What is the Annual Fund?

Support from alumni, parents and friends of Ripon strengthens the operating budget of the College. The Annual Fund provides funding for everything from scholarships and faculty salaries to library books and landscaping.

Ripon’s income from tuition, room and board and Endowment earnings does not cover all of the expenses incurred to provide a quality education for Ripon students. In fact, it never has for 150 years here at Ripon or at any private college. That is why the Annual Fund is so important.

Why does every gift make a difference?

In addition to supporting Ripon students, your gift is important because every gift, regardless of size, determines our giving percentage. Foundations and corporations look to this number as a measuring tool of satisfaction and often decide grants and other major gifts to the College based upon this percentage. In addition, U.S. News and World Report and other publications use our alumni giving percentage as a factor in their rankings. Your gift is a vote of confidence in Ripon’s educational program.

What is a matching gift?

Many corporations match their employee’s charitable giving efforts. You can pick up a matching gift form from your (or your spouse’s) human resources or personnel office. Please return this completed form with your gift to Ripon. To find out if your (or your spouse's) employer has a matching gift program, check here.

How can I make my gift?

1. Make it online at www.ripon.edu/gift. Visit our secure server and make your gift with your VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
2. Call us toll-free at (877) 231-0455 to make your gift or if you have any questions about making a gift.
3. Send your check to Ripon College Annual Fund, PO Box 248, Ripon, WI 54971-0248
4. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Call us at (877) 231-0455 to receive more information about making your gift through monthly transfers from your checking account.
   

What vehicles can I use to make my gift?

1. Check
2. Credit card – we accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
3. Appreciated Securities
   

Please call (877) 231-0455 to arrange the transfer or to find out more about this option and how you could avoid capital gain taxes.

When should I make my gift?

Gifts are appreciated at any time. Our fiscal year begins on July 1. To ensure your gift is processed for this fiscal year, please send your gift before June 30. To receive credit for this calendar year, please send your gift before Dec. 31.

Please Note: Credit card gifts made via the mail must be received in the Advancement Office at Ripon College by Friday, December 28 to be credited as a 2007 charitable deduction. Online credit card gifts must be made by midnight on Monday, December 31 and gifts made by check must be postmarked by December 31.