There are many opportunities for you to give to St. Olaf and contribute to the work of the college.

Annual Giving to the St. Olaf Fund

Gifts to the St. Olaf Fund have an immediate impact on the college and its students. In helping to bridge the gap between tuition and other income and the actual cost of educating our students, the St. Olaf Fund supports the ongoing operations of the college, year in and year out. Annual giving also underwrites important enhancements to the academic program, facilities, and campus activities, providing the margin of excellence that distinguishes the St. Olaf experience from the rest.

Endowed Funds and Scholarships

Endowed Funds

Designated gifts can be used to set up funds that are invested in perpetuity and provide support for scholarships, teaching, the enhancement of existing academic programs, and the development of new ones. Endowed faculty chairs, for example, recognize and reward outstanding teaching and help St. Olaf remain competitive in attracting and retaining talented professors. Gifts to the St. Olaf endowment through estate bequests or other planned gifts secure the financial future of the college and ensure that adequate funds will be available to address future needs and opportunities.

Scholarships

Scholarships provide the financial support that allows many promising and deserving students the opportunity to attend St. Olaf who otherwise would not be able to so, making a St. Olaf education more affordable. Scholarships also help reduce the need for student loans, reducing the debt burden that many students face upon graduation.

Planned Giving

Planned gifts are donations made to St. Olaf as part of a donor’s overall financial or estate plan. With a little forethought and planning you can make a significant gift to the college without affecting your current lifestyle or your family’s security. By using financial tools — insurance policies, retirement accounts, trusts, annuities, and more — you can maximize your assets and leave a larger legacy than you might have imagined. In doing so, you play a vital role in the future of the college.