S4TPF Frequently Asked Questions
“Why should I give to The Penn Fund?”
This is an opportunity to show gratitude for the support we have all received. Making a gift is a vote of confidence for the University and the administration. Annual gifts represent the unity and pride of each graduating class. Maintain the value of a Penn degree on the ground and in the national rankings by giving back what you can.
The largest area of support from The Penn Fund is financial aid. In the 2007-2008 academic year, Penn provided financial assistance to 55% of undergraduate students.
“Penn already has enough money.”
The University’s overall endowment is ranked at number 9 when not taking into account the per student ratio. Remarkably, Penn’s endowment per student is currently ranked much lower, 61st in the country. We must do more with less to maintain our top-ranked education and experience.
“I paid tuition in full.”
Only 70% of the cost of a Penn education is covered by tuition even before a student applies for financial assistance. The remaining 30% of the cost of education is supported in part by gifts from alumni and friends of the University. Even those that pay in-full benefit from tuition subsidization.
“I did not receive (enough) financial aid. “
Less than 20% of Penn’s financial aid is supported by the endowment, lower than every other Ivy League school. Nevertheless, students eligible for need-based aid can now graduate debt-free through loan-free packages. Gifts from alumni—regardless of the financial aid packages that they may have received as students—are what make this possible. With your continued support, Penn’s financial aid can continue to expand, ensuring affordability for any admitted student.
“How do I make my gift?”
Gift forms are with every committee member and at Seniors for The Penn Fund events. Gifts can also be made online: www.alumni.upenn.edu/pennfund/giving
“What is a recurrent gift?”
We are reliant on the loyal contributions of our friends and alumni. For ease and gift assurance, seniors are encouraged to promise their continued giving through a recurrent credit card gift. To emphasize the importance of continued giving, the Class of 2009 is taking part in “Sign with O-Nine,” an initiative to secure the next four years of promised support from 25% of the class donors.
“What is a Unity Gift?”
Seniors are eligible to receive a commemorative class T-shirt with Unity Gifts of $20.09 or more as a sign of class pride and commitment to The Penn Fund’s mission.
“What is the Benjamin Franklin Society?”
Young-alumni donors join the Benjamin Franklin Society (BFS) with leadership gifts of $250 or more, recognizing their exceptional support.
"Am I a member of the Ivy Stone Society?"
Yes, if you have made a gift to Seniors for The Penn Fund. Every senior who makes their first gift to The Penn Fund is automatically a member of the Ivy Stone Society, the Penn Fund's loyal giving recognition society. You can renew this member every year out with a gift of any amount to The Penn Fund. The fiscal year is July 1 - June 30.
Get Involved
If you would like to volunteer for Seniors for The Penn Fund, please contact dvorit@upenn.edu
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