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Division of Development FAQ's

 We want to be certain that you have all the information that you need to make an informed philanthropic decision.  

If your question does not appear in this list, please contact us and we will happily assist you with the information that you require.

Endowments

What does GW’s endowment provide for?
The 1,100 individual endowments that comprise The George Washington University’s consolidated pooled endowment provide perpetual funding for instructional and research support, professorships, scholarships, and facilities.

What is the value of GW’s endowment and how is it invested?
Thanks to careful financial stewardship and the generosity of alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and friends, the endowment grew more than fivefold from 1988 to 2008. It held a value of $1.256 billion as of June 30, 2008. To learn more about the endowment, visit GW’s Investment Office webpage.

How does the endowment increase in value?
While investment returns help to fuel the growth of GW’s endowment, the addition and appreciation of gifts are more important over the long term. Regular, recurring contributions effectively lower the endowment’s cost basis, reduce risk and enhance performance. Over time, market volatility “averages out” as the fund increases in value.

What is the recent history of GW endowments?
During the past five years, 201 new endowments were created with almost $90 million in gifts and transfers. GW pools these individual endowments for investment purposes, with the goal of preserving and enhancing the endowment’s purchasing power while providing a relatively stable source of income to meet the University’s needs. In fiscal year 2008, the endowment provided $49 million for GW’s activities.

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Faculty and Staff Campaign

Where have faculty and staff given to in the past?
You are welcome and encouraged to make your gift to any area you wish, designations options are listed on the pledge form for your convenience.

How much should I give?
You determine amount of your gift according to your own charitable interests, your personal willingness to give, and your financial capacity. No gift is too small. It’s your participation in the effort that matters most. 

Donors who contribute $1,000 or more within a fiscal year will be recognized as members of the Luther Rice Society, one of the University’s most prestigious recognition societies.  The Luther Rice Society has a number of benefits and events for its members, to read more visit their website.

How can I give?
There are many ways to make a gift to GW. You can make your gift via:

  • Payroll deduction
  • Check (Payable to The George Washington University)
  • Credit/debit card
  • Appreciated securities and bonds
  • Bequests
  • Life insurance

Use the downloadable pledge form to make your gift today, or contact the GW Annual Fund at giving@gwu.edu or 202-994-9144.

How does payroll deduction work?
Payroll deduction is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to make your gift. By completing the downloadable pledge form, you may specify the amount to have automatically deducted from each paycheck and where your support should be designated. Your gift will be split over 12 or 26 pay periods, depending on your personal pay schedule, making it very easy to give your gift incrementally over time.

Who will know about my gift?
Participation in the campaign is your choice. You will be recognized in the Annual Donor report as a supporter of GW.  Also, you will receive a receipt for your gift, but the amount will remain confidential to others. If you wish to keep your gift entirely anonymous, you may indicate so on the pledge form.

Can I make a gift jointly with my spouse/significant other?
Of course. It is your choice whether to make your gift as an individual or a couple. Additionally, your spouse/significant other may work for or be a retiree from a company that matches philanthropic gifts made by their employees. Check our matching gifts search form or with the human resources department of his/her company to see if you could double your gift to GW.

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Colonial Connection Student Callers

Who are the Colonial Callers?
The GW Colonial Callers are student fundraisers who contact alumni to update demographic information, keep alumni connected to the University, and solicit monetary gifts to support students through academic programs, scholarships, and student life.

When do I have to work?
Callers are required to work a minimum of 3 shifts per week. You will make your own schedule, and choose from the following shifts:

  • Monday – Thursday: 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  • Friday: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 – 8:30 p.m.

What’s so great about this job?

  • Colonial Callers have flexible shift selection based on student schedules.
  • There is opportunity for advancement, and earning raises is easy!
  • On top of the high pay rate, you can earn bonuses every shift.
  • Spending time on the phone gives you a chance to connect and network with alumni.
  • All employees are GW students, so the Colonial Connection is a fun place to work!

How much money am I going to make?
Colonial Callers start at a base salary of $10.50 and may begin earning raises upon hire for up to $11.75 an hour. In addition, Callers receive bonuses for performing well on the job.

Where is the Colonial Connection?
The call center is located at 2100 M Street, Suite 309, just a few blocks from the Marvin Center. The building is secure, and the calling room holds 40 callers.

Will you train me?
Yes, of course! You will be ready to get on the phones once you’ve completed the three-part training, which is conducted in the evenings over the course of one week. Acceptance into the training program does not guarantee employment at the Colonial Connection.

Who are you looking for?
We are looking for students from diverse backgrounds. There is no particular mold, so well spoken students from all majors, ethnicities, minority groups, nationalities, and levels of previous experience are encouraged to apply. The Colonial Connection fits in particularly well for students with interests in philanthropy, marketing, communications, alumni relations, networking, University development, GW school spirit, and student life.

How do I apply?
Complete the online application form.

What if I have further questions?
Send an email to top@gwu.edu or call 202-994-7127.

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The GW Experience

Students

All in the Family

Greg and Heather Hachenburg talk about their undergraduate experience at GW, one of many sibling pairs to share in the Colonials legacy.

Creating Next Generation Leaders

GW program helps female students connect with leading women across a variety of fields and develop their roles as future women in leadership.

Where the City is a Classroom

Freshman volunteers experience life beyond Foggy Bottom...

Faculty

Fighting Neglected Diseases

GW professor works to eradicate diseases that affect the health, education and economic development of the world's poorest people.

Building the Super Computer

Pioneering lab puts GW at the forefront of high-speed computing and offers GW students unprecedented access to science and skills of the future.

Blast From the Past

Students map an ancient—and dramatic—eruption as part of a geological research program in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.

Alumni

Giving Back to the District of Columbia

D.C. public health director calls GW education the foundation of his career.

GW Opens Doors

A chance encounter with a GW alumna helped give one GW undergraduate, an aspiring broadcast journalist from Texas, his big break.

The Legend Lives On

The $2 million bequest commitment caps a lifetime of philanthropy and service to GW, establishing the Elyse B. and Donald R. Lehman Endowed Professorship in Theoretical Physics.