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The ongoing rivalry between Hope and Calvin colleges has entered a new arena: alumni and student giving. The actual basketball rivalry game is scheduled for February 11, 2012, but the annual funds have started early.

“Annual fund giving is critical to both colleges for immediate needs, like student financial aid,” says Hope Fund Director Abby Reeg. “The Rivalry Challenge is a friendly way to promote student and alumni giving. Increased giving can boost a college’s national ranking. It is a win-win for students and alumni alike.”

To track the winner of the Rivalry Challenge, Hope and Calvin are comparing the percentage of alumni and students who contribute to their annual funds until the end of February. The college with the highest percentage will earn bragging rights, but the real winners will be the institutions’ students. At Hope, revenue from the Hope Fund provides unrestricted operational support that benefits every student, including academic and co-curricular programs.

Every gift will make a real difference not only to students but in the contest. During 2010-11, the Hope and Calvin alumni giving percentages were close at 23 percent and 20.7 percent respectively. Gifts made to the Hope Fund also impact the bottom line of the current A Greater Hope campaign.
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