Q. What is the Canisius Fund?
A. One of the most important fundraising components at Canisius, gifts to the Canisius Fund are critical to the college’s financial strength and help support financial aid, scholarships, and faculty resources. The Canisius Fund also allows the college to address unanticipated opportunities or unforeseen challenges that may arise during the year.
Q. Who contributes to the Canisius Fund?
A. You! Alumni, parents, friends, faculty and staff, the business community and even the students.
Q. Why is my annual gift so important?
A. There are several reasons why annual gifts are critical to Canisius:
- The Canisius Fund bridges the gap between tuition and the college’s actual operating costs.
- Gifts to the Canisius Fund total more than $2 million each year, which is the equivalent of more than $40 million in the endowment!
- Every annual gift makes a direct impact to today’s students by providing the financial aid, scholarships, and technologies they rely on.
A. Alumni gifts indicate you care about alma mater and are a key factor to determining the US News & World Report annual collegiate rankings. Of Master's Universities in the North, Canisius is currently ranked 22nd overall and 7th in the Best Value category.
Q. I made a gift in the spring? Why did I receive a letter and phone call in the fall?
A. Canisius College runs on a fiscal year rather than the calendar year, from June 1 through May 31. We understand for tax purposes, you may prefer to make only one gift per calendar year. You can make your pledge for the academic year when you receive the fall solicitation and ask to be billed in the spring.
Q. What is the difference between an unrestricted gift and a restricted gift to the Canisius Fund?
A. An unrestricted gift to the Canisius Fund is a contribution that may be used at the college’s discretion. Unrestricted gifts support financial aid (92 percent), faculty resources (5 percent) and general operating costs (3 percent).
Restricted gifts are contributions designated to a specific area or department of the college based on the discretion of the donor.
Q. What is a ‘matching gift’ and how do I know if my company participates in matching gift opportunities?
A. Many corporations support their employees’ philanthropy by offering a program that will match your gift. Each time you make a gift to Canisius you can double or sometimes even triple its impact! To see if your company participates in a matching gift program, contact your human resources office.
Q. How can I give to the Canisius Fund?
A. Gifts to the Canisius Fund may be made through the following options:
- Online through our secure Web site: canisius.edu/gift
- Mail: Canisius College
Canisius Fund
2001 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14208
- Phone: (800) 201-4952 or (716) 888-2712
- Stocks or Securities: Contact Francine Mergl, Director of Advancement Services, at merglf@canisius.edu or (716) 888-8211
- For more information, please contact the Canisius Fund Office:
- Canisius Fund
- Canisius College
2001 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14208
cieslicj@canisius.edu - (716) 888-2712