Aquinas Development Program ::
Annual Giving FAQ
What is the annual fund?
Tuition and fees do not cover the full cost of an Aquinas College education. The annual fund covers the day-to-day expenses at the College and helps bridge the gap between tuition and the actual costs of educating each student. Tuition only covers 76% of a student's cost, the remainder comes from the annual fund and earnings from the general endowment. More than 86% of our students receive financial aid.
What does the annual fund support?
The unrestricted funds from the annual fund have an impact across campus. The annual fund helps bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the actual costs of educating our students. More than 86% of our students receive some form of financial assistance and this is made possible through your support of the annual fund.
Investing in professional development is one of the best ways to impact the instructional program and to attract and retain the best faculty. The faculty has a great impact on the quality of the education of an Aquinas College student. Your gift affords our faculty the opportunities to learn and grow in order to enhance their skills.
Your gift to the annual fund also permits technology upgrades that give students access to the world of information beyond the campus.
Why should I support the annual fund?
The annual fund provides critical dollars for the daily operating expenses and priorities such as financial aid. Contributing to the annual fund is perhaps the easiest and most important thing you can do to help the College.
Every gift counts, whether large or small. Even a small increase in the percent of participation can have a big impact in securing additional gifts. When seeking grants from foundations they want to know that Aquinas College is widely supported by its own alumni, parents, faculty and staff.
When does the annual fund take place?
The annual fund drive runs concurrently with the fiscal year, July 1 through June 30.
Why doesn't the College just raise the tuition if tuition alone does not cover the cost of educating each student?
If the tuition were raised to cover the full cost it would exclude many talented students from our College.
Does Aquinas College have recognition levels for gifts to the annual fund?
Yes. Aquinas College is grateful for the generosity of all benefactors. The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation remember all benefactors in their daily prayers.
The College has various giving levels for the Aquinas College annual fund. Major donors are honored for their genorisity every May at the Evening of Excellence Dinner. All donors are also recognized in an annual report for gifts made in the July 1- June 30 fiscal year.
| Aquinas Society | |
|---|---|
| Platinum | $500,000 + |
| Gold | $250,000 - $499,999 |
| Silver | $100,000 - $249,999 |
| Caritas Circle | |
| Friend | $50,000 - $99,999 |
| Patron | $25,000 - $49,999 |
| Fellow | $10,000 - $24,999 |
| Veritas Circle | |
| Ambassador | $5,000 - $9,999 |
| Advocate | $2,500 - $4,999 |
| Associate | $1,000 - $2,499 |
| Dominican Cross Club | $500 - $999 |
| The Torch Club | $250 - $499 |
| Cavalier Club | $100 - $249 |
| Blue and Gold Club | Gifts under $100 |
What is a matching gift?
A matching gift is an employer-sponsored program to encourage philanthropy among company employees in support of their chosen charity or organization. The matching gift program enables many donors to increase the impact of their contributions as most companies will match dollar for dollar, and some will double or triple match employee gifts.
Did you know?
Annual fund donations help make up the difference between tuition and what an education actually costs. Monies from the annual fund not only help keep tuition down but also fund new equipment and ensure that quality faculty are available to students.