The Fund for William & Mary

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It’s about community.

It’s about impact.

It’s about doing the most good for the most people.


These ideals are what make William & Mary special, and they are the foundation of the Fund for William & Mary. The fund keeps us agile, flexible and adaptable — it allows us to seize new opportunities, tackle unexpected challenges and stay ahead of trends so our community can continue to make a positive impact in the world.

Why Give to the Fund for William & Mary?

Giving to the Fund for William & Mary goes beyond just keeping the lights on. It’s about empowering the people who make our university exceptional.

Annual gifts made to the Fund for William & Mary — the university’s largest source of unrestricted funds — play a crucial role in maintaining our margin of excellence by addressing our most urgent needs and priorities. These range from financial aid to mentored research to general operating support and more. To fully realize our potential, we aim to raise $5 million annually for the Fund for William & Mary.

Impact takes work — but it’s worth it

 

As you may know, the Commonwealth of Virginia provides less than 18% of what William & Mary needs to cover our operating expenses. Let that number sink in. That’s part of a downward trend over the last 40 years — from 42.8% in 1980 and 27.8% in 2000 to 18% in 2024.

The fund’s significance in our ability to provide the highest level of academic excellence cannot be understated. It allows us to flex and pivot as needed, addressing highest priorities. Often, it is the first place we look to seed new initiatives, enhance our activities and meet pressing needs. This is the funding that keeps the university on the leading edge. And we need more leaders now than ever before.

Unrestricted Impact Today, Limitless Possibilities for Tomorrow

William & Mary’s single largest day of giving is supported by the Fund for William & Mary, generating over $4 million for the university. And just about every signature event from Charter Day to Traditions Weekend to Homecoming & Reunion Weekend is supported by the Fund for William & Mary. It’s about community.
The James Monroe Scholars Program is offered to the top 10% of all students admitted to William & Mary and is a life-changing, trajectory-altering experience — Monroe Scholars undertake summer research projects that expand their reach around the globe. It’s about impact.
In fiscal year 2024 alone, $1.6 million from the Fund directly supported student financial needs. The Fund for William & Mary fills financial aid gaps, allowing students to thrive. It’s about doing the most good for the most people.
W&M has particular power to unite our community and to prepare tomorrow’s visionaries. Increased support for the Fund for William & Mary would ensure we achieve our Vision 2026 goals of educating for impact, evolving to excel and expanding our reach. It’s about community.
A substantial increase to the Fund for William & Mary would significantly impact the amount of financial aid available to our future students, allowing us to provide more scholarship opportunities, ultimately ensuring that all who come here will thrive here. It’s about impact.
As giving increases across the university, more of the Fund for William & Mary can be used to better support the people who support our students — our faculty, staff and student services. They are the individuals who ensure our students flourish while at William & Mary and who ensure they are successful when they leave our brick pathways. It’s about doing the most good for the most people.

Help us create unrestricted possibilities, remain agile and stay at the cutting edge through setting a recurring gift today.

Give Now

For more information on how you can help, please contact:

  •  Meghan D. Palombo M.B.A. ’23, Associate Vice President for Annual Giving & Philanthropic Engagement
  •  757-221-1467
  •   mdpalombo@wm.edu