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Frequently Asked Questions

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Why is Philanthropy Important in Higher Education?

For anyone looking to make a positive difference in the world, educational philanthropy is a great way to do so. From donating funds, to creating scholarships, to dedicating your time through volunteering, future generations have a lot to gain from this form of giving. Universities use philanthropy to not only cover financial aid and operational costs, but also to subsidize tuition and increase access to college, fund research, and improve the overall quality of education.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Annual Fund is the cornerstone of philanthropic giving at Eastern, supporting our students, faculty, and key programs in the most direct way to make a positive impact on the overall educational experience of our students.

  • Like all colleges and universities, Eastern faces a gap between tuition income and expenses.  If we increased tuition to cover this gap, fewer students would be able to afford an Eastern education. Your gift to the Annual Fund supports the distinctive educational experience that is a hallmark of Eastern, Connecticut’s Public Liberal Arts University.

  • Yes. A large percentage of Eastern alumni and friends support endowed scholarships that in many cases were established to honor retiring faculty or alumni who have passed. This is a great way to support the 87% of Eastern students who have financial need. It is important to note that a third of Eastern students are Pell eligible. Also, many donors designate their gift to an intercollegiate athletic team or a departmental fund. We support donors who want to restrict their annual gift to a scholarship or program. 

  • Yes. A gift of any size directly supports Eastern in a positive way. Your gift says you believe in Eastern. In its annual Best Colleges rankings, U.S. News & World Report considers the average alumni giving rate of each college and university. They don’t ask how much each institution raises, but rather what percentage of alumni are giving. Also, some foundations and other grant-making organizations look at alumni giving rates when awarding grant requests. In the end, your donation helps Eastern secure significantly more dollars in external funding.

  • Absolutely! Just tell us how much you want to give now and how much you want to give in the future. Many donors to Eastern give bi-annually or quarterly by credit card.

  • Not a problem. You may contact Rachel Valliere, Assistant Director of the Annual Fund, at (860) 465.0372 or vallierer@easternct.edu