According to Pat Nicholson, National Chair of the Fund, "the $1.1 million raised this past year "means that Teachers College will be able to support new and existing programs and research as if it had the use of the return on a $20 million endowment."

What is important about the most recent level of giving is that it sends a powerful message about the ability of the Fund to meet its $6.9 million goal in the Campaign for Teachers College. Momentum is building.

To discuss the role of the Fund in the Campaign, the editors interviewed Joseph Brosnan, Ed.D., Vice President for Development and External Affairs.

Q: How does the Fund relate to the Campaign?
A: The Teachers College Fund is part of the Campaign. Indeed, it is a critical part, representing $6.9 million of the $140 million total goal. That amounts to an average of $1.38 million a year over the five-year period of the Campaign.
Q: What are some examples of how the funds have been allocated?
A: Unrestricted funds have been the source of support for scholarships for deserving students, faculty development and research, faculty recruitment, technological innovations, and cutting edge education programs.
Q: What is the rationale for incorporating the Fund as part of the Campaign?
A: First of all, we need operating funds during the course of the Campaign. In that sense, the Fund functions as a source of ongoing support. More than that, it establishes higher expectations of unrestricted giving going directly to the Fund.
Q: How is the College encouraging donors to contribute to both the Fund and the Campaign?
A: In two different ways. One way is from our lead donors, those giving $25,000 and above. What we ask is that they divide their gifts between campaign projects and annual fund purposes. For example, if a contributor is prepared to make a $2 million gift, we would recommend that $1.75 million of that amount go for campaign projects and $250,000 be directed to the Fund. Both would count as gifts to the Campaign.
Q: And, the second way?
A: We would encourage current contributors to the Fund to substantially increase their gifts. And, we would seek out non-givers to initiate participation in the Fund. However much is contributed in this fashion would be considered a commitment to the Campaign through the Fund. If, previously, donors have given us $1,000 a year, we'd like them to increase that amount. If it is a $100 annual donation, we might request an increase to $200. It is that extra commitment we are seeking. For those who haven't given at all, we'd emphasize that the purposes of the Campaign are sufficiently compelling to begin a record of giving to the Fund.
Q: What are your expectations for meeting the Teachers College Fund goal?
A: Over the past several years we have seen dramatic increases in contributions to the Fund. We have to underscore how important discretionary funds are to the future of Teachers College. Not only does this support provide us with the financial stability to keep costs in check but the resources to pursue untested but creative possibilities.

Ways of Giving