At its core, annual giving is the yearly financial support that Rutgers receives from dedicated alumni and donors. It’s the way that many donors (students and alumni alike!) choose to contribute to the university’s fundraising initiatives.

The Scarlet Council supports the efforts of Rutgers University Foundation to build a culture of philanthropy. The team educates current students about the importance of student and alumni annual support. It demonstrates the impact of that support on the student experience through event programming and awareness campaigns.

  • Educate: Fostering meaningful, lasting connections between students and the university requires an early start. Student philanthropy education begins freshman year so that students of all ages understand the impact they can make as future alumni.
  • Engage: Students are engaged in ways that are most meaningful to them so that they can help build a culture of philanthropy and feel empowered to serve as ambassadors and advocates for the university.
  • Inspire: Rutgers’ student philanthropy programs inspire current students about the role they will play as future alumni so that they continue to strengthen their lifelong connection with the university and help advance future scholars.

Programs and Events:

Talking About Giving Day

Student tuition and fees alone do not cover the cost of education. Combined, tuition, fees, and state funding cover roughly 50 percent of the academic year’s total cost. Alumni and donor financial contributions bridge the gap for each student’s education.
Understanding the impact of donations encourages student advocacy and philanthropy. TAG Days are an opportunity for students to learn how alumni give back and how those contributions affect students’ daily life. Donations ensure that current students have meaningful and unique experiences, including but not limited to:

  • Scholarships and Emergency Support
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Clubs and Organizations
  • Study Abroad and Alternative Spring Break
  • Academic Programming
  • Leadership and Professional Development
  • Health and Wellness
  • College Access
  • Research and Community Programs

National Philanthropy Month

November is National Philanthropy Month at Rutgers! It’s a time to celebrate the commitment of students, alumni, staff, and friends who demonstrate the spirit of philanthropic generosity and leadership at Rutgers.

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global giving movement that takes place every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Rutgers focuses its Giving Tuesday efforts on raising funds to support student food pantries across the university.
Not only are alumni invited to support, but students also donate to the student food pantries.

Student Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding at Rutgers isn’t just for alumni! All students can participate in the power of collective giving. Rutgers crowdfunding projects support campus programs, faculty research, new ideas, even a student organization.
Click here to put in an application to start a crowdfunding campaign.

Rutgers Giving Day

Rutgers Giving Day, taking place on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, is a daylong giving event dedicated to all things scarlet. Timed challenges throughout the day, as well as matching gifts, will inspire Rutgers alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends to participate.