Did you know that Carleton’s Annual Fund has seven different designations which donors can direct their support?
Gifts to the Annual Fund touch nearly every aspect of life at Carleton. All of the College’s day-to-day needs — from student financial aid, to varsity and club athletics, to the latest technology and facilities — depend on Annual Fund gifts. Donors can specify where their contributions go, aligning with areas they’re most passionate about and college’s core priorities.
Here’s a look into those designations, and what all they make possible for current and future students:
Financial Aid
Donors can make a Carleton education more accessible by directing their gifts to scholarships, reducing the financial burden on students. Gifts to Financial Aid makes Carleton possible for students from all backgrounds—removing barriers for outstanding students who deserve a place at Carleton, regardless of family income.
Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (IDE)
Carleton aspires to be a truly supportive and inclusive environment for every student, faculty, and staff member, and is committed to making bold, meaningful efforts to achieve this goal. Gifts to the Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity (IDE) designation are an avenue for alumni to support Carleton’s commitment to providing an inclusive, equitable experience for all community members.
Learning & Teaching
Gifts to Learning and Teaching support the core mission of Carleton: creating an exceptional academic experience that transforms lives in the true liberal arts tradition. These contributions ensure that Carleton is able to attract and retain outstanding faculty whose passion and priority is teaching, repeatedly earning our institution a #1 ranking in undergraduate teaching from U.S News & World Report!
Multicultural Alumni Network (MCAN) Fellows
The MCAN Fellows Program has been helping multicultural Carleton students pursue experiential learning opportunities since 2007. This designation provides financial support for students undertaking internships, research experiences, or other field-based opportunities in fields that offer no compensation or compensation lower than the pro-rated equivalent of entry-level salary.
Life & Career
Life and Career funds help to enrich the student experience with an enormous range of support services and opportunities, including community volunteer programs, health services, the Career Center, vibrant residential life, and student clubs and events. These programs allow students to explore their world and celebrate their many and diverse interests—all while building skills and character that will benefit them after graduation.
Carleton Athletic Initiative
Offering quality and competitive athletics programs and facilities requires a substantial financial commitment, and gifts to the Carleton Athletic Initiative supports the highest quality athletic experience for students, supplementing the budget of the physical education and recreation department. Whether it’s a varsity team going for glory in the MIAC Championships, one of the Ultimate Frisbee teams competing at the DI or DIII College National Championships, or Carls simply participating in individual or team sports to play and engage with friends, athletics play a special part in the lives of Carleton students.
Areas of Greatest Need
Gifts to Areas of Greatest Need supports Carleton’s top priorities throughout the year. By entrusting us with a gift in this unrestricted category, it empowers the college to respond to issues and opportunities across campus—whatever they are and whenever they arise.
Carleton’s Alumni Annual Fund gift designations go beyond mere contributions; they embody the college’s values of innovation, excellence, and accessibility. By allowing donors to direct their gifts to areas close to their hearts, Carleton empowers alumni to influence the college’s future. Through these designations, Carleton and its community continue to flourish, inspiring generations to come.
Gifts to any of these designations count towards your Annual Fund gift for the fiscal year, as well as towards any participation or dollar goals your class may have. For more information about the Alumni Annual Fund and its gift designations, head over to the Annual Giving page.