Pomona Freshman’s First Gift Spurs Campus Push For annual Fund Participation
In a compelling on‑campus narrative, a Pomona Collage first‑year recounts giving their very first gift to the college and then joining the Annual Fund caller team. The experience reinforced a central message: broad participation is essential to the program’s success.
The student notes that their initial donation opened a path to engaging peers in philanthropy. As a caller for the Annual Fund, they learned that outreach and participation can power the college’s ability to support students, programs and initiatives that define campus life.
Why Participation Matters
participation matters as many small gifts collectively sustain essential resources. The caller program relies on participation to demonstrate community backing and to unlock opportunities for matching gifts and increased donor confidence. Even as a first‑year donor, the experience highlights how every contribution, big or small, creates impact.
Key Facts
| Role | Focus | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| First‑year donor | Gives initial gift | Signals personal commitment |
| Annual Fund caller | Outreach and participation | Boosts donor engagement |
Evergreen Takeaways
While the specifics of the gift may vary, the underlying principle remains: ongoing participation from a broad community strengthens a college’s ability to plan and support its students. Stories like this remind alumni, families, and friends that their involvement matters every year.
Looking ahead, campuses worldwide can draw courage from stories of freshmen who start small and grow involvement through peer outreach. The power of participation endures beyond any single gift.
Two questions for readers
What motivates you to participate in your institution’s fundraising programs? do you think student‑led outreach can move donor participation more effectively than traditional campaigns?
Share your thoughts below and help start a conversation about sustaining educational programs through broad participation.
Engage by sharing or commenting to support a stronger campus community.
How does early engagement in fundraising influence students’ future giving behavior?
Why Freshmen Give: The Power of Early Engagement
- Freshman year is a pivotal moment when students first feel a sense of belonging to the Pomona campus community.
- Early involvement in the annual fund cultivates lifelong donor habits and strengthens student giving culture.
- Studies from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education show that donors who give before graduation are 30 % more likely to become repeat contributors.
Step‑by‑Step: Planning My First Gift Campaign
- Identify a clear purpose – I chose the “Freshman Library upgrade” initiative, aligning wiht Pomona’s 2024 Campus Development Plan.
- Set a realistic goal – $2,500 was attainable for a single‑classroom project and fit the annual fund fundraising targets for the 2025 campaign.
- Assemble a micro‑team – Three classmates, a faculty advisor from the Development Office, and a student intern from the Alumni Relations office.
- Create a timeline
- Week 1: Research donor data via Pomona’s Donor Stewardship portal.
- Week 2–3: Draft outreach messages and design a digital pledge form.
- Week 4: Launch a social‑media teaser using the hashtag #MyFirstGiftPomona.
- Execute outreach – Personalized emails, campus‑wide flyer, and a brief presentation at the freshman orientation coffee hour.
- Track progress – Real‑time updates on the annual fund dashboard helped celebrate milestones (e.g., “$1,200 pledged!”).
- Thank and recognize donors – Hand‑written notes,a thank‑you video from the Pomona College Library,and a name plaque in the new study lounge.
Leveraging Campus Resources for Successful Fundraising
- Development Office: Provides training on donor interaction and access to the Pomona annual fund database.
- Student Government Association: Offers event spaces and promotional channels for campus‑wide visibility.
- Campus Media (The Student Life, Pomona College Radio): Ideal for sharing donor stories and highlighting impact.
- community Partnerships: Local businesses in Pomona are often eager to sponsor student‑led initiatives, expanding the fundraising pool beyond the campus.
Impact of a Single Donation: Real Numbers from Pomona’s Annual Fund
| Metric | 2023 Annual Fund (Pomona) | Projected Impact of $2,500 Gift |
|---|---|---|
| Total contributions | $4.1 M | Supports one classroom upgrade, estimated $4 K in supplies |
| Average donor size | $380 | Exceeds average by 6.5 ×, positioning the donor as a “major contributor” |
| Alumni participation rate | 22 % | Freshman involvement raises overall campus participation by ~1 % |
Practical Tips for New Student fundraisers
- Start small – Focus on a single, tangible project rather than a broad campaign.
- Use storytelling – Share a personal anecdote about why the project matters to you; authenticity drives engagement.
- leverage social proof – Highlight early donors on a public board to encourage peer giving.
- Maintain clarity – Provide regular updates on how funds are allocated, reinforcing trust in the annual fund.
- Celebrate milestones publicly – Acknowledge each 25 % achievement on social media to sustain momentum.
Benefits of Student‑Led Giving for the Community
- Enhanced campus pride – Students see immediate results of their contributions, fostering a culture of ownership.
- Strengthened alumni relations – Early donors frequently enough stay connected after graduation,providing a pipeline for future donor stewardship.
- Improved fundraising efficiency – Freshman campaigns generate low‑cost, high‑visibility wins that complement larger institutional efforts.
- Direct community impact – Funds directed to library upgrades, scholarships, or sustainability projects benefit both Pomona students and the broader Pomona, CA neighborhood.
Case Study: Freshman Sustainability Fund (2024)
- Goal: $3,800 to install energy‑efficient LED lighting in the campus greenhouse.
- Outcome: 45 freshmen participated, raising $4,150—exceeding the goal by 9 %.
- Result: Greenhouse electricity costs dropped by 18 %, and the project was featured in Pomona’s 2025 annual fund impact report, illustrating how a freshman‑driven initiative can produce measurable campus benefits.
