Do you have questions about Northwestern’s Senior Class Gift program? Here are some of the ones we get asked the most.
Where does my money go?
The great thing about the Class of 2025 Gift is that your money goes wherever you want it to go! Were you part of a fantastic student group? Did you enjoy doing research on campus? Do you have a favorite academic department? Is there a project at Northwestern you’re passionate about? Perfect! You can direct your gift to that department, program, or project.
Why should I make my Class of 2025 Gift?
There are a ton of reasons to give, but here are just a few of our favorites:
- 1. To honor what we love about Northwestern. Now is our chance to pay tribute to professors, classes, or student activities that have shaped our lives forever.
- 2. To commemorate four incredible years. By making a gift, we celebrate our Northwestern journeys from Wildcat Welcome to Cheers on the Lakefill.
- 3. To keep Northwestern a top school. Alumni gifts, including senior gifts, positively impact national rankings, enhancing the value of our degrees.
- 4. To lead the way for future Wildcats. We can help ensure that future students have their own memorable Northwestern experiences.
- 5. It all adds up! The Class of 2024 Gift was made up of over 1,380 seniors contributing to over 300 different areas of NU.
- 6. To support those who follow in our footsteps. Our contribution help fund resources and opportunities that make Northwestern a place where all students can thrive.
- 7. We like to have fun. As a Class of 2025 donor, you'll be invited to exclusive events and networking opportunities throughout the spring quarter, including Cheers on the Lakefill, Picture Perfect, and more!
- 8. We want to make a statement. How and where we allocate our funds sends a powerful message to our peers and Northwestern about what we valued most during our time at NU.
- 9. To build a stronger community. Our contributions help create a vibrant, inclusive Northwestern community by supporting programs and initiatives that bring Wildcats together, both on campus and beyond.
- 10. Our name will go down in history. Whether it’s the online honor roll, the honor roll listed in the Graduation Edition of The Daily, or the digital honor roll displayed in Norris, our support for an NU cause in our senior year will be forever remembered.
Whatever the reason, giving to our Class of 2025 Gift is the perfect way to leave our mark on the University and start our new chapter as NU alumni. Don’t wait— make your gift today.
What exactly is the Northwestern Annual Fund?
The Northwestern Annual Fund is made up of many gifts, ranging from $1 to $100,000, that are used immediately. They are used at the discretion of the University's President and can go to things like financial aid, faculty recruitment, and even installing wifi in academic buildings. Schools and colleges have their own annual funds that the deans use at their discretion. Learn more about the Annual Funds.
How do I participate in the Class of 2025 Gift?
It’s easy—all you have to do is make a gift to any Northwestern fund. As long as you are a senior, it will be counted towards our Class of 2025 Gift goal. If you give by graduation, you will be recognized as a Class of 2025 Gift donor. Once you make your gift, you will receive exclusive swag and receive donor recognition on the digital donor wall in Norris and in the Daily graduation edition newspaper.
How does giving have an impact on Northwestern?
Tuition covers approximately 70 percent of the total cost of educating a Northwestern undergraduate student. That means the University relies on generous donors to help fill the gap. When you give back, you help Northwestern continue to provide excellent academic experiences, develop groundbreaking research, and much more. Also, a school’s alumni giving participation rate is one of the measures used to calculate national college rankings. So the greater the percentage of alumni (including seniors!) who give to Northwestern, the more it positively affects the University’s ranking. Read Impact Stories.
What is a leadership gift?
A leadership gift for seniors and young alumni (those who received undergraduate degrees within the last four years) is a gift of $120 or more. Giving at this level qualifies you for membership in the Northwestern University Leadership Circle. Find out more about benefits of Leadership Circle membership.
What is NU Loyal?
We hope your contribution to the Class of 2025 is just the first of many gifts to Northwestern, and now there’s even more reason to make a gift every year — NU Loyal recognizes those who make a gift to Northwestern every fiscal year. As a special benefit to seniors, if you make a gift during your Class Gift campaign, you will automatically become a member of NU Loyal at the Bronze level. Membership levels are based on consecutive years of giving and entitle you to exclusive benefits.
How can I help?
Make your online gift today! Spread the word to your Class of 2025 friends!
All right, you convinced me. How and where can I give?
Great! You can give to any Northwestern fund through two options.
- Give online
- If you would like to speak with someone from our office and give over the phone with a credit card, you can call us at 800-222-5603 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m CST.). Be sure to make your gift by graduation. The sooner you give, the more opportunities you will have to be involved in fun events and receive recognition for your generous gift! Thanks in advance for your support.