The Oberlin Alumni Fund » FAQ

What will my gift be used for?

Gifts to the Oberlin Alumni Fund support four broadly defined areas: scholarships, student life, teaching and learning, and the area of greatest need. All gifts made within those area are used to meet unexpected needs, provide budget relief, and address the College and Conservatory's highest priorities. For example, more than 87 percent of every dollar that is directed to the area of greatest need is used to fund student scholarships each year.

What is an "unrestricted" gift?

“Unrestricted” means that your gift will be used address Oberlin's highest priorities – scholarships, classroom resources, emergency maintenance. Unrestricted gifts go where they are most needed at the time they are made to maintain the quality of an Oberlin education. For this reason, we encourage donors to make unrestricted gifts to The Oberlin Alumni Fund’s Area of Greatest Need or to establish scholarships with the broadest possible selection criteria ("for a 'needy and worthy student'").

What does “participation” mean?

Participation is the percentage of alumni donors who make a gift (in any amount) to Oberlin during a given fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). Higher participation improves Oberlin’s placement in guidebooks such as the annual U.S. News & World Report College Rankings because participation is used to rate alumni satisfaction within the report.

I’d like to give to a specific program at Oberlin. How do I do that? And does that mean I've made a gift to the Alumni Fund?

Many programs and departments already have existing funds – in many cases, making your gift may be as simple as writing “Chemistry Department” or “Theater and Dance” on your pledge card or line c. of the online giving form. All departmental support funds, or program support funds like the Heisman Club, Friends of the Library, the senior class gift, or the Artist Recital Series, are restricted current-use gifts that are designed to be used for a specific purpose during the year they are received. Even though they are “restricted,” these gifts all count as dollars given to The Oberlin Alumni Fund -- because they are meant to be used within the fiscal year.

How are gifts from alumni spouse/partners/family members counted?

Gift credit for gifts from alumni spouses and partners is split equally between both givers unless otherwise requested. If the spouses are in a reunion cycle, any gifts made will be split equally between class gift totals.

Can I make monthly gifts?

Yes! You can easily make monthly gifts via our secure online gift form. You’ll also find a monthly giving option on The Oberlin Alumni Fund pledge card, sent out with all class agent mailings and in response to pledges made via the phoning program.

Can I use my American Express or Discover card to make a gift?

We currently are unable to accept American Express cards. We do, however, accept Visa, and Mastercard through our secure online gift form.

I want to make a gift in memory of/on behalf of someone. How do I do that?

Simply enclose a note with your gift letting us know that you’re making a memorial gift and/or a gift on behalf of someone. In the case of a memorial gift, please include the family's address (if you know it) so that we can notify them that a gift has been made in their loved one's memory. If you are making a gift on behalf of someone, please include the individual's name and address so that we can inform them of your gift. You may also make your gift online; the online giving form prompts you for all the necessary information.

Donors who make either a memorial gift or a gift on someone's behalf will receive a gift acknowledgement from our office.

I want to name Oberlin in my will – how can I do that?

Contact the Office of Gift Planning at (800) 693-3167 or (440) 775-8599 or gift.planning@oberlin.edu. They’ll be happy to assist you. For more details about making bequest gifts to Oberlin, click here.

I want to make a gift of stock – how can I do that?

Contact the Office of Gift Planning at (800) 693-3167 or (440) 775-8599 or gift.planning@oberlin.edu. They can provide you or your broker with the details needed to facilitate the transfer. Prior notice also allows Oberlin to more quickly and easily identify incoming gifts to ensure you receive proper credit. For more information on stock transfers, click here.