Tips on Frequency and Timing

On average, it takes seven touches to bring in a gift to the Alumni Fund, though we find the most common range is anywhere from three to ten. We recommend that all agents reach out to their classmates at least three times a year — not just in February and March when the heat is on to get them to make their gift.

Every contact you make with your assignments matters — even, and especially, those that do not include a specific ask for a contribution to the Alumni Fund.

These touches can take various forms, including casual connections (email, handwritten note, phone chat, text, or social media), pleases, and thank you's. Casual connections: anytime for any reason or no reason at all. Start a conversation with what's happening at Williams.

When should you ask for a gift? Look on the Volunteer Portal to see when your classmate gave last year; reach out after your head agent sends out an appeal; or follow these monthly suggestions:

October: A quick note as the fund year kicks off, inviting them to be part of this year’s effort (and thanking them for last year’s gift).
November: An ask around Homecoming or the Athletic Challenge
December: A reminder of the tax benefit for gifts made before the close of the calendar year (primarily for leadership prospects: those being asked for a gift of $2,500 or more)
January: During the Biggest Little Community Challenge and additional multiple contacts as needed to get a gift or a “not this year, thanks”
February/March: Be sure to reach out to all LYBUNTs before the end of the Class Agent fund drive deadline of March 15 or participate in the class LYBUNT of the Day effort.

Thank you's: Stewardship and thanks for a gift should be done soon after a gift is made.

Alumni Fund Calendar

Monthly Highlights

July

7/1: official start of the fiscal year

August

8/15: Alumni Fund thank you video to all 2023-24 fund donors
8/20-8/30: Connect with a student with your SU Box

September

9/1: Set class goals
9/6-9/7 - Volunteer Weekend at Williams
9/5: Fall semester begins
9/5-9/15: Buy the Book Financial Aid - Math and Science theme
9/21 - Pledge Reminders (TBD)

October

10/1: 2024-25 Alumni Fund kick-off
TBA: Mountain Day (one of the first three Fridays -- weather dependent)
10/15: In memoriam mailing remembering those in whose memory a gift was made in the 2023-24 fund
10/31: Agent changes complete

November

11/7-11/25: Athletics: Be a Part of the Team Campaign
11/8: Williams First Campaign
11/9: Homecoming

December

12/13: recommended date by which stock and DAF transactions should be initiated to ensure completion before 12/31. More on gifts of appreciated securities.
Mid-Dec: Holiday postcard & email
12/31: last day to make a gift for the 2023 tax year. Credit card gifts may be made online at give2.williams.edu until 11:59 p.m. Eastern; gifts by check must be postmarked 12/31/23

January

1/6: Winter Study begins
1/16-1/27: Biggest Little Community (BLC) Challenge
1/13: Tuition Runs Out Day

February

2/1-2/27: Financial Aid February (postcard & email sent mid-Feb)
2/5: Spring Classes Begin
2/6: Claiming Williams Day
2/5-2/18: Buy the Book
2/14-2/15: Winter Carnival
End of February/ Beginning of March: Participation sprint period begins. Classes should aim to reach their goals by 3/15.

March

Early March: Agent Work Event (Boston/NYC)
3/15: Class Agent fund drive deadline. Alumni Fund trophies are awarded based on gifts received as of 11:59 p.m.
3/17: Alumni Fund trophy winners announced

April

Mid-April: Pledge Reminders
4/30: Declaration of majors and concentrations

May

5/16: Spring semester classes end
5/17-5/20: Reading Period
5/21-5/26: Final exam period

June

6/8: Commencement
6/12-6/15: Reunion Classes ending in 5's and 0's.
6/30: last day to make a gift during Williams' 2024-25 fiscal year

Ways to Give

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