<p>S is a freshman in a prominent private college. So far we manage to pay the hefty tuition and fees. Recently, we got a letter asking for donation from the college. We hesitate to donate any money, since its likely the college will increase tuition or fees next year. However, a friend of us told us that it benefits S to contribute even a small sum. I was shocked to say the least. Can it really be true that colleges keep tracks of students whose parents donate to the schools?</p>
<p>A lot of parents don’t donate to their kid’s school while the kid is there. They figure that 2 gigantic checks a year is plenty. Haven’t heard of any detriment coming to kids whose parents don’t contribute.</p>
<p>My oldest daughter is a Junior @ Brown. We pay full tuition. We regularly get donation request letters. I ignore them. I answered the phone several days ago to fervent donation requests… and politely informed them that I wasn’t interested. I pointed out that my daughter will have ample time to make such donations (if she wishes) when she’s employed full time. My other daughter has an application in to Brown right now. I’m not concerned about whether her admittance potential will be affected…</p>
<p>Son’s public flagship U has asked for parent donations- we gave generously one year for the library, especially since we are not paying the hefty private school tuition (we have also ignored the phone plea from a student volunteer). I wouldn’t let any possibility of keeping track affect my response. Fund raisers often are independent of other school affiliated groups- they are trying to raise funds any way they can and from anyone with a connection to the school. Even a small fraction of parents responding will help, they certainly don’t go to the bother of sorting out who has money and who is getting the money they are soliciting.</p>
<p>I have given to the school where my D is a freshman. I am giving to her school what I would have normally given to my alma mater - priorities have changed. I can’t imagine it helps my D in any way. If I gave enough to have a building named after me, then my opinion might change.</p>
<p>We didn’t give a dime to DS’s school UNTIL he graduated. We figured we were supporting them with our monthly checks for tuition/room/board/fees.</p>
<p>DD actually worked at the call center at her school as a freshman. At her school…the kids get an hourly salary (minimum wage) and then they get a commission for donations they solicit. Whenever someone calls me from there, I think of MY daughter doing the same job…and we make a $50 a year donation. It doesn’t break our bank, but it does give that poor kid on the phone a little bit of a commission…a LITTLE. </p>
<p>Re: it having a benefit for your child…well…if you are donating enough for a new building, I suppose there would be a benefit. BUT I seriously doubt that there is any benefit or the opposite with regard to small donations…or no donation at all.</p>
<p>And we told BOTH of our kids…make a small annual donation to your undergrad alma mater every year…even if it’s only $25…do it.</p>
<br>
<br>
<p>I can’t imagine how it might benefit your S. It benefits the college, aside from the money, because it increases the percentage that contribute. We give small amounts to several universities. But it’s really up to the individual. Nothing bad will happen if the decision is “No.”</p>
<p>They have a list of people interested in their school who have at least some money… it would be negligent to not include them in asking for donations.
Unless you have a need to increase your charitible donation deduction and don’t know where else to use it, there is no reason to send them money beyond what you are paying.</p>
<p>After your son graduates, even a small gift each year helps the school in the US News game (% of alumni donating).</p>