricted annual giving to the Columbia College Fund one of your highest priorities. Your gift will have an immediate, positive impact on the College and upon the extraordinary who study here.

Many companies have matching gift programs that can double or triple the value of gifts to the College. Contributions of appreciated securities (with their tax-saving features) can often lead to a welcome "stretch" gift. All annual gifts are tax deductible.

Please make your check payable to the Columbia College Fund and send it to:

Columbia College
Office of Alumni Affairs and Development
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 917
Mailcode 7730
New York, NY 10115
Tel. (212) 870-2288
Fax. (212) 870-2747
E-mail: ccfund@columbia.edu