Cornell's Annual Fund

Every year, thousands of alumni, parents and friends demonstrate their commitment to Cornell by making unrestricted gifts to the Annual Fund. Collectively, this generosity creates an immediate and profound impact, enriching the lives of every student and faculty member, every day, in all corners of the college.

The Annual Fund includes unrestricted gifts made from July 1 through June 30 – the college’s fiscal year. These unrestricted gifts give the college the flexibility to direct the resources where they’re needed most.

How Your Annual Fund Gift Helps Cornell

Scholarships and other financial assistance
98% of Cornell students receive need-based financial assistance. Cornell College is committed to making a Cornell education accessible to every deserving student, regardless of their level of financial need.

Enhancing teaching and learning across campus
Your Annual Fund support has a direct impact on teaching and learning. Your gift fosters faculty development and research, keeping Cornell faculty members on the cutting edge of their fields. In addition, your gift enables the college to bring the latest technologies to labs and classrooms across campus.

Meeting the "true cost" of education
Tuition only covers about 65% of what it actually costs to provide a Cornell College education. The Annual Fund bridges the gap, allowing the college to meet the true cost of a Cornell education. This means that the Annual Fund provides every student a “hidden scholarship."

Power in numbers
Every gift, whether large or small, has true power. Many foundations look at the percentage of alumni participation in annual giving as a factor in funding decisions. Participation is also used by national college ranking organizations as an indicator of confidence in the college. So your gift of any amount helps Cornell climb in the rankings, receive more funding, and adds to the value of a Cornell degree.

Make your gift today to ensure the continued success of Cornell College. Your gift at any level will make a difference to Cornell.