Record Year for The Meredith Fund 

The Meredith Fund, the College’s annual giving program, had a record-setting year with alumnae, students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends of the College supporting special class projects, initiatives, and the greatest needs of the College.

The Meredith Fund raised $2,418,578 – a 3.6% increase over the fiscal year 2019. The funds raised were the result of 12,561 gifts from 5,685 donors. Alumnae participation also increased to 20.5%.

In addition, $804,380 was raised for the greatest needs of the College. This fund was the focus during Meredith Mayhem, the annual alumnae competition in May and June each year. The Greatest Needs fund is essential to the financial health of the College. The unrestricted fund supports the immediate needs of the College, and the flexibility of these funds allows the College leadership to adapt to unforeseen circumstances due to the pandemic.

“Meredith Mayhem is completely focused on participation,” said Erin Cleghorn, director of the Meredith Fund. “It’s wonderful for the Class Gift Agents to see their classmates really come through and support the College, especially the Greatest Needs.”

The Meredith Fund is pleased to announce the winning classes for each decade:

• 2013 – 70 Donors
• 2001 – 87 Donors
• 1995 – 79 Donors
• 1982 – 112 Donors – The most of any class.
• 1975 – 94 Donors
• 1964 – 77 Donors
• 1954 – 38 Donors

View the final standings for all alumnae classes on the Meredith Mayhem website.

Other highlights of the year include Meredith College’s fifth annual Make It Count for Meredith Giving Day held February 25. The Meredith Fund raised $638,960 in 24 hours from a total of 2,392 donors exceeding the $500,000 fundraising goal by more than $135,000.

It is also a tradition at Meredith for the senior class to raise money to support a project on campus as a way to give back to their alma mater. This spring, after careful consideration of the current needs on campus, the senior class decided to raise money for the Student Emergency Fund for the Chaplain’s Office. The goal for the Class of 2020 was to replenish this fund to help students in need. The fundraising target was $2,020 and currently, the class has raised $3,991.60, far exceeding their goal.

For the second year in a row, faculty and staff showed their commitment by giving back to the College at a 75% participation rate – the highest percentage in the history of the College. Meredith parents and families also contributed $55,860 to the Parents Project, which supported Meredith Mentors.

“The last few months have been very challenging for everyone,” said Cleghorn. “It’s heartening to see so much support for Meredith even in these trying times. We are lucky to have such loyal alumnae and friends.”