The Campaign for St. John's College

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I usually support the college by making a gift to the Annual Fund. Will that count toward the campaign goal?

A: Yes! Most alumni, parents, and friends will contribute to the campaign through the Annual Fund, which is an essential component of the campaign. While gifts to the endowment create a reserve of money that supplies a steady stream of income over time, the Annual Fund provides an immediate boost to the college's annual budget. Because the Annual Fund and the campaign goals overlap: financial aid, faculty salaries, improvements to student services, funding for the libraries and other academic resources, they work in tandem and count toward one combined goal of $125MM.

All gifts to the Annual Fund through 2008 (and pledges through 2012) will count toward the campaign goal. Here is something important you should know: every dollar contributed to the Annual Fund carries the same investment "weight" as a $20 gift to the endowment. This is because the endowment draw remains at 5%, whereas the Annual Fund gift is used in its entirety within that fiscal year.

Q: Can I designate my gift for a specific purpose in the campaign?

A. Yes. There are many projects that are part of the larger campaign goal. Please review the campaign page that lists the projects. If you wish to designate your gift to a particular aspect of the general endowment (financial aid, faculty salaries, student internships, etc.), you may do so by noting this assignment when you make your gift. Or, you may call the Advancement Offices. In Annapolis, call (410) 295-5554 and speak with Vice President Barbara Goyette. In Santa Fe, call (505) 984- 6101, and speak with Vice President James W. Osterholt.

Q: How can I make a pledge?

A: There are a couple of ways to make a pledge. You may make a pledge by sending something in writing that outlines your pledge with your first installment. Be sure to include the following information:

  • the total amount of your pledge, the length (5 years maximum is preferred) and the preferred number of payments each year that you would like to make
  • the method of payment (check, credit card, EFT, payroll deduction, etc.) so that the college staff can send timely reminders or, in the case of electronic and credit payment methods, credit and process your installment in a timely fashion.
  • Or, if you prefer to make your pledge by phone, in Annapolis, call Stefanie Takacs, Director of Annual Giving at (410) 626-2534 or e-mail: Stefanie.Takacs@sjca.edu For a gift to Santa Fe, call Nicholas Giacona, Director of Advancement Services at (505) 984-6195 or e-mail: NGiacona@sjcsf.edu

Q: What is the minimum amount necessary to establish an endowment?

A: The minimum to start an endowment is $10,000. St. John's draws 5% annually from endowment to use for operations.

Q: Who manages the college's endowment, and what is the annual return?

A: The endowment is overseen by the Investment Committee of the Board of Visitors and Governors. It is highly diversified and different segments are managed independently by portfolio managers.

Q: What are the college current operating expenses and sources of revenue, excluding gifts to the campaign?

A: The current sources of revenue and operating expenses for fiscal year 2006-2007 are each $42.3MM. Please see the "Annual Fund" page and scroll down for more details. The expenses covered through the Annual Fund are the same subtotal percentages as in the college operating budget.

Q: Do matching gifts make that much of a difference?

A: Yes! Many employers will match an employee's charitable gifts 1:1, and some even provide a 2:1 match. So, before you make your gift, check the Matching Gifts web page for a convenient electronic search of companies that provide for matching charitable contributions. Make sure to make the most of your giving potential!

Q: When does the campaign end?

A: The active phase of the campaign runs through 2008. Pledges that are made through fiscal year 2008 can be paid off through fiscal year 2012.

Q: What is the goal and how are the funds allocated by campus and category?

A: The campaign goal is $125 million, which covers the following priorities:

  • $36.5MM in endowment and Annual Fund contributions for student priorities: need-based financial aid, improved student services, funded internship opportunities, and grants for teachers to attend the Graduate Institute
  • $39MM in endowment and Annual Fund gifts to raise faculty salaries to the median of peer institutions, increase faculty development opportunities, improve program-related instructional materials, and ensure excellent library collections, lab equipment, and improved IT infrastructure
  • $49.5MM for capital building projects on both campuses. These include:
  • New dorm complex in Santa Fe
  • Two new dorms in Annapolis (completed)
  • Renovations to older dorms in Annapolis
  • Addition and renovation of Evans Science Lab
  • Renovation of Mellon Hall (completed)
  • Santa Fe Initiative for immediate repairs and improvements to Santa Fe physical plant
  • Santa Fe Graduate Institute center (funded) and auditorium

Q: How much has been raised?

A: As of December 31, 2007, $125 million has been raised.

Q: Will this be the last campaign?

A: As the college continues to strengthen its endowment and ability to offer an exceptional education that is comparable in costs to our peer institutions, there will undoubtedly be another campaign in the future. "With a Clear and Single Purpose": The Campaign for St. John's College seeks to address more immediate needs and to move both campuses closer to the optimum environments that the students and faculty need.

Q: Does my gift really matter, even though it seems small to me?

A: Absolutely! Every dollar contributed to St. John's College makes a difference. And, alumni participation in giving, in particular, is viewed by potential funders as a telling sign that alumni believe in the mission of their alma mater.

Whenever you support St. John's in accordance with your financial means, then you are giving a significant gift!

Q: Can I make a gift through monthly payments?

A: Yes. This is easy to do. To set up monthly payments to Annapolis, call Stefanie Takacs, Director of Annual Giving at (410) 626-2534 or e-mail: Stefanie.Takacs@sjca.edu. For monthly payments to Santa Fe, call Nicholas Giacona, Director of Advancement Services at (505) 984-6195 or e-mail: NGiacona@sjcsf.edu

Q: How do I include the college in my estate plans or will?

A: It is never too early to consider including St. John's College in your estate planning. It is important to notify the college of your plans, so that appropriate acknowledgement of your gift can be expressed in your lifetime.