What's the difference between The Colgate Fund and Colgate Fund - Colgate Commitment?

The Colgate Fund is our unrestricted, current use fund, and supports Colgate's most critical needs. The Colgate Commitment is Colgate's Financial Aid initiative and is funded through a combination of the Colgate Fund (current-use / immediate support) and endowment support (permanent). Much of the support raised for the Colgate Fund each year supports the Colgate Commitment.

Do all gifts have to be designated to the Colgate Fund?    

This is a Colgate Fund Designated Challenge, we highly encourage gifts to be designated to the Colgate Fund, but will not exclude other gifts.

Does the gift have to be received on the 13th to count?

Generally, we want all gifts counted in the 24-hour period. However, if your gift is on its way, let us know and we can count it.

What happens if we do not get 3,113 donors?

Colgate alumni, family, and friends always meet our challenges!

What happens if we get more than 3,113 donors?

We will celebrate the increased impact this will have on the Colgate Fund!

 I usually make a large gift in the spring…what should I do?

Thank you! You can help us meet our challenge goal of 3,113 donors by making a participatory gift now and then complete your giving in the spring.

 I already gave my gift this fall, will it count?

Thank you for making a gift in the fall. A small gift now will count in our challenge and help us meet our challenge goal of 3,113 donors in one day.

Do you have to be an alum of Colgate for the gift to count?

Alumni, family, and friends ALL count for this challenge. Anyone who wishes to support Colgate and its students can give. This is a great way to show you love Colgate no matter your affiliation.

Why 3,113?

We crushed our last one-day giving challenge goal and we like 1s and 3s!  

Will Emrys give a gift?

We believe he would if he had thumbs. Arf! (Emrys is President Casey's pup, FYI.)

Why December 13th?

Because it is Friday the 13th — better known as Colgate Day! It’s the best way to celebrate.  

Do alumni couples in the same house each count?

Yes, each will get individual credit and count individually toward the challenge.