Why your annual gift matters
Our Core Commitment
Columbia College is justly proud of the education it offers.
Intellectual curiosity, habits of critical inquiry, an appreciation
of tradition, a readiness to take responsibility for shaping
the future - these qualities characterize generations of Columbia
students. From the signature core curriculum, to the world-renowned
faculty, to the unsurpassed opportunities for social and cultural
enrichment that come from attending the preeminent college
in New York City, Columbia creates innumerable intellectual
and personal opportunities for its students.
The outstanding education that the College offers its students
is widely known. What may be less clear is how important alumni
are in preserving the Columbia experience for today's students.
Excellence is expensive, and as the smallest college in the
Ivy League, Columbia must labor diligently to maintain the
standards that both students and alumni have come to expect.
Through regular, incremental contributions to the annual fund,
College alumni support today's students just as earlier gifts
supported their own education.
 |
|
"I
have no doubt that Columbia is exactly where I need
to be to thrive, and it is the generosity of the College's
donors that makes it possible for me to be here. I hope
one day to be able to emulate these men's and women's
commitment and make it possible for others like me to
achieve their dreams at Columbia." |
Why annual giving matters
Unrestricted annual giving is a vital ingredient in Columbia's success, for annual giving nourishes the entire undergraduate program, providing current and immediately usable funds for the College's many operations. With recent cuts in government funding for higher education, annual giving has become even more decisive in keeping Columbia in the forefront of America's distinguished colleges.
-
the College provides approximately $20 million in financial aid each year
-
approximately 40% of all students receive some form of need-based grant from the College
-
the average grant from Columbia for a College student in approximately $14,000
The largest single application of unrestricted annual giving is financial aid, preserving both need-blind admissions and full-need financial support. While some schools are faltering in their commitment to fund all students who need help, Columbia College distributed approximately $20 million in financial aid to nearly 40% percent of its students. Providing this level of financial support is a considerable challenge, and a sure sign that the College strives to attract the best and the brightest - and that it values the capacity to learn more than the ability to pay.
But unrestricted annual giving does much more. It bolsters the student services and activities that enhance the quality of undergraduate life. It fortifies and enhances the College's core curriculum, the often-copied foundation of Columbia's undergraduate experience for nearly eighty years. It furnishes the resources that allow the College to establish even closer relations with its alumni. Annual giving provides funds that allow the College to pursue new initiatives as they present themselves, to respond to unbudgeted emergencies as they arise without compromising current programs, and to maintain the historic mission of the College in the face of government cutbacks. Whatever the endeavor, annual giving makes possible a further measure of excellence.
Some might wonder why annual giving matters so much when the University has a substantial endowment. Certainly the endowment is crucial for Columbia's continued well being, but it must be carefully managed and a substantial portion of the income generated must be reinvested so it can be a resource for future generations. It is not a substitute for annual giving for current use. In fact, endowment income covers less than 20% of the annual cost of financial aid for students. Annual giving is an investment in Columbia that pays immediate returns in students' lives.
How can you help?
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 |
