The Meredith Fund
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A Greener Year...Brought to you by The Meredith Fund
This year The Meredith Fund is going greener in conjunction with the campus theme for the 2008-2009 academic year of “Sustaining our Environment: Developing our Greenprint”. Going green is not just about saving the environment; it is about utilizing our resources and being mindful of the way we live our life. The Meredith Fund is working to become greener as well. When you give to The Meredith Fund you can trust that your money is going to the most pressing needs on campus. This year we will be utilizing email and other non paper means of communication to help save on administrative costs. Below, please find ways that you can help The Meredith Fund go green:
Update your email address with the College by contacting Jane Mitchell at mitchelj@meredith.edu or (919) 760-8060.
Make your gift by December 31, 2008. By making your gift at the beginning of the year you will receive fewer mailings throughout the year and will save our office postage costs.
If you usually make your gift in the spring, make a pledge now. You won’t have to fulfill your pledge until the usual time but will avoid receiving mailings. We will simply email or send you a reminder in the spring.
Make a recurring gift online. You can make a gift of $20 a month and greatly impact Meredith without it feeling too cumbersome. You will not have to waste any of your checks and will save on postage.
These are just a couple of ways you can help The Meredith Fund "Go Green" this year.
This year the Meredith Fund has a goal of $770,000. Last year, we raised $116,957 from alumnae that gave between $100 and $250 to Meredith. Each gift really does make a difference and is a testament to what many people working together can accomplish. Please consider making a gift to The Meredith Fund today to ensure that other bright women are able to have the Meredith experience.
Please 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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