Did you know that tuition only pays for one third of the actual cost of a College of Charleston education? I bet you are asking where the other two thirds come from? You’re right, operating budget is one source, but the means to bridge the gap comes from the thousands of individual gifts from parents like you!
The Parents’ Fund will launch this spring as a special giving program for parents of current and past students, as part of the College of Charleston Fund. It is the primary channel for you to support the College of Charleston and make a direct impact on your student’s education experience.
Trish Steiner, parent of Brianne ’07, says, “My husband, Mo, and I want to thank the College of Charleston for giving her the foundation to go on to law school. We continue to support [it] even years after she has graduated to give current students the same transformative opportunities she had.”
Students, faculty and alumni all benefit from the support of the Parents’ Fund. “Gifts from parents ensure students receive a transformative and personalized College of Charleston education. With a gift, parents support student research and new opportunities that encourage self-confidence and personal achievement,” explains Amanda Weingarten, assistant director of parent giving programs.
Gifts to the Parents’ Fund also support leadership, service-learning and volunteer opportunities that prepare students for today’s workforce; and support our exceptional faculty focused on their student’s success in and out of the classroom.
The Parents’ Fund, which is championed by members of the Parent Advisory Council, has a goal of $500,000. Last year, parents contributed 40% of the money raised through annual gifts. The Office of Alumni Relations calculates 70% of alumni to be under the age of 40, so the philanthropic support of parents is critical to maintaining College of Charleston’s place as one of the best small public schools in the nation. View the full Parade Magazine College A-List article.
For more information about the Parents’ Fund contact Amanda Weingarten at weingartena@cofc.edu or 843.953.3667.