FAQ

It isn’t about how much you give. It’s the collective strength of alumni giving that makes a difference. Current young alumni have collectively given close to $100,000. Imagine the very real impact of those funds, when even a modest scholarship can help to keep a student at Oglethorpe. And that’s just one example. Foundations also look to alumni participation statistics when considering grant awards. The more alumni who give, regardless of the amount, the better our chances of securing foundation funding. If each alumnus or alumna makes a gift, together we can accomplish our big plans.

Endowments support ongoing operational expenses or designated purposes like scholarships, projects, institutes, professorships, and programs that serve as crucial elements of the OU experience. They can be a resource for new programs and innovations. And, they enhance faculty recruitment and retention.

Faculty and staff giving is often required when Oglethorpe applies for grant monies from various foundations and corporations. By demonstrating a united front through annual support, we boost our chances of getting those external dollars.

Further, did you know that Oglethorpe is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that relies on philanthropic support from alumni, parents, friends, faculty and staff? Making a commitment to giving even a small amount to Oglethorpe can have a big impact. The difference between a student withdrawing or returning to campus could be $100.

You can choose to support various gift designations, including Annual Fund, which goes to Oglethorpe’s greatest needs.

Other options include, but are not limited to:
-Student Emergency Assistance Fund
-Annual Student Scholarships
-Stormy Petrels Booster Club (Athletics)

Visit the giving page to view the dropdown menu of gift designations. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have about specific interests.

Yes! Think about what would happen if everyone felt their contributions (monetary or otherwise) wouldn’t make a difference. Where would we be? Collectively, small annual fund gifts add up. More than half of annual fund donors make gifts of $250 or less. Your contribution matters!

Consider signing up for a payroll deduction of $10/month, which adds up to $120 for the year. Or, $83.34/month is $1,000/year and makes you a member of our James Edward Oglethorpe Circle.

The easiest way to give is to donate online, but you can also give in many other ways, including through endowed funds, gifts of stock or securities, or by donating goods or services.  You can also designate your gift in honor or memory of someone special.

Learn more about the ways to give.