The Colgate Fund

Make the journey possible.

A message from Brian W. Casey

June 30 marked the end of Colgate University’s fiscal year — the first in my tenure as president and one of the strongest in Colgate’s annual fundraising history. I write today with profound thanks for the part you played in welcoming me to campus and in supporting Colgate students, faculty, and staff through your generosity.

More than 13,250 alumni joined you in offering financial support for this distinctive institution during the last 12 months. That number represents a two-percent increase over Fiscal Year 2016, a substantial single-year rise that is rarely seen in higher education. Your individual participation in this effort was crucial.

The Colgate community gave more than $14.2 million for immediate use by the university, including $2.8 million for Colgate Athletics and $7.5 million for the Colgate Fund — record-setting totals. The Colgate Fund covers portions of the university’s annual budget, and it affords the flexibility that Colgate needs to take advantage of new opportunities in the moment, as they arise.

Gifts from alumni, parents, and friends throughout the past year touched every corner of this University, providing financial aid for more than 41 percent of the Class of 2020, backing research collaborations between faculty and students, both on campus and around the world. Athletic facilities, home base for our talented Division I student-athletes, received vital upgrades.

On behalf of students, faculty, and staff, I thank you again.

Colgate’s economic strength is built on your commitment to your alma mater. With it, the university designs an unparalleled academic experience for its students and a thriving intellectual environment for its faculty. I look forward to connecting with many alumni, parents, and friends in the coming months and to the opportunity to thank you in person for your support.

Most sincerely,



Brian W. Casey
President

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make a gift?

To make a gift to the Colgate Fund, click here, call 800-668-4428, or mail a check made out to Colgate University to:

Colgate University
P.O. Box 313
Canajoharie, NY 13317

What is the Colgate Fund and why is it important?

The Colgate Fund is a crucial economic resource that supports the university's most urgent needs. Gifts of all sizes pool together to provide the university the ability to make long-term strategic plans and the flexibility to respond in real time to innovative opportunities that arise during the course of any academic year. The Colgate Fund augments income from the university’s endowment and underwrites countless campus initiatives. Out of the total support raised for The Colgate Fund on an annual basis, 25% supports Financial Aid and 50% supports academic programs. Last fiscal year, alumni, parents, students, and friends of the university contributed $6,000,000 toward the Colgate Fund. When you make a gift to the Colgate Fund, you make a gift in support of everything at Colgate.

Is the Colgate Fund a new fundraising priority for the university?

No. The Colgate Fund was previously called the Unrestricted Annual Fund and has long been one of Colgate's highest priorities because the university is able to direct the money in this fund to any area of campus where it is needed most.

What does the Colgate Fund support?

The Colgate Fund supports everything at Colgate, including academics, financial aid, the arts, athletics, student research, and more. Your gift to the Colgate Fund supports all the areas of campus that cumulatively define the Colgate experience.

Does my gift make a difference?

Yes! Gifts of all sizes support the university and help provide opportunities for our talented, ambitious students. The average annual gift to Colgate is $100. Furthermore, the percentage of alumni who make a gift of any size is an important metric in determining the health of a university and the engagement of its alumni body. College rankings such as the U.S. News & World Report use the percentage of alumni who give to help determine Colgate's place in national rankings.

Can I join the Presidents' Club with my gift to the Colgate Fund?

Yes, gifts to any designation — including the Colgate Fund — contribute to Presidents' Club membership. To determine your Presidents' Club giving level, visit colgate.edu/presidentsclub.

I already support another Colgate initiative. Can I also make a gift to the Colgate Fund?

Yes. You can make multiple gifts in a year, or split a single gift between multiple designations, including the Colgate Fund. Thank you for your support!

When is Colgate's fiscal year?

Colgate's fiscal year runs July 1-June 30. Fiscal year 2016 began on July 1, 2015, and will end on June 30, 2016.