Updated February 9, 2012
Why is the Trinity College Fund (TCF) designated as the campaign’s highest priority?
There are two connected reasons for that priority designation. First, the TCF provides eight percent of each year’s College budget (up from five percent a decade ago). Imagine a Trinity that had eight percent less to spend. That would impact scholarships, academics, athletics, and virtually every important element of Trinity.
Second, the TCF gives every donor, regardless of his or her capacity to give, an opportunity to be a stakeholder in Trinity’s excellence. Large gifts are always great to receive, and they often get public acknowledgement. But we get thousands of gifts that are $25, $50, or $100. They amount to several million dollars yearly. We value all donors at every level. Supporting the TCF gives every donor a chance to make a tangible difference right now, today.
Why are alumni and parent gift participation rates so important?
The giving percentages of alumni and parents, respectively, are a tangible index of both pride and satisfaction. Equally important, those indices tell interested outside observers of Trinity that members of the Trinity family care deeply about the College and its values. And on the alumni side, whether or not we like the college rankings by U.S. News and World Report, the participation rate is in its calculus in rating colleges.
How has the campaign been affected by recent upheavals in the financial markets?
The economic issues that beset all of us, beginning in 2008, certainly had an impact on our campaign progress, as they did on fundraising efforts of colleges and universities nationwide. However, as of February 1, 2012, the Cornerstone Campaign has exceeded $268.4 million in gifts and pledges, towards our June 30, 2012 target of $300 million. The Trinity College Fund achieved a record $9.065 million in gifts in FY11. Members of the Trinity family have a passion for Trinity and its mission. Key benefactors continue to invite dialogue on their philanthropy to Trinity and how they can impact teaching and learning.
How have the campus improvement goals of the current campaign been revised? What are the short-term plans?
Rebuilding and enhancing our campus continues to be a major element of the Cornerstone Campaign. We plan to raise $20 million in private philanthropy to update academic buildings and classrooms so that we can deliver a technologically advanced academic experience, especially in the arts and sciences. Currently, our efforts are focused on raising $5 million for a new music rehearsal and performance center, and $3.5 million for a new, state-of-the-art neurosciences suite of labs and offices. Also, discussions are evolving for how to renovate and invigorate the Austin Arts Center to help the performing and visual arts play an even more important role at Trinity. For the latest on campus improvement goals and progress, please watch for the next issue of our Cornerstone Campaign newsletter, the Chronicle, posted on our Campaign News and Celebrations page.
Are there new needs emerging or chronic needs that continue to demand gift-giving attention?
Given Trinity’s resource base, the College continues to grapple with having enough financial aid to meet the demonstrated needs of current and future students. Our 36 percent rate of students on need-based financial aid ranks us in the bottom three among NESCAC institutions. New financial aid gifts will always be a high priority. Read more about our financial aid initiative.
On the other hand, providing new resources for Career Services is an emerging need. That is a chronically underfunded area taking on more importance for students and their families. Read more about Career Services as a campaign priority.
How much is Trinity’s endowment?
As of December 31, 2011, Trinity’s endowment had grown to $399.7 million.
What is the Legacy Campaign and how does it relate to the Cornerstone Campaign?
The Legacy Campaign, chaired by former Trinity Trustee Raymond E. Joslin '58, with vice-chairs Joanne E. Johnson '79 and Rodney D. Day '62, P '85, is an important complement to the Cornerstone Campaign. The Legacy Campaign is focused on the many estate-planning provisions made by alumni, parents, and friends of Trinity. Since its launch in July 2006, $69.6 million in bequest intentions have been documented.
For more information about the Legacy Campaign, please contact Eve Forbes, director of gift planning, (860) 297-5353 or eve.forbes@trincoll.edu. Or visit Gift Planning.