The Meredith Fund
Why Support the Fund? | About Us | FAQ's | Parents' Fund | Reunion Giving | Contact Information | Class Totals and Participation | Student Ambassadors | Make a Gift
Brought to you by The Meredith Fund...
The Meredith Fund is the annual unrestricted fund of the College that provides Meredith with immediate funds to address pressing needs on campus. It has the power to positively affect every student, faculty and staff member while also affecting the community. This year The Meredith Fund goal is to reach $740,000. The Meredith Fund helps the College meet its most basic needs while also giving Meredith the flexibility to initiate new projects that would otherwise be unavailable. The more money we are able to raise in The Meredith Fund, the more Meredith's students and programs will benefit. Last year, we had an alumnae giving participation rate of 22.7%. I know we can do better! We currently have an alumnae giving participation rate of 16%. Please make a gift today to help us reach our goal of 25%. By increasing our alumnae giving participation we will increase our chances of receiving funding from corporations and foundations.
We now offer online giving and have the ability to draft your account monthly. It is a great way to make a larger gift without it feeling too cumbersome.
We welcome you to visit the campus to see your dollars hard at work!
Thank you for your continued support!
Jane Ives Mitchell
Director
The Meredith Fund
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About Us
Nothing is more valuable to an institution than unrestricted income. The life-blood of Meredith, unrestricted funds support a range of needs that touches students, staff, faculty, alumnae, trustees, prospective students and many others who come to campus for special programs and outreach activities. Financial assistance to help a student with need purchase books, funding for utilities, landscape and building maintenance, tutoring to help a struggling student, professional development opportunities for staff, support for salaries and benefits, and keeping the lights on in the dorms are just a few of the ways annual income helps the College. Meredith has always looked confidently to its alumnae for financial support. Devoted Meredith alumnae—who know well the cost demands of retaining excellence— have responded generously. In 1968, Edith Stephenson Simpson, '48, told the Alumnae Association, "Surely we who have reaped lifelong benefits from what others have sown should be first to insure the same privilege to future generations."
To contribute please contact the Meredith Fund Office, or click here to make a gift today. Thank you for your support!
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Meredith Fund
What is The Meredith Fund?
The Meredith Fund is the annual, unrestricted giving program of the College. It provides much needed unrestricted funds that allow the College to address the most pressing needs on campus—priorities such as student aid, faculty development and residence hall maintenance.
Why are unrestricted gifts so important?
Unrestricted gifts to the College are unique because they have the power to stretch across campus, positively affecting each and every student, faculty and staff member. When your gift to The Meredith Fund is combined with other gifts to the Fund, it creates a powerful and flexible tool for Meredith College.
How can I save Meredith money and save the environment at the same time?
You save Meredith money by making your gift in the beginning of the fiscal year. The best time to make your gift to Meredith is from July to October. You may also make a pledge at that time and pay later. By making your gift or pledge early, you save postage costs, receive fewer mailings, and save trees in the process!
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Is my gift tax deductible?
YES!!! Your gifts to Meredith College are tax deductible under the applicable sections of the Internal Revenue Code.
What are matching gifts?
Many companies will match a gift that you make to the College. If you or your spouse work for a matching gift company, you could double your gift to Meredith College. Contact your personnel office to see if your company makes matching gifts or check online.
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Why does the College need my support when tuition prices have risen?
On average, the actual cost for a student to attend Meredith is $3,000 more than the cost of tuition. The Meredith Fund helps to bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of a student attending the College.
Which is more important, the size of my gift or the fact that I participate in giving?
When it comes to the act of giving—all gifts are important. Meredith appreciates all gifts and values your support. Donor participation is a powerful indication of the strength of a college.
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Why is donor participation a powerful indication of the strength of a college?
Donor participation affects Meredith College's ranking in publications such as the "U.S. News & World Report." This publication is widely read by prospective students and their families. Corporations and foundations also look at alumnae participation to decide if Meredith is an institution that they would like to support.
Why do you call me every year?
Meredith College students enjoy the opportunity to connect with alumnae. They are calling not only to ask for your support, and to update your records but to speak with you about your Meredith experience and to tell you about exciting things happening on campus. Our students enjoy talking with you and we hope you enjoy talking with them as well.
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Alumnae are invited to Meredith every year for Alumnae Reunion Weekend. Classes celebrate an official reunion every five years. During the weekend of May 18th, 2007 classes that end with an eight or a two return to campus to renew friendships and reconnect with Meredith College. Many alumnae make special gifts to the College during their reunion year to help their class win the Reunion Class Challenge. The class that gives the largest amount in gifts to the College is invited to a brunch with President Maureen Hartford at the Massey House. They also have their name engraved in a special plaque that hangs in the Mae Grimmer Alumnae House. This year the class of 1957 won the challenge by giving more than $230,000. We would like to thank all classes that participated in the challenge this year. We enjoyed having you back on campus!
Click here to view this year's class goals and giving totals
Golden Anniversary Gifts
The fiftieth year reunion class is recognized during reunion weekend. All alumnae gifts made since their forty-fifth reunion will be included in the Golden Anniversary Gift. Last year, the Class of 1957 had accumulative gifts and pledges of over $360,000.
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Jane Ives Mitchell
Director of The Meredith Fund
mitchelj@meredith.edu
Phone: (919) 760-8060
Jean S. Gambrill
Assistant Director of The Meredith Fund
gambrillj@meredith.edu
Phone: (919) 760-8392
Aline Washington
Phonathon Coordinator
washingt@meredith.edu
Phone: (919) 760-8041
The Meredith Fund Office:
Phone: (919) 760-8060
Fax: (919) 760-2818
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