The Fund for William & Mary

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