FAQ: Haas Annual Fund
Why is alumni support important?
Haas faces some financial challenges at a time when we also are encountering stiff competition for top faculty and students from our peer schools. Gifts from Haas alumni and friends are immediately put to work on projects that will have an important and significant impact - offering a unique and customized learning experience for today's students.
Contributions from Haas alumni and friends allow our Dean to say "yes" to new opportunities as they arise within the current academic year. Our excellence in the science and practice of management through teaching, research and public service is maintained each year thanks to contributions to the Haas Annual Fund.
Why is my Gift Needed by June 30th?
The Haas Annual Fund fundraising campaign takes place on a fiscal year cycle beginning July 1 and concluding on June 30 of the following year. Gifts from Haas alumni and friends are immediately put to work for initiatives and opportunities that are of greatest benefit for students within the current academic year.
In most cases, annual donors are encouraged to make outright gifts - to offer the greatest assistance to the school. Those who wish to make pledges can do so and are expected to make a pledge payment by the end of each campaign year (June 30). Donors making a multi-year pledge are encouraged to make their first pledge payment by June 30 of the current campaign year.
Isn't Haas funded by the State of California?
State support for Haas has changed dramatically. Since the early 1990's, state support has been steadily decreasing to around 22% today. While student fees have been increasing in recent years for our self-supporting programs, alumni giving helps to mitigate those increases.
Will my small gift make a difference?
Yes! Every gift is greatly appreciated - large or small. Maintaining our status quo as a leading business school requires continuous investment. Ultimately, every gift matters. And the power of giving is greatest when many contribute collectively. Gifts from Haas graduates have an astonishing impact on the aggregate and send a powerful signal of the strength of our alumni community.
How much should I contribute?
Haas graduates are encouraged to make a "fair share" contribution each year. The size of one's gift is a very personal decision. An individual's personal capacity to make a gift - combined with their respect and admiration for the work of the school - often are the primary factors in determining an individual's annual contribution.
Our most recent graduates are setting an outstanding example. Members of the Haas MBA graduating class are encouraged to make a pledge equivalent to 1% of their first year's salary upon graduation. The MBA '06 class achieved 92% giving participation and $166,292 in total giving. The MBA '07 class achieved 99.6% participation and $201,064 in total giving.
Why should I give to Haas when there are other organizations that need my support?
Given the role that Haas has played in shaping our graduates' values and success - the school maintains that an annual gift is one of the most important ways to demonstrate confidence in the progress and future vision for the school. Each graduate is encouraged to participate each year by contributing to the Haas Annual Fund while also balancing their personal philanthropic priorities.
