The generosity of the extended Hope family has led to banner support of “The Hope Fund,” immediate impact that makes a difference to every student.
Gifts from 8,148 donors provided $2,816,390 to the fund for the 2013-14 fiscal year, which ended on June 30. The total topped the goal of $2.8 million and also reflects an increase in the number of donors who contributed, 137 more than a year ago.
“The outstanding education that Hope provides wouldn’t be possible without the support provided to The Hope Fund, and it’s the participation of many that makes it happen,” said Sabina Otteman, director of the Hope Fund. “We want to express sincere gratitude to all the alumni, parents and friends of Hope College, including individuals as well as local businesses, churches and foundations, whose generous support benefits students directly and in every way across the entire school year.”
“We would especially like to thank those people who made an additional gift to The Hope Fund this past fiscal year above and beyond their usual giving,” she said.
The Hope Fund provides unrestricted operational support across the school year, underwriting instructional expenses, financial aid, technology upgrades, student life programs and campus facility improvements. It also finances health, counseling and career services, assists in bringing world-renowned artists, authors, musicians and lecturers to campus and generates service opportunities for its students. It is an essential complement to other funding sources like tuition (which only covers 76 percent of the cost of providing a Hope education) and endowment income.
Because it is an annual fund, the Hope Fund resets at zero each July 1, and the college is already beginning fundraising for 2014-15, with major school-year initiatives including the Phonathon during which current students call alumni, parents and friends seeking support on behalf of the college. The goal for the coming year is $2.9 million.