Frequently asked questions
What is the annual fund?
The annual fund is a vital component of the college’s operating budget. Annual contributions from alumni, parents and friends provide unrestricted dollars that are used to meet the college’s highest priorities in a given fiscal year.
Contributions to Calvin's Annual Fund are allocated as follows: 62%–teaching and housing students; 22%–financial aid; 9%–administration; 7%–physical plant.
Your contributions make available financial aid— keeping Calvin within financial reach of students and their families. They also supply resources sustaining the day-to-day campus operation, student life, technology, academic and experiential programs, research and more. Annual Fund dollars support every aspect of the college’s mission.
Why are unrestricted annual fund gifts so valuable?
Unrestricted annual fund gifts provide tremendous flexibility for the college to address needs and absorb cost of new initiatives without jeopardizing other important aspects of the student experience. And because annual fund dollars are available for immediate use, their effect is significantly realized.
Does one gift make a difference?
"Annual fund contributions are the lifeblood of the college.”
— President Gaylen Byker
Gifts to the annual fund, no matter the size, have a direct and lasting impact on every student.
When you give to the annual fund, you are creating opportunities:
- An opportunity for a first-year student with limited financial means to attend Calvin
- An opportunity for a student to study business and engineering in China, one of Calvin’s 45 off-campus programs
- An opportunity for 1,879 of students to serve the community through fixing homes or offering tutoring services with the service-learning center
- An opportunity for a student to conduct cutting-edge research alongside a faculty mentor
- An opportunity for a future leader to participate in Calvin’s worship apprentice program
Why is it important to give now?
In these difficult economic times, the annual fund is even more critical to the wellbeing of the college and its mission.
Keeping a Calvin education affordable is more of a priority today than ever before. With your help, 92% of Calvin students receive some financial aid. And in recent years, the average incoming student requires 15% more financial aid.
And, between now and June 30, you have an opportunity to multiply your gift through the current Every Student Challenge. Our collective gifts this fiscal year can secure an additional $100,000 challenge grant to the annual fund.
What is the Every Student Challenge?
Several donors who care deeply for the college and the student body recognize the importance of annual fund contributions. Together, they are willing to give $100,000 if, by June 2010, the college meets the challenge of raising one new or upgraded gift for every student enrolled at Calvin during the 2009-10 academic year.
Who qualifies to participate in the challenge?
Everyone! Faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends are all invited to take advantage of the Every Student Challenge. We’re counting on your participation!
Gifts must be received and processed by June 30, 2010.
What is the Michigan tax credit?
As a Michigan resident, a gift you make to Calvin College qualifies for a credit on your Michigan tax return. Single filers may claim gifts of up to $200. Married filers may claim up to $400. All filers will receive a 50 percent credit. Give before the end of the year!
More questions?
Contact a member of the Calvin Annual Fund team.
How do I give?
Make an online gift to the Calvin Annual Fund, or send a check by mail.
