A Community of Philanthropy

Purpose and Passion: The Campaign for Earlham is a community effort, and that community would not exist without the College's exceptional students. Students on campus today are more aware of Earlham's fundraising efforts than at any time in recent memory, thanks to programs and events designed to increase that awareness, and highlight the importance of philanthropy at Earlham.

As happens each school year, a committee of seniors organized their class to support the Senior Gift, the College's annual student-driven philanthropic program. This year's goal of $8,500 was reached and will be directed toward the sustainable energy project at Miller Farm — a cause that is very dear to the students' hearts.

"I think students would like to help the College," Sarah McDermott '09 said. "Any amount can help Earlham. I think the Senior Gift is an important way for our class to thank the College for our time here and a way to give back."

In addition to the Senior Gift, seniors had another opportunity to begin a donor relationship with the College. Beginning with the 2008 class, seniors were invited to participate in the EC4 initiative. EC4 asks students to make a gift to the Senior Gift, and then establish a pledge schedule for giving to the College for the four years immediately following graduation. Currently, participation in the program has increased 800% over last year.

Students learn about Earlham as a philanthropic cause in other ways as well. In February, the Institutional Advancement Office introduced Purpose and Passion: The Campaign for Earlham to the student body by sponsoring a campus-wide study break. The event — a moment for students and faculty to take a breather and enjoy some food — allowed Earlham students to ask questions about the campaign priorities, learn what the campaign means for them and discover how they might be able to help the effort.

On March 10, the campus celebrated a new tradition: End-of-Tuition Day. Currently, student tuition accounts for a large percentage of Earlham's annual capital and the remainder is supported by philanthropic funds — donor gifts, Earlham's endowment and private grants. This symbolic day represents the moment when tuition funds stop paying for the day-to-day expenses of the College and philanthropic funds begin their support. Staff passed out grab-and-go breakfast items and spoke with students about philanthropy at Earlham, all in the name of improving student fundraising awareness.

Finally, the annual "Bond Around the Heart" ice cream social took place in April. This event is named after Byron Bond, a direct descendant of Quaker pioneers, who directed that his entire estate go to the Wayne County Foundation for the benefit of Earlham College. When asked how he wanted to designate his money, he is reported to have replied "I don't care how Earlham uses the money. They can buy ice cream for the students if they like." Although the majority of Bond's gift funds student scholarships, Earlham uses this ice cream social to promote philanthropy to Earlham's students.