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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.
The Eastern Annual Fund provides the essential, flexible support that keeps the University moving forward. Annual Fund gifts help Eastern respond to immediate needs and opportunities—supporting the people, programs, and priorities that shape our students’ experience. Your contribution ensures that Eastern can continue offering a high-quality education and a vibrant campus community for every Warrior.
Tuition covers only part of what it costs to provide an exceptional education at Eastern. As a public university, we also receive state support, but that funding has steadily declined over the years and no longer offsets the full cost of educating our students. Eastern is committed to keeping tuition as affordable as possible to ensure access for all students, but doing so means that tuition and public funding together still fall short of meeting every need. Gifts to Eastern via the ECSU Foundation help bridge this gap, sustaining the small classes, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus community that define Connecticut’s public liberal arts university.
Yes. Eastern donors have many options for directing their support in meaningful ways. Many alumni and friends choose to give to endowed scholarships, often created to honor retiring faculty or alumni who have passed, which help the 87% of Eastern students with financial need. About one-third of our students are eligible for the Pell Grant, meaning they come from low-income families and qualify for federal financial aid. Other donors designate their gifts to specific areas such as an academic department, an athletic team, or another program they value. The Eastern family welcomes and encourages gifts designated for scholarships or programs most meaningful to you.
Absolutely. No matter the size, every gift makes a meaningful impact at Eastern. When many alumni and friends give, their collective support creates real change for our students and strengthens the University community. Broad participation also demonstrates to corporations, foundations, and other potential funders that Eastern has a strong and engaged base of supporters, helping the University secure even greater resources for our students and programs.
Absolutely. Many Eastern donors make recurring gifts automatically processed monthly, or annually, whatever works best for their budget. Most of our online giving forms include options to schedule these recurring payments or to spread a larger pledge over multiple years. It’s an easy and meaningful way to make a lasting impact at Eastern.
Yes! Eastern’s annual #WarriorsGive campaign is our special online giving event in late April this year. This three-day celebration highlights your Warrior community's strength and your generosity's lasting impact. No matter the size, every gift directly supports Eastern students and their educational experience. Donors can also look forward to exciting opportunities for their gifts to be matched, doubling their impact and helping us reach even more students.
Our Planned Giving site explains all the different ways to add Eastern to your will and trust and charitable gifts through your IRA account. Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, and gifts-in-kind (within IRS guidelines) are also accepted.
Not a problem. You may contact Rachel Valliere, Assistant Director of the Annual Fund, at (860) 465-0372 or vallierer@easternct.edu.
