Annual Fund FAQs

Why are unrestricted gifts so important?
An unrestricted gift is a powerful form of support, as it can be put toward wherever the need is greatest. Your unrestricted Annual Fund gift can aid all areas of the College—from supporting student scholarships to funding co-curricular programming.

Why do I receive a call from the College every year?
The Dolphin Dialers calling initiative gives current students an opportunity to talk to alums and thank donors personally for their previous support of the College, while encouraging them to continue their generosity. Dolphin Dialers also share College news and information about campus events. Your annual phone call is a great way for you to let the Office of Alumnae/i Relations and Giving know what you have been up to—including updating your address, phone numbers, emails, and employment information.

When is the College’s fiscal year?
The fiscal year runs every July 1 to June 30.

Is my gift tax deductible?
All Annual Fund gifts are fully tax deductible.

It’s my class reunion year. Does my gift to the Annual Fund count toward our class gift?
Yes! Many graduates choose to generously support the Annual Fund during their reunion years. Every gift you make to the Annual Fund counts toward your class gift total for Reunion Giving.

Who are the President’s Associates?
President’s Associates are donors committed to giving $1,000 or more to the College’s Annual Fund each year.

What is alumni participation?
Alumni participation is the number of graduates who support the College financially. It is a criteria used in the national rankings of colleges and universities. The alumni participation rate represents how many graduates contributed to the College out of the graduates who are considered solicitable. A high alumni participation rate is a clear indicator of former students’ satisfaction with their college experience and their desire to participate in the school’s future success.

Foundations and government agencies consider alumni participation rates when making major gifts to colleges and universities. Additionally, college guidebooks, such as U.S. News and World Report, use alumni giving rates as the sole criterion to assess alumni satisfaction when determining overall institutional ratings of quality. Your donation publicly demonstrates your pride in the College of Mount Saint Vincent and your investment in its future while adding value to your own degree. Your gift makes a difference.

Can I make a gift in memory or in honor of someone special?
Yes! A gift to the College of Mount Saint Vincent Annual Fund is a wonderful way to honor a loved one, and many alums choose to do so. When you send your gift, please indicate the full name of the person to be honored or memorialized and the name of anyone you would like to be notified of your gift. The person you honor or memorialize does not have to be a graduate of the College. Your gift will appear in the College’s Annual Report as a gift in honor or in memory with your name and the name of the honoree.

What are matching gifts?
Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by employees or retirees. This is a great way to double or even triple your Annual Fund gift. Your name will appear in the giving society that reflects the total amount of your gift plus the matching gift. Check with your employer’s Human Resources office to see if your company sponsors a matching gift program.

What are the Giving Societies?
Giving societies recognize the contributions of alumnae/i and friends of the Mount. Every gift is appreciated and helps the Mount maintain its exceptional academic and cocurricular programs.

For more information, please contact:

Kristin Yanniello
Director for Alumnae/i Relations and Giving
kristin.yanniello@mountsaintvincent.edu
(718) 405-3252

or

Nicole Quaranto
Assistant Director for Alumnae/i Relations and Giving
nicole.quaranto@mountsaintvincent.edu
(718) 405-3334