What is the Owen Annual Fund?
The Owen Annual Fund is the result of the steady and ongoing support the school receives each year from alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff, and corporations. Contributions to the Annual Fund help bridge the gap between tuition revenues and the full cost of an Owen education.
[BACK TO TOP]
How are gifts to the Owen Annual Fund spent?
Gifts to the Annual Fund support the areas of greatest need at Owen: financial aid, faculty development, and student programs. Your support of the Annual Fund benefits today’s students and enhances the value of your degree by building on the overall quality of an Owen education. Two million dollars of the operating budget is used for financial aid each year. Twenty percent of this aid comes from the Annual Fund.
[BACK TO TOP]
What is the duration of the fund year, and why should I contribute every year?
Just like Vanderbilt’s fiscal year, the fund year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. Owen encourages all alumni and friends to contribute to the Annual Fund each year so that there is a dependable source of support for important needs. Your annual gift serves as an endorsement for the school, strengthening Owen’s visibility and prestige worldwide.
[BACK TO TOP]
What are the benefits of giving to the Owen Annual Fund?
The most important benefit is knowing that your gift helps to maintain the quality of an Owen education for today’s students. Your support is a way to enhance your connection to the school. Depending on the level at which you choose to participate, you may qualify for membership in Owen’s leadership giving club, the Owen Associates.
[BACK TO TOP]
How do I become a member of the Owen Associates?
You become a member by making a gift of at least $1,000 to the school. For annual gifts greater than $25,000, donors can earmark their donations to the Annual Fund, or they can work with a member of the development staff to explore other funding opportunities.
[BACK TO TOP]
With so many Owen Associates, does my $100 gift to the Annual Fund really make a difference?
Absolutely. A gift to the Annual Fund—no matter the amount—will help support Owen’s continuing success. With more than 5,800 alumni, a $100 gift from every Owen graduate could make a big difference! Also, one of the criteria that Business Week uses in its biannual ranking of top business schools is alumni giving participation. For fiscal year 2003, which ended on June 30, only 20% of Owen’s alumni supported the school.
[BACK TO TOP]
Are matching gift funds from my employer counted in the Annual Fund totals?
Yes, matching gifts are included. In most cases, a company matching gift program will at least double your personal gift to Owen. Last year, corporate matching gifts accounted for 10% of the annual fund! Check with your human resources department to determine if your company matches gifts.
[BACK TO TOP]
Am I recognized for my matching gift?
Yes. If a donor gives $500 to the Annual Fund and his or her company matches that gift with another $500, the donor is recognized for the full $1,000 donation and is a member of the Owen Associates. Please note that a donor may deduct only his or her personal contribution.
[BACK TO TOP]
Can I make a gift using a credit card?
Yes, Vanderbilt accepts gifts from donors using either MasterCard or Visa. Of course, we also accept cash, checks, and appreciated stock assets.
[BACK TO TOP]
How is the Owen Reunion Giving Program connected to the Annual Fund?
The Reunion Giving Program has dramatically increased alumni participation and giving levels since its inception. Most gifts and pledges made in honor of a reunion year go to the Annual Fund.
[BACK TO TOP]
How do multi-year pledges work?
A donor pledges his or her support over a specified number of years. For example, you may pledge $5,000 payable in installments of $1,000 per year for five years.
[BACK TO TOP]
If I make a multi-year pledge, will I still get Annual Fund solicitations?
As long as you are current on your pledge payments, you will not receive annual solicitations for the duration of the pledge. For Owen, your commitment saves on marketing and postage costs and allows the Dean to anticipate cash flow.
[BACK TO TOP]
