Annual Fund FAQs
Why are unrestricted gifts so important?
An unrestricted gift is a powerful form of support, as it can be put toward wherever the need is greatest. Your unrestricted Annual Fund gift can aid all areas of the University—from supporting student scholarships to funding co-curricular programming.
Why do I receive a call from the University every year?
The Dolphin Dialers calling initiative gives current students an opportunity to talk to alums and thank donors personally for their previous support of the University, while encouraging them to continue their generosity. Dolphin Dialers also share University news and information about campus events. Your annual phone call is a great way for you to let the Office of Alumnae/i Relations and Giving know what you have been up to—including updating your address, phone numbers, emails, and employment information.
When is the University’s fiscal year?
The fiscal year runs every July 1 to June 30.
Is my gift tax deductible?
All Annual Fund gifts are fully tax deductible.
It’s my class reunion year. Does my gift to the Annual Fund count toward our class gift?
Yes! Many graduates choose to generously support the Annual Fund during their reunion years. Every gift you make to the Annual Fund counts toward your class gift total for Reunion Giving.
Who are the President’s Associates?
President’s Associates are donors committed to giving $1,000 or more to the University’s Annual Fund each year.
What is alumni participation?
Alumni participation is the number of graduates who support the University financially. It is a criteria used in the national rankings of colleges and universities. The alumni participation rate represents how many graduates contributed to the University out of the graduates who are considered solicitable. A high alumni participation rate is a clear indicator of former students’ satisfaction with their college experience and their desire to participate in the school’s future success.
Foundations and government agencies consider alumni participation rates when making major gifts to colleges and universities. Additionally, college guidebooks, such as U.S. News & World Report, use alumni giving rates as the sole criterion to assess alumni satisfaction when determining overall institutional ratings of quality. Your donation publicly demonstrates your pride in the University of Mount Saint Vincent and your investment in its future while adding value to your own degree. Your gift makes a difference.
Can I make a gift in memory or in honor of someone special?
Yes! A gift to the University of Mount Saint Vincent Annual Fund is a wonderful way to honor a loved one, and many alums choose to do so. When you send your gift, please indicate the full name of the person to be honored or memorialized and the name of anyone you would like to be notified of your gift. The person you honor or memorialize does not have to be a graduate of the University. Your gift will appear in the University’s Annual Report as a gift in honor or in memory with your name and the name of the honoree.
What are matching gifts?
Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by employees or retirees. This is a great way to double or even triple your Annual Fund gift. Your name will appear in the giving society that reflects the total amount of your gift plus the matching gift. Check with your employer’s Human Resources office to see if your company sponsors a matching gift program.
What are the Giving Societies?
Giving societies recognize the contributions of alumnae/i and friends of the Mount. Every gift is appreciated and helps the Mount maintain its exceptional academic and cocurricular programs.
| Elizabeth Seton Society $25,000 and above |
Founders Guild $2,500-$4,999 |
Louise de Marillac Society $250-$499 |
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| Saint Vincent’s Leaders $10,000-$24,999 |
Castle Society $1,000-$2,499 |
White and Gold Club $100-$249 |
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| Bayley Circle $5,000-$9,999 |
Topaz Circle $500-$999 |
Donor $1-99 |
For more information, please contact:
Kristin Yanniello
Director for Alumnae/i Relations and Giving
kristin.yanniello@umsv.edu
718.405.3252
Christina Rasmussen
Associate Director for Alumnae/i Relations and Giving
christina.rasmussen@umsv.edu
718.405.3334