Frequently Asked Questions

Q What is the Annual Fund, and why should I give?

A The Annual Fund is the cornerstone of philanthropic support at Lewis & Clark: An Annual Fund gift supports our students, faculty, and programs and is the most direct way to make a positive impact on the educational experience.

Your gift goes to work immediately to help provide financial aid, purchase resources for the library, and support travel budgets. Added together, Annual Fund gifts have a tremendous effect on our budget.

Q Doesn’t tuition cover expenses?

A Like nearly all colleges and universities, Lewis & Clark faces a gap between tuition income and expenses. If we increased tuition to fill that gap, fewer students would be able to afford the excellent education we provide. Your Annual Fund gift supports the distinctive educational experiences that define Lewis & Clark and makes them accessible to a broad range of students.

Q Can I make a gift in honor of someone?

A Yes! Quite a few alumni make gifts in honor of a classmate, spouse, or fondly remembered faculty member. You may also make your gift in memory of someone. Without referencing amount, we will notify the honored individual or the family that your gift was made.

Q What are matching gifts, and will my employer match my gift?

A Many companies match the charitable contributions of their employees. In this way, the impact of your gift to Lewis & Clark may be doubled or even tripled.
To have your gift matched, request a matching gift form from your human resources department, complete what’s necessary, and send it along to us with your gift. We’ll take it from there. If you don’t know whether or not your company has a matching gift program, you can visit the Matching Gifts page.

Q I can afford a small gift. Will that really help?

A Absolutely!  Your gift matters. A gift of any size directly supports our students and faculty, and your gift says that you believe in Lewis & Clark. Some foundations and other grant-making organizations look at giving participation rates when awarding grant requests. Your gift, viewed as a vote of confidence, could help us secure many more dollars in external funding.

Q I’d like to give $100, but right now I can manage only $25 a month. Can I give a gift over time?

A Of course! Giving incrementally is easy. Just let us know how much you want to pledge, how much you are giving now, and what you would like to give in the future. You can do this via credit card—and tell us what month and day to charge the payments—or you can send a check each month. It’s up to you.

Q What is the Leadership Society?

A The Leadership Society provides increased giving level recognition for donors of $1,000 or more. Leadership Society members enjoy an annual gathering with the president and trustees as well as the knowledge that they are at the forefront of Lewis & Clark’s cornerstone fund-raising project, the Annual Fund.

Q What if I have more questions?

A We love questions! Just e-mail Stephen LeBoutillier director of annual giving, at sgl@lclark.edu or give him a call at 503-768-7940.