Frequently Asked Questions

For the most up to date information visit brown.edu/go/howtogive.

All gifts made to any designation within the Brown Annual Fund is included in Brown Annual Fund totals, and in a donor’s Reunion Class Gift for those celebrating their reunion. 

Each year, the Brown Annual Fund recognizes its philanthropic champions with membership in three main giving societies. 

• The 1764 Society celebrates those who contribute annually

• The Carrie Tower Society honors those who offer their financial support at the highest levels 

• The College Hill Society recognizes those who have provided for Brown through gifts in their wills or life-income plans. 

Other recognition programs include Loyal Bears for athletics annual giving; the Dean’s Circle, for supporters of the Brown Medical Annual Fund; and Brown Family Fellows, for Brown parents and grandparents who support annual giving. Finally, supporters can become an Ever True Sustainer by making a commitment to give monthly, those donors are automatically included in the 1764 Society. 

For more information visit https://alumni-friends.brown.edu/giving/donor-recognition

Financial aid, internship and research opportunities, faculty support: these critical needs all benefit from the Brown Annual Fund’s family of immediate-use funds. A strong Annual Fund provides funding for critical initiatives that might otherwise rely on endowment income, and our suite of annual giving options ensures that Brown remains competitive and innovative.

From academics to campus-wide programs, The Brown Fund supports virtually every aspect of the Brown experience. This includes innovative, self-directed learning opportunities for students; financial aid (including named Brown Fund Scholarships) ensuring that we can keep our promise to meet 100% of every undergraduate student's demonstrated need; and world-class faculty and competitive graduate student support.

The Brown Fund supports the University where it is most needed. Most often, our greatest need is financial aid. Brown community support of The Brown Fund guarantees the University has the critical immediate-use funding it needs to achieve its mission.

The Parents Fund supports the University's highest priorities and makes Brown's distinctive education possible, including Brown's efforts to recruit and retain faculty, enrich the student living and learning experience, and make Brown accessible to all undergraduate students. Parents may also contribute to other funds within the Brown Annual Fund.

Named scholarships through The Brown Fund begin at $25,000 per year to support a domestic undergraduate student, or $30,000 per year with an international student preference. A four- or five-year commitment is required, or donors may also contribute $100,000 in one fiscal year for a one-year Brown Fund Named Scholarship for a domestic undergraduate student.