What do promoting and maintaining campus beautification, scholarships, financial aid and updating technology have in common? The Annual Fund. This unrestricted fund raises money for not only the campus, but also the students involved in clubs and organizations.

According to Kara Brennan, the director of the President’s Club and Annual Giving, “The money raised for the Annual Fund goes to where the need is greatest, rather than to a specific project for Iona.” For example, the Annual Fund provided for the Fed Challenge and the Mock Trial team, and in doing so, they directly supported the success of the students.

Matthew Baker, valedictorian for the Class of 2011 and a member of the Fed Challenge said, “Many activities and opportunities across campus are made possible by the supplemental operating funds gathered through the Annual Fund. It allows students to get more for their cost of attendance, which brings obvious value.” By providing learning experiences for students, the Annual Fund has become one of the leading forefronts for financially supporting students throughout campus.

The majority of the contributions come from alumni, but donations are received from campus community, such as the faculty and staff, parents and friends of the College and the leadership donor society, The President’s Club. The benefactors of the President’s Club generously donate annual gifts of $1,000 or more. Leadership gifts make an immediate impact for students and account for $900,000 in gifts in the last fiscal year. Students, especially those who are graduating, are encouraged to involve themselves with the Annual Fund, which is made possible through the class gift program. Students’ generosity accounts for $10,000 of funds raised by the Annual Fund.

These generous gifts are raised by those helped most from the funds: the students. Though the Annual Fund staff consists of a professional team, it is the dedicated group of 32 student callers who work at the Phonathon. Every night from Monday to Thursday, students at the Phonathon call parents, friends and alumni to update their contact information, update them with news from campus and ask for support. Instead of having a generic answering service call potential donors, students make personalized calls, taking alumni back to their college years when they walked past the Ginkgo tree before going to class. Moreover, most of the student callers are financially supported through scholarships or financial aid, so donors are directly connected with the recipients of their pledges.

Brennan said that providing gifts back to the College “supports the success of our students. Contributing to the Annual Fund is a way for our constituents to give back and say ‘thank you’ for their experiences at Iona.” A certain memory, a positive influence from one of the Brothers, a memorable experience in a fraternity or sorority or sometimes even finding their spouse on campus are enough reasons for alumni to give back. Alumni are proud of their strong network amongst the Iona community, and “we are proud of the support we receive from parents who give because they are pleased with the education and student life programs their child has the opportunity to experience, and for that we are greatly appreciative. They are proud Iona parents,” said Brennan.

Furthermore, faculty and staff give “above and beyond their talents, and their support is a true testament to their belief in supporting success at Iona,” she added.

Kimberly Winfeld, an Annual Giving Associate, included that the “students who support us through the student class gift drive are just beginning their philanthropic support to Iona. Participation is such a key factor for us to receive grants and annual rankings in publications such as US News and World Report.”

Last year alone, the Annual Fund raised almost $1.3 million—that is $1.3 million for on-campus organizations that need money the most, the beautification around campus and of course, scholarships and financial aid. By providing learning experiences and opportunities for current students, alumni and parents give back to Iona College to continue the tradition of education, community and of course, fighting the good fight.